NEWPORT County AFC manager Graham Coughlan hailed the reaction of his players after they dug deep against Gillingham to get back to winning ways in League Two.

The Exiles took the spoils thanks to top scorer Will Evans firing in a stunner on the hour before the defence held firm for a clean sheet at Rodney Parade.

The 1-0 victory hasn’t lifted County up from 14th in the table but they are now just two points off the play-offs.

Coughlan was thrilled with the win after his side were comprehensively outplayed by Notts County, who won 3-1 in Newport on Tuesday night.

“It was vitally important that we responded to Tuesday night’s game, we didn’t do ourselves justice against Notts County and were poor all-round,” said the manager, whose side had been on a seven-game unbeaten streak.

“It was a big three points for players, staff and fans. It’s very difficult to ask players to play 43 games, as we have so far already in February, so I could understand it being dead and flat from both teams.

“We ask the same boys to keep going time and time again but I said at half-time that if it was dour, make sure we came out with something. We came out with the victory and three points, and that’s huge.”

South Wales Argus: TIGHT: County in a huddle before their win against Gillingham at Rodney ParadeTIGHT: County in a huddle before their win against Gillingham at Rodney Parade (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

County got their noses in front and then held firm against late Gillingham pressure for a clean sheet and three points, with Coughlan pointing to the help of the Amber Army.

“I was shouting at the crowd today to give us a little bit of energy and a lift for the last 10 to 15 minutes because you could see that we needed it,” he said.

“They were brilliant and got us over the line, they cheered every clearance, started banging the drum and singing their songs. That energised us, so I have to praise the fans for what they did.”

The Exiles are next in action at fifth-placed MK Dons next Saturday.