NEWPORT County AFC manager Warren Feeney had to phone a friend to ensure his side secured a rare home win in League Two.

The Exiles boss was serving a one-match touchline ban but he was in constant communication with coach Mike Flynn and assistant Andy Todd as his side beat Carlisle United 1-0 at Rodney Parade.

And Feeney says his sizeable phone bill will be money well spent as his side prevailed thanks to Scott Boden’s 56th minute strike.

“I watched it from the gantry and if we keep winning and keeping clean sheets I might stand up there every week,” he said.

“Probably my phone bill will be £200 this month because I was constantly on the phone to the bench.

“But I’ve got a fantastic staff here and I had every confidence in them.

“I’m delighted with that. It’s a big performance and a big win for us.”

Boden had wasted a golden opportunity in the first half but he was in the right place to divert Alex Rodman’s shot into the net from close range for his 11th goal of the season 11 minutes after the break.

And the hosts were rarely troubled by a Carlisle side who had Brandon Comley sent off for a second yellow card in stoppage time.

“I said that we have a squad that’s more than capable of staying up and I firmly believe that,” added Feeney.

“We proved that today. The back five were magnificent – clean sheets win football matches.

“But everyone put a shift in and I don’t praise individuals – it’s a squad game.

“It’s in our hands now. Getting to 30 points is a big psychological barrier and I’m confident we can match anyone in this league.”

Andrew Hughes and Deane Smalley missed the match due to knee problems, while Medy Elito and Scott Barrow were forced off with injuries during the second half.

Barrow was knocked out after a blow to the head and was stretchered off with concussion.

Feeney said: "Hughesy had a little bit of a sore knee. He trained a bit and I’m not too worried about it.

"I’m looking at the long run and for the sake of one game we’ve got to look at the bigger picture."

On the home win he added: "A lot of people went on about the hoodoo of one win in eight months or two in 12 months at home but I don’t buy into that.

"I just worry about the next game and we put it right."

And the boss praised match-winner and top scorer Boden.

"I’m delighted for Scott," he said. "I said to him at half-time that I’m not one who worries about missing goals – you’ve got to be there to finish them.

"He came in at half-time with his head down but he worked his socks off and I said to him ‘the best players in the world miss chances’ and I told him he’d get the winner.

"I’m delighted that he did but I’m not one who praises individuals – it’s about the team and it was a great header from Janoi [Donacien], Rodders with the strike across goal and Bodes was there."