RYAN Jackson believes that Newport County AFC have sent out a message to their League Two rivals that they are genuine promotion contenders, writes Andrew Penman.

Tuesday’s 0-0 draw at the home of leaders Oxford United was County’s fifth clean sheet in a row and Jackson is convinced that they can use that solid platform to cement a place in the top seven.

The Exiles have now played eight hours and 51 minutes of football since they last conceded in the FA Cup at Braintree Town on November 9.

And right wing-back Jackson says their promotion rivals will have to take notice of their fine form.

“We’ve shown that we’re unbreakable at the moment,” he said.

“We’ve played the league leaders and they didn’t really pose much threat to us.

“It sends out a big message to the other teams that we are genuine promotion contenders.

“It’s another good point on the road and that’s what we need when we’re travelling away – to bring home some points – and then win our home games.”

Jackson paid tribute to his defensive colleagues Ismail Yakubu, Harry Worley, Adedeji Oshilaja and Robbie Willmott, as well as goalkeeper Lenny Pidgeley.

“The lads did well. We all dug deep and ground it out,” said the former Macclesfield Town man.

“The defence is looking really solid. At my last club we were leaking goals for fun so this is new to me.

“We’re doing really well – Yaks, Harry, Deji, Robbie and me – we’re working well together and long may it continue.”

The 23-year-old felt the Exiles could have had more than a point at Oxford on Tuesday but he is confident that the away wins will come.

“To be fair I thought we could have won it,” he said. “We hit the bar, applied a lot of pressure and did enough to win it but a draw was still a good result.

“The wins will come away from home. We just have to keep working hard and as long as we’re not leaking goals we will nick a goal at the other end.”

But before then the defender is relishing the visit of second-placed Chesterfield on Sunday (kick-off 1pm).

“Chesterfield won’t be looking forward to coming to Rodney Parade,” he said.

“The home fans really get behind us and we always try to start on the front foot and I have no doubt that we’ll get the win.”