Manager Michael Flynn hailed his side's work ethic after Newport County AFC edged closer to the play-offs with victory over already-promoted Cheltenham Town.
The Exiles moved up to fifth in the Sky Bet League Two table and kept their play-off destiny in their own hands after a 1-0 over the Robins at Rodney Parade.
Michael Duff's side had already sealed promoted to the third tier prior to their trip to Rodney Parade on Saturday but missed out on the chance to secure the league title at the first time of asking.
Flynn named an unchanged line-up for the fourth successive game against the Robins and, despite captain Joss Labadie's early strike proving to be the difference, Flynn was delighted with his side's all-round team effort.
"I thought it was a fantastic win against a very organised and good team," said Flynn.
"Cheltenham didn't stop because they wanted to clinch the title but it was an excellent performance for us.
"You could see the work ethic that the boys put in and we’ve been fantastic of late. We are defending well but it actually all starts from the front. The work that the front two did against Cheltenham was phenomenal.
"They put pressure on the opposition and keep them pinned back, they can't get their clearances as they want them. It's a team game and the forwards have definitely put a shift in for the defence."
Labadie's strike put the Exiles on course to sealing a top-seven finish with a game to spare before Exeter City struck a last-gasp winner against Bolton Wanderers to ensure County's season will go to the wire this weekend.
County overtook Tranmere Rover after they fell to a 2-1 defeat against play-off rivals Forest Green Rovers, and sit three points ahead of eighth-placed Exeter City, who have a superior goal difference.
The Exiles will need to secure at least a point against an already-relegated Southend United to ensure they seal a top-seven finish, but Flynn isn't expecting any favours from the Shrimpers.
"We’ve got a huge game next weekend," Flynn added.
"The shackles are off Southend now and they’ll be playing with freedom, so we’ve got to take care of business because we need at least a point.
"Nobody is going to lie down to let us get into the play-offs and we need to earn it.
"We don't do anything the easy way here, nothing is given to us and we have to work hard for everything we get."