NEWPORT County AFC manager Justin Edinburgh says his team are ahead of schedule in their progress in League Two.

County are up to 11th after last weekend’s excellent 2-0 win at Exeter City and Edinburgh believes that is good going considering the amount of injuries he has had to deal with.

The Exiles are still without strikers Christian Jolley and Aaron O’Connor (both groin) for tomorrow’s home clash with Torquay United, as well as midfielders Max Porter (groin) and Lee Minshull (suspended) and defenders Andy Sandell (foot) and Byron Anthony (broken leg).

But the win at Exeter, County’s first victory since August 17, has put Edinburgh and the players in a good mood this week going into the clash with the Gulls.

“Winning becomes a habit and we were out of that habit for a little while so we’re very pleased,” said Edinburgh.

“It was a very good away performance at Exeter and it lifted spirits around the club.

“But I’m pleased with the start we’ve made,” he added. “I think we’ve coped well with the injuries we’ve had.

“We’ve had a lot of experience missing from key areas but we’ve dealt with that and the players have been outstanding.

“We are well ahead of where we thought we would be given all we’ve had to cope with and I think we’ll only get better and stronger.”

Edinburgh is hoping his players get back to form at home tomorrow afternoon following the disappointing 1-1 draw with Mansfield Town and the 3-2 defeat to Morecambe in their last two matches at Rodney Parade.

“Torquay will be on a high after a good win last week so we know we’re going to be in for a tough game but I like to concentrate on our strengths,” he said.

“We want to get back on track at Rodney Parade, put the last two results behind us and get back to winning ways at home.”

Torquay, managed by former Wales international Alan Knill, are currently 16th in League Two having won just one of their opening eight games.