NEWPORT County AFC manager Justin Edinburgh praised the ‘fantastic’ team spirit of his injury-ravaged squad after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Southend United at Rodney Parade.

County were thankful for Joe Day’s second half penalty save from Myles Weston before Mark Byrne scored the only goal of the game on 74 minutes.

On a cold and blustery evening at Rodney Parade the Exiles had to withstand intense pressure from the visitors.

But they earned a third straight win without the services of Ismail Yakubu, Yan Klukowski, Adam Chapman, Robbie Willmott, Danny Crow and Rene Howe.

“It was a tough battle and the conditions played a part, but I'm delighted with the win,” said Edinburgh.

“In terms of the personnel that we're missing in the team right now, I think it was a magnificent victory.

“Credit to Southend they came here and played very well,” he added.

“They matched our system. I’ve seen them a few times this year and I haven’t seen them play that system but they matched us up and it was a tough battle.”

Edinburgh felt that Day’s penalty save was the turning point.

“When Joe was called upon he made a great penalty save and that gave us the impetus to go on and win the game,” said the Exiles boss.

“Then Andy Sandell played that ball in to Aaron O’Connor, it was a great little touch and a very neat finish.

“I’m pleased for Mark because I’ve managed him before and he popped up with big goals. Hopefully that one gets him up and running now.

“We’ve worked on it in training, trying to get him arriving in the box at the right time and that run paid off. “We saw it out then and it could have been 2-0 but we’re very pleased to keep the clean sheet and the victory.”

With goalscorer Byrne and defender Scott Tancock picking up injuries during the match striker Chris Zebroski ended up at right wing-back.

“We are under pressure with bodies and that’s why it was a special win,” added Edinburgh.

“We know that the (5-3-2) system suits us and we’re desperate to keep playing it.

“We had to change one or two personnel but we stuck at it.

“We’re up against with the injuries but the players have come in and risen to the challenge.

“This might have been a bridge too far for us but the desire and hunger and attitude of the players got us over the line.

“The team spirit is fantastic. That is back to back 1-0 victories and they are good victories. The clean sheets give you a platform to win games.

“We lost Ismail Yakubu and Yan Klukowski before the game and as a manager you think ‘is this going to be a bridge too far?’

“But, credit to every player, they proved that it wasn’t and we really have that belief in us right now.”