SCOTT Boden’s 56th-minute goal was enough to beat Carlisle United on Saturday as Newport County AFC sealed a first home win in League Two since November 28.

1. History means nothing

Exiles boss Warren Feeney has proved himself to be the man to jettison jinxes.

County hadn’t beaten Morecambe in five attempts but Feeney put that hoodoo to bed in his first attempt two weeks ago.

And before Saturday they hadn’t won at home in League Two since November and only twice in the previous 12 months.

But, after only his second league match at Rodney Parade, Feeney will hope that he never has to answer questions about his side’s poor home form again.

We in the media love talking about bogey sides and statistics but Feeney prefers to focus on the future rather than the past.

And so far that’s working a treat.

2. Rodney Parade pitch won’t get better any time soon

With dreadful weather combined with three teams playing on the pitch it’s clear that the surface at Rodney Parade is not going to recover much before summer.

Now that John Sheridan has departed nobody is blaming the ground staff for that but don’t expect pretty passing football on that pitch any time soon.

3. Darren Jones is proving an inspired signing

There were plenty of doubters when the Argus revealed that Jones was set to return to the club he left in controversial circumstances last summer.

It’s still early days but the signs are that the veteran defender has transformed the County back line.

Anyone who witnessed the shambles at the back against Dagenham & Redbridge would not have recognised the rock solid unit that easily kept Carlisle at bay on Saturday.

Two wins and a desperately unlucky defeat at Leyton Orient since his return show Jones’ impact.

4. Feeney must do everything he can to keep Conor Wilkinson

He may have only one goal in his four appearances so far – the late leveller against the Daggers on his debut three weeks ago – but the Bolton Wanderers striker looks a class act at this level.

Wilkinson’s hold up play is a vital outlet for the Exiles and he’s a constant nuisance for opposition defenders, never giving them a moment of rest.

His initial one-month loan is up after next week’s trip to Exeter City and Feeney must be hoping he can extend his stay at Rodney Parade.

5. Fans are voting with their feet

Fan-power has been the hot topic in the past week and Saturday’s disappointing attendance figure at Rodney Parade was a clear example of fans making a statement.

Well done to the 200 who travelled from Carlisle for a 1pm kick-off but the fact that only 1,900 home supporters turned up is a worry for County.

Moving the match forward to avoid a clash with the Six Nations rugby obviously didn’t have the desired effect.

Poor results at home, cold weather and financial concerns played a part but the club has to do more to tempt fans back through the turnstiles.