IT FEELS like it is several months since I last did a column, rather than a couple of weeks, but it has of course been a busy time for us all at Newport County AFC.

We’ve had a couple of Friday games and of course the Easter double-header and the all important fact is that we still sit in a play-off position.

It was disappointing not to beat Hartlepool considering how much momentum we had when we equalised, but at the end of the season it might prove a vital point after being 2-0 down and playing badly.

However, it was far more depressing to lose at Exeter, because, biased as I am, I think and so do a lot of the boys in the dressing room that we were the better side for 75 minutes.

Exeter have been red hot in the last few weeks (and we should remember the same applies to Hartlepool) and we were more than a match for them, but paid the price for not taking our chances and in fairness to Exeter, when they got their opportunities, they took them.

It has really bunched us together with a group of chasing sides – and the boys have seen the Argus predictions for the remainder of the season by the way – but at the moment we are where we want to be with our destiny in our own hands.

I think it goes without saying there are going to be some twists and turns along the way but the Easter games haven’t knocked us at all and we are raring to go for a 3pm Saturday clash with Bury at Rodney Parade.

This is a huge game for us and for them, because Bury will still believe they can forget the play-offs completely and catch Wycombe to finish third. It’ll take some doing, but that should make Saturday a better game for everyone.

It is hard to see Bury coming here and sticking all their players behind the ball, I can’t believe their travelling fans would be happy with that and they will presumably come and have a right go.

I know David Flitcroft well from his playing days, he’s a winner and he’ll have his team well organised and fully focused on what they need to do, so we can’t drop off whatsoever or they will punish us.

With that said, and even though a point would be far from disastrous, I believe we can get the win today. It’s not very often this season I’ve publicly stated that I fancy us for three points, but with your support I’ve got a feeling today could be a real cracker for us.

I am not one for singling out anyone for praise, but a couple of attacking players at the club are worthy of mention at the moment.

Firstly, Aaron O’Connor, who I think is leading the line by example.

Azza has scored 11 goals this season despite injury troubles and for context; Burton’s top scorer has only got nine.

We’ve failed collectively to do our part behind Aaron, (although I let myself off as I’ve hardly played and Max Porter as he’s a proper defensive midfielder) and apart from Darren Jones, probably no-one else in the squad can be happy with their goal returns.

But Azza has done his bit and his all-round game is such an asset to us, because he never stops working and that begins up front in successful sides.

I’ve also of course got to mention Aaron Collins, who has been called up to the Wales U19 squad. Aaron knows I believe in him as a player and he’s had my full support since day one and I think he can be big for this club. What a story for a kid working in McDonald’s last summer.

And the way things are currently with our options upfront, his chance could come at any minute.

I certainly don’t want it to sound like I’m being bitter about my lack of game time, because although it is incredibly frustrating, I have to follow the wishes of the manager and back every decision he makes.

We are as one, all focused on getting in the play-offs and I can’t be worrying about what is good for Mike Flynn, because getting results is all that matters. All I can say is that if I get my chance, I am determined to take it. I feel like I can still contribute and won’t stop battling for a place in the team. I am itching for action.

This has been a big season for me with transitioning into doing stuff with the youth team in conjunction with working on my badges at Dragon Park and I certainly see the game through different eyes these days.

I’ve played for a long time but you are always learning and where I give Jimmy great credit is that since day one of him taking over from Justin he’s encouraged me to contribute my ideas and thoughts.

That includes during games and it is a real credit to our manager that he’s happy to listen if I have a thought or two sitting on the subs bench.

He’s only worried about getting the results we need to get over the line for hopefully three extra games and a trip to Wembley and that is the total focus of us all. And with your help, we can do it.