ONCE again it’s been a strange week at Newport County AFC.

A surprisingly pleasing result, a row within the club all followed by the most random of events between managers after a 0-0 draw in the FA Cup.

On the pitch, the result against Plymouth is extremely encouraging.

You only have to look at the sort of crowds you see for FA Cup ties to remember how important this tournament is to supporters in the lower levels.

County enjoyed a great support down in Devon and I’m sure the travelling amber army would’ve been the happier as they made their journey home.

Spirited is the word that comes to mind on reflection of the performance.

When Sean Rigg was dismissed and County reduced to 10 men most of the Home Park faithful were expecting a victory for Plymouth.

The reaction among some County fans was the classic ‘it’s all over now.’ The best indicator of a teams’ strength is the league table, and Plymouth are 22 places above the Exiles.

A draw with 11 men against a team like Argyle would’ve been a great result for us, let alone with a man less.

It was gruelling and gritty, you felt County wanted it more and fought just that bit harder; they were rewarded.

Compare thoughts back to Blackpool; a penalty miss from Rigg as the scores were level. Scot Bennett missing from the first team, heads drop, and a top side punish us and run out easy winners in what had been a very close contest.

We had a leader against Plymouth, and the side remained determined and focussed to earn a replay. At this level, having the right attitude for a game is not only game-changing but can also be season-changing.

But credit to Graham Westley. It’s evident he has driven a new attitude into the club.

We know the dark days, we’ve had those long trips to let one decision or one moment change everything.

This team don’t feel as fragile or nervous as they did early on in the season, and as much as we’ve endured late goals there hasn’t been a spell like early on in August.

Back then you just felt ‘they can get one here’ and, as so often when you think about it, the next thing you know is that it comes true. It’s a horrible mind-set to be in, especially for a sportsman.

This week is a bit of a big one. Stevenage and Morecambe, with all respect, are some of the weaker teams in the league and County have a huge opportunity to take some points.

If we are going to safely survive I think four points is a minimum, but there’s no reason we can’t take six!