A DISMAL FINISH FOR THE EXILES

SEASON of struggle ended in familiar fashion for Newport County as they surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 4-1 to Tranmere Rovers and ended the match with 10 men.

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County's winless streak stretches to nine games and they were leapfrogged by their opponents to drop to 22nd in the League Two table - their lowest finish since the Great Escape season of 2016-2017.

Interim head coach Dafydd Williams ends his spell in charge with a 100% record two defeats from two.

It could all have been so different as County responded to a vibrant Rodney Parade atmosphere with an impressive first-half performance.

They were on the front foot from the off as Anthony Glennon fired a great strike from distance, forcing a smart save from Luke McGee in only the second minute.

Oliver Greaves then saw a goal-bound shot blocked before Shane McLoughlin broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute.

The County captain won a loose ball in the box and hammered home after Joe Thomas's tame effort was blocked.