NEWPORT County boss Peter Nicholas paid tribute to his players after taking 'a massive three points' in the 3-1 Dr Martens Premier Division victory over Stafford Rangers at Spytty Park last night.

Nicholas said: "I thought the players were outstanding - every one of them. Stafford are one of the top teams in the league and on a good a run at the moment. It was a massive performance from us and a massive three points."

He added: "Darren Jones came in and was exceptional. He showed great composure and pace and he made a great saving tackle in the second-half.

"Alongside him, Jeff Eckhardt was outstanding again. He is 38-years-old and playing like a 21-year-old!

"They didn't cause us many problems and their only real shot on target was the penalty."

County grabbed the win in convincing fashion as Garry Shephard, Gethyn Jones and Gary Lloyd bagged the goals that send them up to ninth place in the league and comfortably in the promotional race for the soon-to-be-created Conference Two.

Nicholas said: "It was a big game for us. We have Dover away on Saturday and then a run of games at home so it was important that we got a win."

Special mention also went to debut goalkeeper, 18-year-old Andrew Delve: "He did very well and handled everything that came at him. I couldn't have asked for more."

Nicholas was reluctant to believe that County's home problems were over despite beating the side currently in third place in the league and leading the chasing pack behind Crawley Town and Weymouth.

He said: "I don't want to say that we have turned a corner because it is only one result and I don't want to jump the gun but we are going in the right direction. I would like us to get three points in our next three home games first.

"But I hope we can start another away run at Dover on Saturday."