NEWPORT County AFC may be eight points below the League Two play-off places but with 39 still to play for, midfielder Matty Dolan says nobody should write off their chances of promotion just yet.

The Exiles have dropped to 14th in the table after five games without a win in the league but Dolan argues that a similar run of victories will put them right back in the mix for a top-seven finish.

And he believes County can get back to winning ways as they head to struggling Port Vale today.

“We’re not out of the play-offs yet,” said Dolan. “I don’t think anyone should write us off at all.

“The team spirit is one of the best that I’ve been involved in and we’ve just got to get back to what we know works and the results will follow.

“We all believe that we can go on a winning run and if you put three or four runs together in this division you’re not too far off.”

Dolan also knows that if they don’t pick up some wins quickly the season is in danger of drifting to a conclusion.

“I think we’ve really achieved a lot this season and we’ve just got to push on and make sure everything’s positive come the end of the season and we’re in those play-off spots,” said the 25-year-old.

“After all the hard work we’ve put in it’s really important not to let the season dwindle.

“It’s been a disappointing run but we stopped the rot last Saturday and now we look to kick on and make sure it’s a brilliant season by getting in the play-offs.

“Everyone will be playing each other so hopefully we can put a run together, starting at Port Vale.

“It happens in League Two,” he added. “Look at Wimbledon when they went up a couple of years ago – they put a [late] run together and won at Wembley.

“Everyone knows the division, we’re experienced, we’re confident and if we can put some wins together and we’ll see what happens in May.”

South Wales Argus:

Dolan was an unused substitute for last week’s 0-0 draw with Notts County and he will hope to replace the suspended Joss Labadie this afternoon.

“Obviously getting back in the side is important for me,” said the former Middlesbrough man. “We have got a really good squad here.

“I want to get back in and make sure I perform and keep that shirt.

“I’ve had chats with the gaffer and he knows what I’m about.

“I know I need to make a massive impact because everyone is fighting for a starting spot.

“Benno [Scot Bennett] is injured and Labs is missing but there is still competition.

“Shees [Josh Sheehan] is a top quality player and Paddy [Emmanuel Osadebe] and myself have been on the bench as well so we’ve got quality all around.

“That midfield spot is up for grabs and whoever gets the nod needs to make sure that they keep the shirt.”