TOM May is determined to erase a costly blunder from his memory as he continues in his new role at full back for Newcastle Falcons in tonight's EDF Energy Cup tie at home to Newport Gwent Dragons.

Normally a winger, May has scored four tries in his seven outings this season but knows it should have been five.

After switching to replace the injured Matthew Burke in last Saturday's EDF opener at Gloucester, May could have secured victory had he not fluffed a late opportunity.

He said: "Starting my first match at full back in front of the Shed at Gloucester was pretty daunting, but I was quite happy with my game apart from the howler near the end.

"I saw a bit of space, chipped over the top and just assumed that I'd have 15 Gloucester blokes haring down behind me. The ball didn't bounce as high as I thought it would, I rushed picking it up and knocked on.

"In hindsight I could have just let the ball trickle over the line and leant on it to score. I can't even use the excuse that the Gloucester lads were chasing me, because the video showed they had totally given up on it."

The match ended in an 18-18 draw, while Newport drew 3-3 with Wasps to remain unbeaten since they lost 26-16 to Munster in the Magners League on September 28.

Former Falcons captain Colin Charvis has swapped sides since they last met three years ago in the Heineken Cup, when Newcastle won 26-16 at home and 10- 6 at Rodney Parade.

Tonight's televised match, which starts at 5.30, sees Mathew Tait return at outside centre for the Falcons, although he remains a candidate for full back if May fails to nail down the position.

"I'm not sure whether it's permanent, but I'm happy to slot in anywhere for the good of the team," said May.

"I always knew it was something John Fletcher was lookinge'd put me there in training over the summer.

"I chatted to Burkey at length before the game last weekend, mainly positional stuff, and the tips he gave me stood me in great stead.

"With both opening games being drawn it's totally wide open, and if we win our next two matches we will progress to the semi-finals."

Having tasted cup glory himself in a career which has seen over 200 competitive appearances for the Falcons, May said: "I've been fortunate enough to have played in three finals, two of which we won. The hunger is still there for more."