STAND-IN skipper David Pipe insists Newport County AFC are in the play-off mix for the long haul and ready to fight to maintain their place in the top seven.

County remain sixth in the League Two table on 24 points after Tuesday’s disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Colchester United.

And Pipe, who wore the armband after captain Joss Labadie was forced off against the U’s, says the Exiles will be aiming to take out all their frustrations on tomorrow’s visitors Mansfield Town.

“It was pretty frustrating,” said Pipe, speaking to iFollow Exiles after the Colchester match.

“There were a couple of chances that we didn’t take, we were a little bit open second-half and it was a bit different to what we have been used to playing at home and seeing out games.

“But look, let’s not get carried away – we’ve lost a game of football.

“Luckily, all of the teams around us dropped points and we have stayed in the same position so that’s a positive.

“And we can take that frustration out, turn it around and get everyone smiling again.

“We’ve got enough experience in there to not get carried away either way but we’re very happy with the position we’re in at the moment,” he added.

“We’re in the mix and we’re there to stay.”

Tuesday’s defeat was the first time Michael Flynn’s men had lost at home since March and Pipe says the players are determined to bounce back quickly.

“I don’t think any loss is a good thing but records are records and I’m not really bothered with that if I’m being honest with you,” said the 33-year-old.

“Of course, we’re proud to have not lost at home for a certain amount of time but it now makes us want to go on that run again.

“It’s not about dwelling on what we have done in the past, it’s all about Saturday now and we’ll be ready to start a new run.”

Mansfield were installed as promotion favourites before the season but they are currently 12th and Pipe says County will be going for the win tomorrow.

“They’ll be tough because they have a lot of experience,” he said.

“They’ve got a lot of experience in the backroom staff, got some experienced players but so have we.

“It doesn’t mean just because we lost that we’ll be negative or whatever.

“We’ll go into the game very positive, without disrespecting whoever comes here.

“But I honestly think that if we’re on our game tempo-wise then we can put a few more chances away. If we’re solid at the back as well then why not three points?”