NEWPORT County AFC manager John Sheridan wants Tuesday’s win at Wycombe Wanderers to be a benchmark as he aims for a consistent level of performance from his players.

The 2-0 win at Adams Park was the first victory since Sheridan replaced Terry Butcher as Exiles boss and the best display of his four games in charge.

After an encouraging 1-1 home draw with Exeter City his side lost 3-0 at Mansfield Town and 1-0 at home to Portsmouth.

Ahead of tomorrow’s Severnside derby at Bristol Rovers he admits that the players have yet to achieve the level of consistency they need to climb off the bottom of League Two.

“Let’s be realistic; it’s only one game but I was pleased with the performance at Wycombe and the way we went about it,” said Sheridan.

“We were playing one of the best teams in the division so to go and play the way we did is pleasing.

“But we’ve got to maintain that over a period of games and hopefully we can do that.

“I’ve seen signs where we have played well – like the Exeter game and Wycombe the other night,” he added.

“But then I look at the other side at Mansfield and even parts of the game against Portsmouth.

“It’s about getting the consistency in my players.

“I’ve said if they can give me a seven out of 10 week in and week out that is consistency. That will help us to climb the table.

“It’s no good giving me a nine and then a four the following week – that’s not something I want.

“I’ve made it clear to the players that we’ve got to get that consistency level in our performances and we’ll be OK.”

Sheridan is expecting another tough test against mid-table Rovers but he is confident that his team can beat anyone in League Two.

“There’s not a lot between the teams in the division from top to bottom – it’s just getting a bit of consistency in your game and that’s why the teams are at the top,” he said.

“We just need to get out of the bottom two first and foremost and then hopefully keep going up the table.

“It’s going to be difficult and we’ll win games and lose games.

“I’ve got to stay positive and focused because I know on our day we can beat any team.

“But I’ve got to keep on top of the players because we’re still bottom of the league.

“There’s no way I’m going to get carried away because we’ve won one game.

“I’d like to see us go on a run of five, six or seven games and get us out of the position we’re in.”