MIDDLESBROUGH manager Tony Pulis says Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will be praying for better conditions at Rodney Parade next week.

Pulis was full of praise for hometown club Newport County AFC as they beat his Boro side 2-0 in last night’s FA Cup fourth-round replay.

Goals from Robbie Willmott and Padraig Amond secured the win and earned the Exiles a fifth-round home clash with Premier League champions City.

“They dominated the game in every aspect,” admitted Pulis afterwards.

“It was bad night really, but I don't want to take anything away from Newport. I thought Newport were much better than us all over the pitch.

“We've got the best away record in the Championship. In the majority of away games we've been very good. This was a different challenge, different conditions and we didn't cope with it."

South Wales Argus:

Pulis named a strong team, starting with four of his regular defenders, Jonny Howson, Lewis Wing and partnering Britt Assombalonga and Jordan Hugill (above) up front.

"I came here to be strong, to give us a chance and we played with two up front for 90 minutes,” said the Boro boss. “But it just wasn't to be. They were better than us and they deserve a lot of credit.

"If we'd been a bit milky away from home and lost a lot of games, I'd be coming and thinking what's going to happen but they haven't done that. Out of all the teams in the Championship, the team at the top for gaining points is our side.

"You can't criticise the team too much in respect of what they've done away from home.

“I’m desperately disappointed, but you’ve got to give them a lot of credit,” he added.

“It's a great result for Newport, for the town, for everybody else.

“They’ve got a great game now against Manchester City. I think Pep will be hoping and praying that the conditions are not like this when they turn up.”

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