Newport boss Michael Flynn admits tonight's clash with Carlisle United is a "huge" meeting between two play-off rivals.

The game at Rodney Parade (kick-off 7pm) sees Carlisle try to catch the seventh-placed Exiles.

United are three points behind Newport and can overtake them on goal difference tonight.

It promises to be a significant night in the battle for a play-off place and home manager Flynn says there is no avoiding the importance of the match.

"It’s huge because they are one of our rivals," said Flynn of Carlisle, speaking on his club's website.

"It’s going to be a tough game and we have to make sure that we’re at it. If we are, hopefully we’ll get the three points that we deserve."

Newport drew 1-1 at Mansfield last time out after previously beating Bolton on their return to Rodney Parade, after two home games at the Cardiff City Stadium because of concerns over their own pitch.

Other sides in the race are in action tonight with eighth-placed Exeter going to Barrow, and ninth-placed Salford hosting high-flying Bolton.

Bradford, level on points with United and Salford, host Crawley.

Newport midfielder Joss Labadie admits points are at a premium, with his side also facing second-paced Cambridge this weekend.

"They will be two tough games with Cambridge at the top and Carlisle hot on our heels, but we will be looking to get maximum points," Labadie said in the South Wales Argus.

"We have an experienced team who have been here before with play-off campaigns and it's nothing new to us so that will hopefully stand us in good stead."

Labadie felt Newport "threw two points away" at Mansfield and is targeting victory against the Cumbrians.

"We want to be winning games, no matter who it's against. That's what we are going to continue striving to do and we are looking forward to Carlisle to put things right," he added.