MIDFIELDER Adam Chapman says it was never-say-die spirit that earned Newport County AFC three points against promotion rivals Chesterfield on Sunday.

Chapman admits he would have been happy with a point before his penalty and the red card for Spireites defender Liam Cooper changed the game.

But it was the fearlessness of youth that kept County going and secured them a 3-2 win according to the former Oxford United man, who turned 24 on Friday.

“At 1-1 we’d have taken the final whistle but that is not what this team is about,” he said.

“I’ve only been here for six months but I know that this side doesn’t give up.

“We’re all young and we don’t know when we’re beaten.

“This is our first season in this league for a long time and we’ve got a lot of boys from 21 to 24,” he added.

“We want to make the top three but we’re happy going along as we are, upsetting a few people, and seeing where it takes us.

“We’re seven unbeaten now and you can’t underestimate what being unbeaten does. It proves that we’re resilient and we’re not going to be bowled over.

“It breeds confidence and we feel solid as a team. It’s not massively important where we are in the league because it’s so tight but we’re in a good position.”

While he’s reluctant to make bold predictions about County’s aims this season, Chapman is certain that Chesterfield will be among the main contenders for promotion to League One.

“The result was a bit more pleasing than the performance,” he said.

“We had to dig in at times and they are a very good side with good players and experience.

“I’ve got no doubts that they are going to be promoted out of this division this season but we were a match for them at times.

“We had to dig in and grind it out and it came together in the end.”

And Chapman pointed to his developing understanding with striker Conor Washington as a key part in the victory over the Spireites.

“With Conor up front we’ve always got that outlet and the way he works is unbelievable,” he said.

“If you can get the ball to him you know he’ll do something.

“He’s been different class all season. His pace has caused everyone problems and I haven’t seen a centre-half get the better of him yet, even though he’s only 5ft 4ins!

“We’re getting a little bit of an understanding going now. I know if I get my head up he’s going to be making runs and if I can find him he’s going to make something happen.”