DEFENDER Matt Partridge admits he’s mystified as to how Newport County AFC are still without a home win this season and says the players are desperate to claim three points against Luton Town on Saturday.

The Exiles overcame Brackley Town in the FA Cup last week but they have not tasted victory in nine league matches at Rodney Parade this season – five under Terry Butcher and four under new boss John Sheridan.

The winless streak at home stretches to 13 league games in total – going back as far as March 17 when Luton were beaten 1-0.

“I haven’t a clue why we haven’t won at home,” said Partridge, who joined the club on September 1.

“Obviously we go out every week and give it our all and the fans have kept supporting us and that is a big help.

“I feel we were unlucky not to beat Yeovil and we’ll take on Luton at the weekend fully believing that we can win that game.

“We want to give the fans a home win,” he added. “Obviously they come out and support us in their numbers and we want to give them a win. That would be massive for us.”

Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw at second-placed Oxford United means Sheridan’s men are now eight games unbeaten in all competitions, a run that includes five draws.

And Partridge says the point at the Kassam Stadium was another big step in the right direction.

“It’s a massive confidence boost for the lads,” said the 22-year-old.

“Not many teams will go to Oxford and not lose so it’s a great point for us.

“It’s going to be a long season after the start we had but I feel we’re turning it around as a team and we’re confident that we can climb the table and at least finish mid-table.

“I’m enjoying it massively since John has come in. You always know where you stand with him and I feel like that has benefited us.

“You know what he wants and obviously we’re giving him that at the moment.”

Partridge is hopeful that his central defensive partner Scot Bennett will be fit to face Luton after picking up an injury at Oxford but he insists that Andrew Hughes is a more than adequate replacement.

“Scot is obviously experienced and to lose him was big but we changed our formation, went to 4-4-2 and defended well,” he said.

“Andrew is a quality player and it’s great to have someone like him around again.

“He’s getting full games under his belt now and that can only benefit us as a squad.”