Head coach Nelson Jardim lauded his side’s "fighting spirit" after they battled to a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Barrow AFC.
In a scrappy affair at Rodney Parade, the Exiles secured all three points with the game’s only goal coming in the 70th minute, when Barrow’s Kyle Cameron inadvertently headed into his own net from a well-delivered ball into the box by Cameron Antwi.
"It was a good win for everyone at the club, especially for the players after the effort they have been putting in,” said Jardim post-match.
"It was definitely not our best performance but sometimes you have to win ugly with fighting spirit.
"The effort they have been putting in and some playing with niggles and little problems. Like Kai Whitmore we decided this morning to only give 45 to 60 minutes to him which is why he came off.
"Same as Kieran Evans who has been struggling as well as we saw when he came off injured today and we had to deal with that. But we will focus on the win, what’s important a home win and a massive boost to everyone.
“The fact that we didn’t concede was through having leadership in the side. We played Shane McLoughlin in the middle [of midfield] and he was player of the match, we are utilising every resource that we have.
“Sometimes you have to win ugly like we did today and obviously if you do that and the fighting spirit is always there then you’ll be closer to a win."
It’s a quick turn around for the Exiles who return to action on Tuesday evening as they afce Morecambe at Rodney Parade.
“The fight will have to be there and it is going to obviously be tough. Morecambe is making every game tough for everyone you just need to see their results.
“They’re always there fighting and it’s a game that we now have to rest, make sure we are good to go on Tuesday and be ready for the fight."