GOALSCORER Aaron Williams believes the win over Hartlepool United can be a “stepping stone” for Newport County AFC as they aim to climb off the bottom of the League Two table.

Williams headed in the crucial second goal against Pools after Ryan Bird had opened the scoring and before Dan Butler wrapped up the points with a spectacular third.

Padraig Amond netted a late consolation for the visitors but County celebrated a first win since November 19.

The victory moved Graham Westley’s men to within three points of Cheltenham Town in 22nd place and the two sides meet at Whaddon Road this coming Saturday.

It’s a match that Williams and his teammates are relishing and he believes the Exiles will continue their mini-revival.

“I’m pleased for myself obviously to get the goal but it was more important to get the three points,” said the striker, who got off the mark in his fifth appearance following his January 1 move from Peterborough United.

“That’s what the boys have needed – since I’ve been here and even before that and I think that’s going to kick us on massively.

“The gaffer gave us a great team talk before the game, the boys knew what they had to do and we went out there and did it.

“The stuff he says throughout the week, the training sessions, and the stuff he plays on the radio, it really gets the boys going but that’s just something between us.

“The win has definitely been coming,” he added. “I think we were unlucky last week and this week we needed the points to give the fans what they’ve been wanting for weeks.

“I think this is just a stepping stone. I think we can go on to another level – we have got another gear in the locker.

“And all the lads are just buzzing to play next week now.

“We’ll have another hard week and go again on Saturday.”

South Wales Argus:

Williams dedicated the win to the County fans who had not seen their team win in 12 matches.

“The fans have been fantastic since I’ve been here, home and away,” said the 23-year-old, who has signed an 18-month contract at Rodney Parade.

“It’s phenomenal support and the win is for them because it’s been a long time coming.

“Win next week we will kick on again from there but we will keep our feet on the floor, keep working hard in training and keep taking it game by game.

“We know what the feeling is like winning now and the lads don’t want to lose this feeling.

“And the gaffer’s mentality is ‘keep winning – win, win, win’ so there’s no reason at all why we can’t get out of this relegation fight.”