THREE years next month marks the anniversary of arguably Newport County's finest moment since re-forming 15 years ago, the epic FA Cup battle with Blackpool.

The first leg in Blackpool, County took an astonishing travelling army of more than 1000 fans and saw their side come within a whisker of making the second round, only to be pegged back by a late penalty.

The replay saw nearly 4,000 fans at Spytty Park and in the presence of SKY television cameras County took the lead only to see their dreams evaporate in extra time as their second division opponents cruelly emerged 4-1 victors.

"Those matches showed that Newport County were back in business and back on the football map and a force again in Welsh football," explains former County goalkeeper Pat Mountain, who was between the sticks in both ties.

"They were fantastic matches and probably the biggest the club had been in since re-forming and also the biggest that I was involved in.

"The first match was incredible, we took a 1000 plus up there. It just shows you the level of support there is in Newport and the potential they have.

"We felt we should have won the first game but it was amazing to be part of all the build up and excitement that it caused."

Mountain, who is part of the Wales Under-21 coaching staff, added: "I ended up player of the season and it was the best season I every had in my football career."

County are in cup action today against Tiverton, with the chance for a repeat of the Blackpool experience.

Mountain (pictured) was guest of honour at County's home defeat last week against Carshalton has noticed a wind of change pass through Spytty since his time there.

He said: "There is a tremendous atmosphere at the club now. I could not believe how things have changed.

"There is a lot of ambition at the club and I get the feeling that any money made from the Cup would be used to strengthen the team.

"Newport are all about the supporters and with the new clubhouse, there is a buzz about the place.

"They have a new manager and he is a genuine straight up guy and I think he will have the backing of the fans because of that.

"I hadn't been back since I left and it was nice to come along and see what was happening."

As for the FA Cup, Mountain is encouraging the current side to enjoy being part of the greatest club competition in the world as long as it lasts.

"It is just great to be involved in the competition and they should enjoy it for a long as they can," he said.

"To make the first round is a decent achievement and they can either hope for a big draw, which will be exciting, or possibly one of the lower non-League sides that get through because that would be a great chance to progress.

"Newport played well last Saturday (despite a 1-0 defeat) and the manager got them playing some nice football in nasty conditions.

"They did not deserve to lose but football can be so unjust."

For the long-suffering fans' sake, hopefully justice can be done today and Newport County find themselves back on the big stage once more.