Tom King believes Newport County AFC can put their name in the hat for the second round of the Emirates FA Cup as long as they play to their ability at Grimsby Town this afternoon.
The Exiles come into the game after back-to-back defeats to Colchester United and Salford City in Sky Bet League Two but if there is one competition to spark the team back to life then it’s the FA Cup.
County have created many magical memories over the past couple of seasons, which include victories over Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Premier League high-fliers Leicester City. UEFA Champions League finalists Tottenham Hotspur needed a late equaliser to salvage a draw at Rodney Parade in 2018, while Premier League champions Manchester City came to town in last season’s competition.
Having watched those stories develop from afar, goalkeeper King is keen to make his mark as the Club look to embark on another cup run.
“The record they have got against the big teams in the Premier League and the Championship has been outstanding,” said King, who has earned a call-up to the Wales national team for the upcoming UEFA EURO 2020 qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Hungary.
“That came as a surprise to me not being in the dressing room but coming into the dressing room it doesn’t surprise me.
“The lads are great, they work hard every day and to have that mentality that no-one’s going to beat us on any given day, that’s special.
"You don’t come across that a lot in football so to have that in the dressing room, we’re ready to go.
“I’ve played at Grimsby a lot of times in play-off games, Conference games and League Two games so it’s a ground I know well.
“We’ve just got to go there and be the best that we can be.
“I’ve got no doubt that if we can be the best team that we can be on the day we can put them aside and look forward to the next round.”
The 24-year-old shot-stopper has an impressive record against the Mariners with three clean sheets in his last four games against them – all of them coming at Blundell Park – and he will be hoping for more of the same tomorrow, if selected.