Newport County saw off fellow strugglers Tranmere Rovers 3-1 as they moved out of the League Two relegation zone for the first time in 151 days.

Both sides came into the game 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.

But a 35th minute equaliser from Michael Spellman got Newport level and they received another boost when Tranmere goalscorer Finley was sent-off in first-half added time.

It took Christian Fuchs' side until the 88th minute to get their noses in front through Cameron Evans before Spellman's second gave the Exiles a much-needed victory that moves them above Barrow up to 22nd.

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 attempted to slide a pass through to Ben Lloyd, who, under pressure, nudged the ball back into Spellman's path on the edge of the area and the winger steadied himself before firing low past Marko Marosi.

Finley, having put Rovers ahead, then undid his early good work on the stroke of half-time when he was shown a straight red card for a high, sliding challenge on Sven Sprangler.

With the man advantage, County dominated much of the second half but continued to waste chances, with Harrison Biggins fizzing an effort wide from distance and Courtney Baker-Richardson heading wide from Bobby Kamwa's superb delivery.

But their second did eventually materialise when another beautiful ball from Kamwa from the left was tapped in by the outstretched boot of Evans.

The Exiles made sure of victory when Spellman grabbed his sixth of the season as the hosts made it two unbeaten for just the third time this season and they will look to continue their upturn in form when they host Colchester on Saturday 7 March.

Tranmere have now lost four consecutive matches but are eight points clear of the relegation zone. They host in-form Oldham, unbeaten in five matches, on Saturday.

Newport County head coach Christian Fuchs:

"I think what everybody saw was that the boys fought hard for the badge and have been incredible.

"We need to just keep pushing forward. They showed in the last couple of games everything that it takes to stay up. Today as well as in the games before and for us it's about momentum.

"We have a lot of big games ahead of us, every single one of the last remaining 11 I think it is. So we've got to analyse the game, especially on the first time, where we need to be better, but keep pushing forward, creating momentum."

Tranmere boss Andy Crosby:

"Nobody more than me understands the current situation and the results that we're currently having. That's my responsibility.

"They have to stick with us. All we can do now is think about ourselves and think about the next game because it always comes around quickly.

"I will keep doing everything I possibly can to change this run around with the staff and the players, and I'll always be able to look people in there and say I've given absolutely everything. We're fighting and we will fight right to the end."