An FA Cup tie against Bristol Rovers may not set pulses racing for many Canaries fans but the match will be of huge interest to one couple at Carrow Road on Saturday.

Marital bragging rights will be on the line for Simon and Maria Newstead in an encounter they have been eagerly anticipating since they met.

Norwich haven't faced the Gas since May 2010, when City sauntered to a 3-0 win in Bristol having already wrapped up the League One title.

So the couple's 170-mile journey from St Leonards-on-Sea in East Sussex will have an added level of nerves, particularly with Bristol playing a division below.

Norwich Evening News: Chris Martin scored when Norwich last played Bristol Rovers, a 3-0 away win in League One in May 2010, but could be in action for Bristol at Carrow Road in the FA Cup on SaturdayChris Martin scored when Norwich last played Bristol Rovers, a 3-0 away win in League One in May 2010, but could be in action for Bristol at Carrow Road in the FA Cup on Saturday (Image: Mark Chapman/Focus Images)

Simon, 40, is a Canaries fan who grew up in Brighton and was drawn to City's famous yellow and green at six years old.

Maria, 31, grew up in Bristol and followed Rovers home and away with her dad Martin before moving in 2010 to study in Brighton.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich City haven't faced Bristol Rovers since a 3-0 away win in May 2010. Pictured in League One action for the Canaries is Stephen Elliott, left, and Michael NelsonNorwich City haven't faced Bristol Rovers since a 3-0 away win in May 2010. Pictured in League One action for the Canaries is Stephen Elliott, left, and Michael Nelson (Image: Mark Chapman/Focus Images)

Simon said: "Clearly it's not the most glamorous of draws to most people, but it's the game I've been hoping would come out of the hat every time a cup draw is made that both clubs are involved in."

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The couple have been to various games following both teams but will be sitting separately on Saturday.

Norwich Evening News: Simon and Maria Newstead will sit separately at Carrow Road as Norwich City take on Maria's team Bristol Rovers in the FA CupSimon and Maria Newstead will sit separately at Carrow Road as Norwich City take on Maria's team Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup (Image: Simon Newstead)

Maria, who works in public relations, said: "It will be a tough test for sure but I'm glad to be going into the match as the underdogs - this way, the marital bragging rights will be that much sweeter if we win!"

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The cake at their March 2022 wedding even featured bride and groom figurines and cupcakes in their respective club's colours.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich City and Bristol Rovers were represented at Simon and Maria Newstead's March 2022 weddingNorwich City and Bristol Rovers were represented at Simon and Maria Newstead's March 2022 wedding (Image: Simon Newstead)

Simon, a sub-editor for the Portsmouth News, added: "If Rovers win, I'll never hear the end of it.

"The drive home would be so awful that I'd probably be tempted to get the train!"