NEWPORT County AFC academy graduate Regan Poole insists his dream of helping the Exiles to win promotion is still alive ahead of today's League Two play-off semi-final second leg at Mansfield Town (kick-off 6pm).

The Manchester United defender returned to Rodney Parade on loan in January and immediately targeted a place in League One.

Poole’s arrival has transformed the County defence, helping them secure 13 clean sheets in his 24 appearances.

Michael Flynn’s men extended their unbeaten run to 11 games when Padraig Amond cancelled out CJ Hamilton’s first-half opener for Mansfield in Newport on Thursday night.

And Poole is confident that they can get the win they need at Field Mill this evening.

The Wales under-21 international told iFollow Exiles: “I think we started the game quite slow, but we got into the game after that and finished really well.

“In the end, I think we deserved to win the game. If we had started better, then we would have won the game.

“In the second half we were much the better side and it would have been nice to go there with a win, but it’s still all to play for and we believe we can beat them up there.

South Wales Argus:

“If we go there and start like they did here then it’s game on. Let’s see what we’re made of.

“We’ll give it everything we’ve got on Sunday.”

The winners will play either Tranmere Rovers or Forest Green Rovers at Wembley on May 25.

“I had an aim when I first came here, and my aim was to help get this club promoted,” added Poole.

“This club got me where I am today and I want to repay them by getting them up to League One.

“We’ve done really well so far by climbing the table, getting a lot of clean sheets and now we’re on an undefeated run. My aim is still going strong and let’s see if we can get to Wembley.”

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