Newport County saw off fellow strugglers Tranmere Rovers 3-1 to move out of the League Two relegation zone for the first time in 151 days. Two late goals finally ended the resistance of a 10-man Tranmere side and dragged the visitors further into the relegation mix.
Both sides arrived having won just once in their past five league matches, and it looked like the Exiles were heading for defeat when Sam Finley gave the visitors the lead in the second minute. A 35th-minute equaliser from Michael Spellman levelled matters, and Newport's task was eased when Finley was sent off in first-half added time.
Captain Turns From Hero to Villain
Tranmere took an early lead through a superb volley from captain Finley after Newport had failed to fully clear Omari Patrick's corner. Newport grew into the contest and equalised on 35 minutes with their first shot on target, Spellman steadying himself on the edge of the area after Ben Lloyd nudged the ball into his path under pressure before firing low past Marko Marosi from 20 yards.