GOALKEEPER Nick Townsend is hungry for more big FA Cup occasions after finally getting a start in one of Newport County AFC’s high-profile bids for an upset.

Unless deputy Jacob Carney is given a rare outing, the West Midlander will be between the sticks on Saturday afternoon when Peterborough are the visitors at Rodney Parade (kick-off 3pm).

It would be a cup shock if the Exiles knock out League One Posh, but not quite one to rival other recent scalps.

Townsend is the only survivor from the squad that stunned Leicester and gave Manchester City a scare in 2019.

However, he was on the bench for the clashes with the Foxes and Pep Guardiola's side.

The Antigua & Barbuda international did start in the draw at Middlesbrough in between those encounters due to Joe Day’s wife being pregnant but missed out on the replay in Newport.

Townsend was again back-up when Brighton were taken to penalties in a game behind closed doors in the 2020/21 season but last season finally got his big FA Cup occasion.

STAR: Nick Townsend in goal for County as Alejandro Garnacho fires off a shot for Manchester UnitedSTAR: Nick Townsend in goal for County as Alejandro Garnacho fires off a shot for Manchester United (Image: Gareth Everett)

He was in goal when County welcomed Manchester United to a packed Rodney Parade and they gave the eventual winners a scare, coming back from 2-0 down to level before goals in the final quarter by Anthony and Rasmus Hojlund.

The Exiles would love to make it to the third round to potentially face another big gun, boosting the coffers and providing more magical memories.

“The FA Cup is incredibly important for both the city and the club” said Townsend, who “It brings back special memories, and I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some amazing moments in this competition over the years.

“I’ve had the joys of being involved in games with Manchester City and Manchester United, which has been fantastic.

“When it’s FA Cup week you can feel the buzz around the city, the club and training ground. It’s always an exciting week for us as players and fans.

"We know what we’re coming up against on Saturday. We know Peterborough are a strong League One team but we’ve just got to focus on ourselves. We’ll give it everything we’ve got to get the win in the front of the fans.”

The tie will be settled on Saturday after the FA’s controversial decision to scrap replays from the first round proper onwards.