BULLISH Newport County AFC goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley says the Exiles can beat anyone in League Two at Rodney Parade, writes Andrew Arthur.

The former Chelsea stopper left tomorrow’s visitors to Rodney Parade, Torquay United, under no illusions of the challenge the away side will face against a resurgent County team.

“I don’t think about other teams, especially when we’re playing at home,” said Pidgeley. “I just concentrate on ourselves.

“I don’t care who comes to Rodney Parade, I’m just worried about what we can do. If we turn up with the right attitude and play the right stuff we’ll beat anyone in this league at home.

“With away games of course it’s a bit different,” he added. “We may have to change the strategy but at home it’s a different story, it’s what we do, not Torquay, and that’s how it will be throughout the season, whoever we play.”

Pidgeley’s assured words reflect an upturn in mood amongst the County camp this week following a confidence-boosting away victory against his former club Exeter City, which ended a month long win-less spell.

The goals came from Conor Washington and Harry Worley but it was a great personal occasion for the 29-year-old, capped by keeping a superb clean sheet in front of many family and friends. He believes that the win could potentially galvanize County for the rest of the season.

Pidgeley’s personal achievement at the back was especially pleasing, given the rough ride he was given by some of the home supporters who previously cheered him behind his goal in the second half.

“I didn’t get a great reception from the Exeter fans behind my goal in the second-half,” he said. “It didn’t affect me, if anything it spurred me on.

“As a goalkeeper you don’t get to score a goal and celebrate like a nutter in front of your fans, so I just quietly went on about it, and I was just delighted to have kept a clean sheet really.

“It was definitely one for my friends and family to enjoy and savour, but there are going to be bad times at some stage, so enjoy it while it lasts I suppose.”

Pidgeley will be hoping himself and ex-postmen Washington will be able to continue to deliver comfortable, winning performances in the cauldron of Rodney Parade tomorrow.