Newport County head coach Christian Fuchs has urged his side not to relax despite a crucial victory over Harrogate Town that moved the club closer to securing Football League status.
Goals from Nathaniel Opoku and Joe Thomas either side of half-time earned County a 2-1 win at Rodney Parade, lifting them four points clear of the relegation zone with three games remaining.
Results elsewhere further strengthened County’s position, but Fuchs insists the focus remains on maintaining momentum heading into the final weeks of the season.
“Everybody played their part today, but we can’t relax,” said Fuchs.
“We must push on. This is a good step in the right direction, but there is still work to be done.
“The boys showed resilience after losing two in a row and produced a great response. It is a huge win, but we know we can improve further.”
County were forced to show determination in the closing stages, with Harrogate pushing for a late equaliser following Thomas’ long-range winner in the second half.
Captain Matt Baker, alongside Lee Jenkins and Ryan Delaney, played a key role in seeing out the result, while Cameron Evans produced an important late block.
“I lost a couple of years of my life watching that,” Fuchs added.
“It was about winning first and second balls and putting bodies on the line. The players gave everything.”
Fuchs also praised the attacking partnership of Opoku and James Crole, highlighting their impact in leading the line.
“They held the ball up really well and helped us get up the pitch,” he said.
“I’m particularly pleased for Nathaniel. He always gives his best and it was great to see him get his goal.”
On Thomas’ decisive strike, Fuchs added with a smile: “It was a really important goal. Maybe the wind helped a little!”
The County head coach also reflected on his tactical approach, with a switch to a back three and wing-backs proving effective.
“We changed our shape after analysing the opponent,” he explained.
“It’s important we have players who can adapt, and Ben Lloyd did very well in that role.”
County travel to Cheltenham Town next Saturday, with Fuchs demanding another strong performance as the season approaches its conclusion.
“We have to keep going,” he said. “There is no time to relax.”
