NEWPORT County AFC manager Justin Edinburgh admitted his side were fortunate to beat Dagenham & Redbridge on a day that he was once again left cursing his bad luck with injuries.

County took all three points thanks to Chris Zebroski’s last-minute header at the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Stadium.

But Edinburgh conceded that a red card for Daggers skipper Abu Ogogo and another inspired display from goalkeeper Joe Day were just as important in his men taking all three points.

“I wasn’t so much worried about the goal coming, more about keeping it out really,” said the Exiles boss.

“I feel we were probably slightly fortunate to take three points.

“A draw probably would have been a fair result but I’ve stood here many times when we’ve not got the points we deserve from games.

“You don’t always get what you deserve and we’ll take that.

“Sometimes you have to win ugly and I felt we did that.

“We lacked any real width and failed to get balls into the box,” he added.

“We had to use players in positions that they’re not comfortable with or not used to but away from home you have to be solid and I thought we were.

“It took us a little while to get a hold of the game and I was sat there wondering why our form is so different away from home.

“But when you get that late winner you hope it will be the kick start we need away from home.”

Ogogo saw red on 80 minutes for lashing out at Lee Minshull and Edinburgh felt the referee had no option.

“He swung his arm and it was clear to see so I think that was the right decision,” he said.

“We’ve got used to playing against ten men now.

“We were unable to break down Oxford but we did it quite comfortably against York last week and today that switch of play, a quality ball into the box and a great header was a good end for us.”

The win was soured by the news that Robbie Willmott will be out for up to five months with a foot injury sustained in the win over York.

“It’s a huge blow for the football club and Robbie himself,” said Edinburgh.

“It’s a massive blow because he was in excellent form and I think today you saw we missed him but we’ve got to overcome that now.

"He's got to concentrate on the operation in about a week to ten days' time once the swelling's gone down.

“It’s between three and five months and hopefully it’s three rather than five.

“From Christmas onwards he’s probably been our best player but we’ve got good players here who can make sure we cope.

“It’s hard for the boy because he’s probably played 60 or 70 games consecutively and it’s a real shame but that’s football.”