Justin Edinburgh happy with Newport's League start

Manager Justin Edinburgh did not hide his delight at Newport County's start to their league campaign after the 1-0 win over Bristol Rovers.

Newport returned to the Football League this season after 25 years in non-league.

County's victory in the local derby at Rodney Parade means they have two wins out of three in the league so far this season.

It was a fiercely contested derby and both teams really went for it and we are delighted to bounce back after such a hard defeat last week

Justin EdinburghNewport County

"We are more than delighted with our start," said Edinburgh.

"We don't like losing, as a group, and we are not used to it."

Andy Sandell clinched the winner in the first Newport-Bristol Rovers derby in 27 years from the penalty spot.

It was the hosts' second victory in three attempts since returning to the Football League and sent them up three places to seventh in League Two.

The Exiles had enjoyed a fairytale start to the season when they knocked Championship side Brighton out of the Capital One Cup to set up a second round tie with Premier League side West Brom.

Edinburgh paid tribute to his players resolve in a hotly contested derby against a stubborn Rovers outfit.

"It was a hard earned battle and an excellent three points," said Edinburgh.

"It was a fiercely contested derby and both teams really went for it and we are delighted to bounce back after such a hard defeat last week.

"I am really, really pleased with the players."

Newport recovered from a disappointing 3-1 defeat by Northampton Town to beat Rovers, while Edinburgh pinpointed his side's defensive effort as being key to the win.

"We had good chances in the first period to have won the game by more, but my players are still getting in there and creating chances," said Edinburgh.

"The nice thing is after conceding three poor goals last week we kept a clean sheet for the first time this season.

"We have a young back three, with Tom Naylor on his debut and Andrew Hughes, who grew into the game and in stature, along with Harry Worley.

"We were boosted by the return of (goalkeeper) Lenny Pidgeley and it's 10 clean sheets in the last 13 games."