NEWPORT County AFC assistant manager Jimmy Dack says the club’s injury nightmare has boosted their chances of success, writes Andrew Penman.

County are through to the FA Cup second round, the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy southern section semi-final and are just three points off the top in League Two despite an injury list from hell.

Last season’s top scorer Aaron O’Connor has yet to play at all due to a persistent groin injury and Max Porter, Andy Sandell, Byron Anthony have all missed most of the campaign so far.

This season’s joint top scorer Chris Zebroski is the latest to be ruled out until after Christmas with a dislocated kneecap and ligament damage.

And the Exiles have also had to make do without Lenny Pidgeley, Harry Worley, Andrew Hughes, Ismail Yakubu, Tony James, David Pipe, Mike Flynn, Lee Minshull and Christian Jolley for extended periods.

But Dack believes that the injuries may turn out to be a positive rather than a negative for the Exiles.

“I think the injuries have made us stronger,” he said. “We’ve missed the big players but it’s given the youngsters a chance to step up to the plate so when we’ve got everyone fit the squad is going to be stronger.

“Everyone has stood up to the battle and we’re delighted with them all.

“That is the atmosphere that the gaffer has created here. Everyone is chomping at the bit to play and whoever comes in is going to do a great job.”

Dack was delighted with the 1-0 FA Cup replay win over Braintree Town on Tuesday night – County’s third home win and third clean sheet in eight days – thanks to Robbie Willmott’s free-kick winner.

“It wasn’t a spectacle but we knew it was going to be tough and we’re happy to come through it,” he said.

“Robbie’s got that in his locker. He does that in training and he can win you game out of nothing.

“The good thing for us is that it was another clean sheet and that’s three wins in a row, which we haven’t done this season, so we’re pleased about that.

“We’ve just got to keep winning. Momentum is massive,” he added.

“Last year you could say it done us a favour going out of the cups but it’s nice to have a run in the FA Cup. We want to get into that round three and give us a chance of playing one of the big boys.”