NEWPORT County AFC manager John Sheridan is hoping a second away win of the week will convince his team that they are a match for anyone in League Two.

County followed up Tuesday’s 2-0 victory at Wycombe Wanderers with a 4-1 thumping of Bristol Rovers in the Severnside derby at the Memorial Stadium.

Two goals from Zak Ansah and a Tom O’Sullivan super strike, added to an early own goal, sealed the three points for the Exiles and lifted them out of the bottom two.

Sheridan’s men are now three points clear of Yeovil Town and basement boys Dagenham & Redbridge.

“To win 4-1 is a great result and I thought we played really well as well,” said a delighted County boss.

“We knew it was going to be a really difficult game, which it was.

“But we know the importance of trying to win every game we play – no matter where it is or who we’re playing against.

“We need to win games and I’m trying to instil that belief in the players – that we can go and win games.”

Rovers defender Tom Parkes headed into his own net on 13 minutes but former Wales under-21 ace Billy Bodin hit back almost immediately with a stunning volley.

“We started the game well – we passed it and we looked confident and we got the goal,” said Sheridan.

“Obviously it was a wonder goal from them 45 seconds later.

“I can’t take away from the finish from the lad but from our point of view it was just someone making the wrong decision for us and they’ve ended up scoring.

“I felt we were comfortable in the game but that gave Bristol the impetus and they put us under a lot of pressure for 15 or 20 minutes.

“We lacked a little bit of belief and we were a bit naïve – we were inviting them on to us and I had a little bit of a go at them at half-time.

“We’ve got to really believe and play with a bit more intensity and I thought we did that second half and our front two caused them problems.”

Ansah put County back in front on 52 minutes as he took advantage of Pirates goalkeeper Lee Nicholls dropping the ball at his feet.

That was a tap in but his second five minutes later was a rocket into the top corner to put his side in control.

Parkes hit the bar as Rovers poured forward but O’Sullivan settled the game with the fourth on the break and it was another impressive long range finish.

“We got the breaks and it’s obviously disappointing for the keeper but Zak’s took a chance and we got the break we needed,” added Sheridan.

“From then on I thought we were really good. We caused them lots of problems on the counter-attack and we should have scored more goals.

“The two other goals we scored were excellent goals.”

Not that Sheridan will let his players get carried away with two good results.

“I don’t think they should be showing a bit of swagger because we’re still in a very vulnerable position,” he said.

“There certainly won’t be any swagger while I’m around.”