NEWPORT County AFC striker Christian Jolley admits he got lucky with the penalty decision against Bristol Rovers last week.

The 25-year-old front man was sent flying by Rovers skipper Tom Parkes and Andy Sandell slotted home to seal a 1-0 win for the Exiles last week.

Jolley is not convinced that it was a penalty but he’s happy to have luck on his side as he gears up for the first of three away games in eight days.

County travel to Dagenham & Redbridge tomorrow before their Capital One Cup tie at West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday and a trip to Scunthorpe next Saturday.

“I’ve seen pictures of the challenge and I’m not sure whether it was a pen or not,” said the former AFC Wimbledon star.

“I think the contact was outside the box initially and I think he did well to win the ball but it was a firm challenge so it could have gone either way.

“Luckily it went in our favour, Sands tucked it away nicely and we went on to win the game.”

Manager Justin Edinburgh revealed last week that Jolley is struggling with a groin strain but the player himself says he is fit to play and he knows that Danny Crow and Connor Washington are ready to take his place at any time.

“It’s a little niggling but I’m OK, I’ve just got to keep on top of it,” he said.

“Chris [Zebroski] and I are really clicking well. We didn’t play much together in pre-season but we are coming into our own now and we’re harassing defenders.

“We’re starting quickly and hopefully that means we dictate the game and create plenty of chances.

“But there’s competition and pressure throughout the squad, from the goalkeepers to the strikers,” he added.

“Me and Chris have got to keep doing the business because Crowy and Conor are pushing us and Azza [Aaron O’Connor] isn’t a million miles away.

“That will give the gaffer more decisions to make but that’s not my problem, I’ve just got to keep my head down, keep fit and try to play as consistently as I can.”

Jolley insists that the players will be fully focused on tomorrow’s match and won’t let the clash with Premier League West Brom distract them.

“It’s one game at a time at the moment and we won’t even think about the West Brom game until this game is out of the way,” he said.

“I played at Dagenham with Wimbledon and it’s a tough place to go. They are very organised but we will approach it like we do every game and go for the win.”