Manager Hayden Mullins and Newport County are well acquainted with the drama of the FA Cup.

Newport's famous FA Cup runs have seen giant-killing acts and games with Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the past decade.

Mullins can draw on some of his own memories of the competition heading into County's first-round tie against fellow League Two side Walsall on Saturday.

The former Crystal Palace midfielder knows better than most the magic, agony and opportunity the FA Cup can provide.

Mullins reached the Wembley showpiece with Portsmouth in 2010 after missing out on the final in Cardiff four years previously.

"I missed that final against Liverpool. I'd been sent off in the league game against them," Mullins said.

"I was told, I remember, by the manager 'no one gets sent-off because if you get a straight red, you're going to miss the final.'

"And I ended up getting sent-off with Luis Garcia, which wasn't my fault."

Alan Pardew's West Ham pushed Liverpool all the way and looked on course for victory, leading 3-2 deep into stoppage time at the Millennium Stadium.

But Steven Gerrard's stunning volley forced extra-time before Rafael Benitez's side eventually prevailed on penalties.

"We had a really good run with West Ham, we got to the final and we were probably a Steven Gerrard kick away from winning it," Mullins added.

"He scored one of the best goals. It dropped to him 35 yards out with cramp, and it was one of those finals where we really thought we were going to win it.

"We were very unlucky."

Four years later came a second shot at FA Cup glory for Mullins, this time with Portsmouth.

Playing at left-back against a star-studded Chelsea side featuring Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack and John Terry, Mullins finally got the chance to play on the biggest domestic stage.

However, silverware again eluded him as Drogba's free-kick secured a 1-0 victory for Chelsea shortly after Kevin-Prince Boateng had missed a penalty for Pompey.

Those experiences have helped shape Mullins as a manager and continue to influence the culture he is building at Newport.

The County boss sees similarities between his current side and the West Ham team that reached the final in 2006.

"I can see some real similar traits in that West Ham team to what we're doing," Mullins said.

"How we were successful in that season was because we were good, dynamic and aggressive. There's some similar bits I take and try and apply when I'm working with these guys here."

Despite never lifting the trophy, Mullins' affection for the competition has only grown.

"The FA Cup has been a fantastic competition for me personally," he said.

"I grew up watching the FA Cup and for our generation one of the pinnacles was the FA Cup final.

"It's a fantastic competition. It can throw up anything so it's magical."

The competition's appeal even played a part in his decision to support Tottenhams as a boy, inspired by the club's regular cup adventures.

And that connection to north London serves as a reminder of one of Newport's most memorable FA Cup runs.

During the 2017-18 season, the Exiles beat Walsall in the first round before embarking on a remarkable journey that eventually brought Spurs to Rodney Parade.

Newport had already stunned Leeds United in round three and looked on course for one of the biggest results in the club's history when Padraig Amond put them ahead against the Premier League side in the fourth round.

But Harry Kane struck late to force a replay at Wembley - Spurs temporary home during stadium redevelopment - where a 2-0 defeat ended Mike Flynn's side's dream.

With Walsall once again drawn with Newport in round one this year, Mullins will be hoping to emulate some of Flynn's success.

"This club's got history in the cup," Mullins said.

"For any football club, a really good run in the FA Cup is always healthy. We know the revenue it generates and the eyes it puts on the players.

"It generated a lot of exposure in our groups getting to the final, so I know what this competition can do for your club but also for you personally."

And the former midfielder is well aware of the attributes a team needs for cup success.

"You've got to be a good side, you've got to ride your luck at times and you've got to be up for the game," he added.

"We've got a tough afternoon against Walsall, who are doing really well themselves, but hopefully we can come through it positively."