NEWPORT County manager Peter Beadle paid tribute to his players after their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Hayes last night lifted them out of the Conference South relegation zone.

County earned a fourth successive victory in the league for the first time in seven seasons and also kept their fourth straight clean sheet in the league - a record not achieved since the 1994/95 season.

For boss Beadle it marked a 13-point return from five league fixtures and the former Tottenham and Bristol City striker couldn't be happier.

He said: "In the first half we were nervy and apprehensive, too edgy and not confident enough, but there was a tremendous amount riding on the game.

"At half-time I stressed that the more mentally tough team would win and that proved to be the case.

"We dealt well with the pressure they put on us, got the goal at a good time and we are getting a little bit of luck now we didn't have earlier in the season.

"We look a lot tougher to beat and far more resilient.

"I am absolutely delighted with the players to a man, they have stuck together and now they are getting what they deserve.

"They are now producing game in, game out and the buzz around the place is fantastic."

Beadle also praised County's 12th man, the Spytty Park faithful.

"The fans were superb again, the attendance is going up again and they really carry us on at home," he said.

"But I can't understand the supporters who berate us for not keeping the ball on the ground more, the pitch is horrendous and there is only so much attractive football we can play, if any supporter doesn't agree with that then they should have a little walk on the pitch. But the fans have been great and they lift us.

"Looking ahead, now what I want from the players is for them to continue playing with discipline and strength. "There is a lot of hard work still to be done to stay up, but I am going to enjoy looking at the table for now and seeing we are fourth from bottom, it makes a nice change!"