NEWPORT County boss Tim Harris believes the Exiles have turned the corner despite failing to beat basement boys Histon, once again paying the penalty in the Blue Square Premier.

This time around it was Craig Reid who missed from the spot, a late chance that could and should have given the Exiles a first win of 2011 in a contest that they dominated, particularly in the second period.

“That's much more like it from us,” he said. “We have been bottom of the form table for a reason but I saw massive strides being taken in the second half, things that have been working on the training being put into practice and it's encouraging.

“You wouldn't have thought we were struggling like we have been, they showed a lot of spirit and I found it very encouraging.”

Harris admitted he had been forced into his toughest decision since taking over from Dean Holdsworth on a caretaker basis, dropping goalkeeper Glyn Thompson for the first time in his Exiles career.

“I need to make clear that I think Glyn Thompson is a fantastic goalkeeper, but we needed to freshen things up,” he said.

“Glyn wasn't happy when I told him, but he was very professional and let's be honest, he's had very little protection in the last half a dozen games. He's been left very exposed by the defence and I think that can wear a goalkeeper down.

“We have two very good goalkeepers at this club and Glyn Garner came in and performed excellently, making a brilliant save in the second half.”

Harris was surprisingly upbeat at the prospect of not playing a competitive game for a fortnight, County not in action until they travel to Mansfield on February 12.

“I am absolutely delighted and that's not a sarcastic answer, I think we can get an awful lot achieved on the training pitch over the next two weeks,” he explained.

“We have to work harder on our pattern of play and we are increasing our training programme. We'll be doing an extra three or four hours a week.”

Talks are ongoing regarding midfielder Jamie Collins, who wants to leave the Exiles, while boss Harris would still like to bring in a couple more signings.

However, it is understood Harris' targets aren't necessarily players who would be unavailable after the January transfer window closes, meaning he is likely to run the rule over triallists in another practice match.