ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman believes his side are showing all the characteristics needed for a successful League Two promotion push.

The Reds defeated Newport County 2-0 on Easter Monday to make it back to back wins and move into fourth spot in the table, just a point behind third placed Plymouth Argyle.

And Coleman, whose side are now unbeaten in five, was pleased with the performance.

“You have got to give our lads credit as they have battled on week-in, week-out," he said.

"We have had points pinched off us this season but they have never let it dent their confidence and enthusiasm.

“Some results have gone our way today and some haven’t but all we can do is keep battling away.”

Monday's win was Stanley's third in a row and it was also their third successive clean sheet - a feat they had not achieved since April 2011 - when the Reds made the play-offs.

And Coleman was full of praise for goalkeeper Ross Etheridge who made an important first half save at Rodney Parade when the match was scoreless.

“The defining moment was the save from Ross,” added Coleman. “That kept us in the game and then two quick-fire goals have settled our nerves.

“After that we knew they had to throw men forward and we had opportunities to pick them off on the break but it didn’t happen.

“The clean sheet was mainly down to Ross.”

At the other end Billy Kee's 17th of the season and a goal for the returning Josh Windass - fit again after a hernia injury - saw Stanley to victory.

Kee's strike leaves him third in the league's goalscoring charts but the former Burton Albion forward has also contributed 13 assists this season meaning Kee has been involved in 30 goals this season, more than any other player in the top four tiers.

“It shows how crucial Billy is to us,” added Coleman. “He was excellent again while it was a fantastic finish by Josh, you know what you are getting with Josh and we brought him off as a precaution although he said he felt fresh."