James Clarke is eager for Newport County to recapture their FA Cup magic as they kick off their 2024-25 campaign against Peterborough United tomorrow afternoon.
The Exiles welcome the League One side to Rodney Parade, marking their first meeting in this competition since last season’s memorable fourth-round clash with Premier League giants Manchester United.
For Clarke, it was a debut experience against a top-tier club, one he relished.
Reflecting on that evening, Clarke said: “The competition is very special for the club. Before I came here Newport drew all the big sides and had loads of success in FA Cup runs.
“I had never experienced that before as a player until last year against Manchester United which was amazing.
“It’s a special cup competition but especially Newport with the routes and history they’ve had in it over the years.
“The build-up to the Manchester United game last year was brilliant. I remember drawing at home against Eastleigh then watching the draw at home when we found out we were playing Manchester United.
“It was great day for the club and I thought we gave a really good account of ourselves.
“The FA Cup is the FA Cup, It’s magical, and on your day you can beat anyone and we’re hoping to achieve an upset tomorrow.”
Looking ahead to the match at Rodney Parade, he added: “Peterborough at home tomorrow is a huge game for us because they’re a big League One club - going really well at the moment.
“They’re a club always pushing at the top end of the table, and who have been in out of the championship.
“We’ve looked back at a few clips of them this week and we know It’s going to be a tough game. they are some good players and we will have to be ready.”
