NERVELESS Newport County AFC star Sean Rigg claims he was calmness personified as he stepped up to earn his side a point with a last minute penalty against Barnet last night.

County, who led 1-0 through Ben Tozer, looked to be heading for defeat after a late John Akinde double for the visitors.

But Rigg coolly converted from the spot after substitute Jennison Myrie-Williams went down in the box.

“Surprisingly there were no nerves,” said the 28-year-old. “It’s weird. I felt really calm. I said before the game that I was going take penalties so I was confident.

“I knew I was going to score it so I was pretty calm.”

Exiles boss Graham Westley was quick to praise the character of the former AFC Wimbledon man after he netted his third goal of the season.

“It takes a lot of courage to take responsibility in that situation but that is the measure of the man,” said Westley.

“If there was one man in the side that you would back it is Sean.

“He’s a very experienced player, he’s a great quality player and he’s good quality person.

“He’s a class act and he’s been very good since I’ve been here.

“He’s shown true professionalism in everything he’s done day in and day out and on Saturdays and Tuesdays. He’s been a fantastic shining example.”

Rigg played out wide against Barnet and he praised the performances of strikers Rhys Healey and Reece Grego-Cox in the absence of top scorer Jon Parkin.

“It’s good to change it up a bit,” he said. “Parky missed out due to a tight hamstring but other players can play up top.

“I think they did really well up front. Obviously they are a lot smaller and we didn’t have a target man to hit so it was more through balls and we were looking to play the ball to their feet.

“I think they adapted well and looked lively all night.

“They were both unfortunate not to score but they played well all night, brought the midfielders into play and hopefully they can get their goal in the next game.”

That next game is at Accrington Stanley on Saturday and Rigg believes County can travel to Lancashire in confident mood.

“We’re definitely improving,” he added. “We’re looking sharper and fitter and I think our attacking play has been good.

“And we showed character to keep going until the end and that’s what it’s all about.

“You can never give up. There’s no point giving up with seven or eight minutes to go because you never know what’s going to happen.

“I think the last two games we have showed improvement. I think we’ve already turned that corner.

“We’ll take that as a positive and hopefully get the win on Saturday.”