Manager Michael Flynn says Newport County AFC showed the ugly side of their game in his side's 1-0 victory over Bolton Wanderers.
The Exiles got their promotion charge to Sky Bet League One back on track after Nicky Maynard’s strike just after the hour-mark.
County rode their luck at times after the away side squandered several gilt-edged opportunities to go in front, but on-loan Mansfield Town striker Maynard reacted quickest to fire home from a tight angle to strengthen the Exiles' grip on a top-seven finish.
It brought Bolton’s unbeaten run of 14 games, which stretched back to their defeat against fellow promotion candidates Tranmere Rovers on January 23, to an end at Rodney Parade.
"It was a rugged performance," said Flynn
"We dug in, stuck up for each other and when somebody made a mistake, a teammate got them out of it.
"That’s what we haven’t been doing recently I’m pleased with the three points because we’ve played a lot better over the last three games and haven’t got a point.
"I don’t care how they come, we’re at the business end and I just want the three points."
The Exiles may have been forced to settle for a share of the spoils had Nick Townsend not come to their rescue in the dying embers.
The County goalkeeper somehow managed to keep out Alex Baptiste's header before gathering the ball in a late goalmouth scramble.
"He was outstanding and he has been for most of the season," added Flynn.
"As a goalkeeper, when you make a mistake it gets highlighted 10 times more, but he’s been superb and he deserves the accolades he gets for that save."
Flynn's men remain seventh in the Sky Bet League Two but have closed the gap on third-placed Tranmere Rovers, who they have a game in hand over, to four points.
They also moved within four points of the Trotters after sealing a league double over Ian Evatt's side.
"I think it was a must-not-lose game because of how close we are together," said Flynn.
"If we lost, they would’ve gone seven points ahead of us but now we’re one point behind them if we win our game in hand.
"They are a very good team and hopefully they take points from everybody else around us."
County now have three days to recover prior to their trip to the One Call Stadium to take on Mansfield Town on Friday evening.
"We can look at other results today because we’ve taken care of our own business," said Flynn ahead of the first of County's remaining three away trips.
"We got away with one Friday because the results went for us on the whole and today they have as well.
"The good thing is that Mickey is back now for Friday. It’s going to be a tough game because it’s always tough up there, so we’ll give it our best shot. There are going to be twists and turns all the way."