TERRY Butcher was relieved and elated to have finally tasted victory as Newport County AFC manager.

New loan striker Tyler Blackwood, a second half substitute, scored the only goal of the game at Carlisle United to end a 10-match run without a win in all competitions.

The Exiles remain bottom of League Two but are now only a point behind Dagenham & Redbridge and Crawley Town, who they host on Tuesday night.

“Obviously we are delighted with the win,” said Butcher.

“We have played in games where we’ve performed better than that and lost, so I think today we probably got the luck that has deserted us throughout the season.

“We were made to fight for it. Carlisle are a good team and they made a few changes from midweek, their manager tried to freshen it up and give some squad players a chance so they had a lot of energy.

“To get in at 0-0 half-time we were delighted, because it gave us the chance to make a couple of changes and try to get a grip on the game.

“We got the goal in the second half and then we had to dig in because Carlisle put us under a lot of pressure late on.

“In injury time they were really going for it, they even sent their keeper up for a corner and my heart was in my mouth – but by hook or by crook, and with the great spirit we’ve got, we’ve held on for the win.

“It does feel different, because we haven’t have that winning feeling – I think some of them had forgotten what it feels like, but it is a wonderful mood in the dressing room.”

Blackwood, who only arrived from Queens Park Rangers on Thursday, headed home from Seth Nana Twumasi’s cross on 68 minutes.

And fellow loan signing Janoi Donacien helped keep the hosts at bay with an impressive debut at the back.

“The new lads did very well,” said Butcher. “Tyler got the goal and he definitely got a touch on it before the defender.

“We’ve got some good options in the squad now, with a few players coming back from injury.

“Ultimately results will bring confidence and boost morale, so we’re feeling really good about things at the moment.”

Defender Danny Holmes was forced off with a head injury just before the break but Butcher revealed that he was well enough to join in the celebrations after the game.

“Danny is fine after banging his head,” said the Exiles boss.

“He’s effectively got the hangover without the beer, so we’ll just have to let him have a couple of beers tonight!”

Butcher added: “To come to a place like this and do something which Liverpool couldn’t do this week – beat Carlisle over 90 minutes – is a great achievement for us.

“Now we have two home games where we will look to kick on.

“Hopefully the atmosphere will be cracking as it always is and we can get more positive results.”