Welshman David Pipe is ready and willing to fire up Newport County’s League Two play-offs challenge, starting at Mansfield Town this evening.
Caerphilly-born Pipe’s one-year contract with the Exiles ends next summer and he is playing for a new deal, but his focus is firmly on the team and not his personal situation.
The 34-year-old loves to battle and compete for County, saying: “That fire will never go out for me.
“Even when I can’t move the way I do now the fire will still be there and hopefully I can light a few fires around me and get the best out of people.
“We know how much is on each game now and three points, due to the way the league has unfolded, is massive.
“There are a lot of teams in with a shout and obviously we have a big bunch of home games coming. We need to be in the mix.”
Pipe’s County played Spurs at Wembley in the Emirates FA Cup – and he’d love to make a return visit to the London stadium.
“We want to get back to Wembley for the play-off final and that is realistic,” he says. “The play-offs are our aim. We’ve spoken about it from day one.”
Pipe is fit to play for Newport at sixth-placed Mansfield, who have earned 13 points from the last 18 available. They did, though, suffer a 1-0 defeat against Swindon Town last time out.
There is a busy League Two programme this evening (All 7.45pm): Accrington Stanley v Crewe Alexandra, Chesterfield v Cambridge United, Colchester United v Coventry City, Forest Green Rovers v Stevenage, Lincoln City v Cheltenham Town, Luton Town v Crawley Town, Notts County v Carlisle United, Port Vale v Exeter City, Wycombe Wanderers v Swindon Town, Yeovil Town v Barnet.
The match between Newport County and Forest Green Rovers has been rearranged for Tuesday, March 6 (7.45pm) after the fixture was postponed last Saturday.
Supporters should retain their original ticket because it will be valid for the rearranged date at Rodney Parade.
