First team manager Chris Kiwomya feels that anyone questioning the players’ commitment to the cause should watch back the Magpies’ 1-0 win over Doncaster Rovers.
On Saturday, Rovers were prepared for a potential promotion party ahead of kick-off, as three points could have seen them secure a place in the Championship and even lift the npower League 1 title.
County were not just there to make up the numbers and it showed in the performance – a tireless display that warranted maximum points, according to Kiwomya.
Joss Labadie netted the winning goal with a 14th minute wonder strike and the team showed their determined defensive qualities to shut out their high-flying opponents at the Keepmoat Stadium.
“Four weeks ago I think we would have lost that game but we saw a team out there where every single one of them was battling for each other,” said Kiwomya.
“Everybody played their part and the most pleasing thing is that we’ve gone there and in difficult circumstances we’ve won the game – not drawn but won.
“The most disappointing thing is that whenever we’ve got a good win we haven’t been able to back it up and I think that’s where we’ve fallen a little bit short.
“Since I’ve been here I’ve been talking about back-to-back wins would’ve closed the gap but it’s never too late and I’m pleased that we’ve got it.”
He added: “It told me that we can win ugly and that’s what I want us to be able to do.
“We’ve got this perception that we’re a passing team, which we are, but there’s times where the pitch doesn’t allow you to play football.
“You see battling qualities come out of it and I thought we showed our battling qualities against Doncaster.
“I knew from half time that we could win this game and I said that to them.”
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