DAVID Pipe is certain that Newport County AFC will avoid relegation and he’s determined to make life uncomfortable for the league leaders tonight as the Exiles target the win that will ensure they climb out of the bottom two.

Pipe has inspired an unbeaten run that now stands at four games since his return to Rodney Parade on loan from Eastleigh last month.

The 33-year-old insists County are in no mood to see that run ended by table-topping Doncaster Rovers this evening.

And with three points guaranteed to lift them to 22nd – at least until tomorrow evening – Pipe knows a victory would be a major boost. “Psychologically that is a big push,” he said. “We’ve been in the bottom two for a while and it’s not nice.

“It’s nice to be able to close that gap but, on the other side, the ones that haven’t been in there and are maybe creeping towards it that will be playing on their minds.

“It’s up to us to put the pressure on them before their Saturday games and hopefully we’ll do that.”

Asked if Graham Westley’s men will beat the drop, Pipe was unequivocal.

“Of course. There’s no doubt in my mind,” he said.

“The gaffer and his philosophy is different to me but he’s got the same work ethic and determination as I’ve got.

“Regarding staying up, no one has got a crystal ball but I’m positive we can do so.”

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A key factor in the recent upturn in results has been an improved work-rate, according to Westley.

Pipe may be one of 12 new additions to the squad in January but he has been the chief flag bearer for that approach on the pitch.

“We’ve turned the corner in terms of results and I’m enjoying being back,” said the former skipper, who led County to promotion at Wembley in 2013.

“It’s good to be able to put the shirt back on and put myself out there and make an impact.

“We’re working hard day in and day out and the fans appreciate the hard work that’s gone in.

“It’s not just on a Saturday, the work ethic at the club is very good and I think we’re starting to benefit from that.

“On a personal level that philosophy of working hard, regardless of how the game is going, was instilled in me from a young age.

“We can all have bad games but there’s no excuse for not giving 100 per cent.”

It’s that attitude, evident on the pitch, which makes him such a crowd favourite and has helped him silence the doubters who questioned if he could still cut it in League Two.

“You’re going to get that in life, both in and out of football,” said Pipe, who served time in prison for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm before his first spell in Newport began in 2011.

“I enjoy it. The more people that doubt me, the stronger it makes me. I’ve always used that [as a motivating factor] and it’s stood me in good stead on and off the pitch.

“It can either make you weak or it can make you strong.

“I’ve got connections with this football club. We’ve had great times together.

“They were there for me when I was in the worst situation out of football and they gave me that helping hand.

“Obviously I grabbed that and we were successful together but I don’t really like talking about the past. It’s all about now.

“I wanted to come here and make a big impression and hopefully in the first few games I’ve started to do so and I want to progress and do even more so in the next few games.”

Doncaster will certainly not get an easy ride tonight if he has anything to do with it.

“It doesn’t matter who you play – top of the league or someone around you – at the end of the day you’ve got to make it as uncomfortable a night as you can for them,” added Pipe.

“They will know they’re in for a tough game and we’ve got to make sure that’s the case.”

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As for the much-maligned playing surface at Rodney Parade, it doesn’t bother the former Wales international one little bit.

“I enjoy it,” he said. “I’ve played on every type of football pitch and it is just 11 men against 11 men – the grass ain’t better for them than it is for us.

“It’s whoever adapts to the conditions the best and plays the correct football for that pitch [that comes out on top].

“Credit to Doncaster, we respect them but we won’t be overly respectful to the point where we’re in awe of them.

“I can’t wait for them to come here. I know quite a few of their players and they are technically gifted players.

“They’re top of the table for a reason but I know for a fact that they’re not going to want to come here as much as we want to mix it.

“If they want to come here and try to play then we’ve got lads who can do so as well but I think we’ve got a great blend of people who can mix it and play and we’re getting results so bring it on.”