FA make Newcastle United official announcement ahead of Sunderland cup clash

The FA Cup third round match officials have been confirmed for Sunderland v Newcastle United on Saturday, January 6 (12:45pm kick-off) at the Stadium of Light.

Craig Pawson will referee the first Tyne-Wear derby since 2016. Pawson's last match refereeing Newcastle was a 1-0 win over Brentford at St James' Park in September.

The Magpies won the match after Pawson awarded a penalty for a foul on Anthony Gordon which was converted by Callum Wilson. Wilson also had a goal controversially disallowed in the match.

Pawson will be assisted by Marc Perry and Steven Meredith with Andrew Madley as fourth official.

Newcastle head into the match looking to pick up their first FA Cup win under Eddie Howe. The Magpies have lost each of their last two FA Cup third round fixtures to lower league opposition.

They were beaten 1-0 by League One side Cambridge United in January 2022 and 2-1 at then League One side Sheffield Wednesday in January 2023. Their last match against Sunderland was a 1-1 draw at St James' Park in 2016.

United haven't picked up a win against their local rivals since August 2011, when a Ryan Taylor free-kick secured a 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light. Newcastle have recently been knocked out of the Carabao Cup and Champions League with the FA Cup representing their best chance of silverware this season.

The Black Cats have recently appointed a new manager with Michael Beale joining the club following Tony Mowbray's departure earlier this month. Mowbray helped Sunderland reach the Championship play-offs last season, where they were beaten in the semi-final by eventual winners Luton Town.