NEWPORT County AFC midfielder Max Porter hopes his goal against Exeter City is a sign that his injury nightmare is finally over.

Porter hammered the ball past Grecians goalkeeper Christy Pym on Sunday to earn the Exiles a point with his first goal since a 1-1 draw at Chesterfield in April.

And it was his first at Rodney Parade since a 1-1 draw against Wrexham in the Conference in January 2013 – the month his injury problems started.

Porter missed the second half of the 2012-13 season as County won promotion to League Two via the play-off final at Wembley.

He was also sidelined with the same persistent groin problem for much of the club’s first season back in the Football League and suffered another setback in pre-season this July.

“It’s been like Groundhog Day for me because I get asked the same questions and it’s the same answers,” said the 27-year-old.

“I know the fans have been frustrated with me and I’m even more frustrated than them because all I want to do is play football.

“I’ve had some bad luck and it’s been tough but I always try my hardest to get back and hopefully I’m over it now.

“I’m doing everything I can to keep fit. I ended up with 22 appearances last season and I want the same or more this season.”

Porter also dedicated the goal to his fiancée for putting up with him during the past two years and to their unborn baby boy due at Christmas.

“The last time I scored against Chesterfield last year my fiancé said ‘any chance of scoring a goal?’ as I left the house and she said the same before this game,” he explained.

“She asked if I’d score a goal for the baby boy that we’re expecting at Christmas.

“So that’s for her and the baby. She’s put up with me during my injury because I’ve been an absolute nuisance. It’s been a real grind on me and her.

“I’ve not really hit too many shots since the injury so it was a good way to test it out,” he added.

“I want to be fit and help the team so hopefully the goal is a little bit of payback for everyone who has supported me in and out of the club.

“I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t doubted myself but I know I’m a tryer and I will do everything I can to get back to where I was.”