THE FA Cup adventure may be over but Newport County AFC star David Pipe insists the players are all fired up to ensure they return to Wembley for the League Two play-off final.

After Saturday’s clash with Forest Green Rovers was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Rodney Parade, County return to league action at Mansfield Town tonight.

Steve Evans’ Stags will provide very different opposition to the Premier League superstars of Tottenham Hotspur but Pipe says the whole squad is determined to refocus and secure a top-seven finish. “The play-offs is our aim, we’ve spoken about it from day one,” said the Exiles’ talisman, who was withdrawn with a stiff hamstring against Spurs last Wednesday but is fit to start at Field Mill.

“When you look at where we were this time last year we can all be proud of the journey we’ve been on together but the journey’s not over yet – it’s just starting, if anything.

“We want to get back to Wembley for the play-off final and that is a realistic aim.

“And having experienced it the other night will stand us in very good stead for next time we play there.

“So if we can achieve what we’re trying to achieve and get back there I think we’ll have a very good chance.”

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At 34, Pipe knows he may not have too many more opportunities to win promotion and he’s not prepared to let this one slip away.

“I don’t think that fire will ever go out for me,” he said.

“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’ve got this big bunch of home games coming.

“As long as we acquit ourselves as we have done in the league and the cup and approach every game as we should then we will be in the mix.”

Pipe signed a one-year contract last summer after returning to the club on loan in January 2017 and, as well as contributing to the collective aim, he admits he’s playing to secure his own future.

“I’m obviously playing for a contract but, to be honest with you, I’m never one of those that thinks too far ahead,” he said.

“If I don’t think about the next game properly then that’s going to jeopardise the future anyway.

“I take it literally game by game and if I keep my performance levels up then the future will take care of itself.

“I’m not sure there are many players my age who can keep performing week in and week out. I’m proud of that and I have to keep doing that.”