Head coach Nelson Jardim believes his side showed a true display of character in their 2-1 victory over high-flyers Crewe Alexandra.
A first-half wonder strike from Cameron Evans and a powerful header from Matthew Baker saw County return to winning ways in League Two.
“It was a massive win up against a very good team,” said Jardim post-match.
"Today was about us and making sure you could see improvements and that was very obvious with that the way that the boys competed.
“Sometimes we have got a bit of criticism but everyone could see we are a good group with good characters. I am proud of them.
“We are looking to build every day and sometimes things don’t go your way, there are ups and downs.
“We went through a difficult period with injuries and red cards but we have shown character at this club. Now we are looking to improve.
“We can’t promise that we will win every game but we can promise to give everything we have got – staff, players, everyone – to make sure we can at least compete and try.
“I was always sure about the group that I have got, their character and the hard work that they are putting in.
“You’ve sometimes just have to focus on what you do, which is to coach and make sure everyone is clear about our direction and objectives.
“The fans can see that and I am sure they can accept that you can have a bad day, the way that you overcome those periods shows what type of group and people you have around you.”
He added: “Football can be ruthless at times. When you see that ball hitting the post and rolling all the way across the line, then straight after that they score, and you think ‘Oh, Jesus’.
“But this is why we love football, we had to be brave and stand up again, fight again. We were happy to get the goal straight after.
“The last 10, 15 minutes was about spirit, energy, fight, desire to win every ball and make sure we got the win with the help of the supporters.”
