Any hope County had of re-discovering their M Factor and progressing a Vertu Trophy dream was torpedoed in a tempest at Rodney Parade reports Tony Rees
Just under a thousand hardy Exiles' supporters had braved the dreadful conditions on the banks of the Usk, hopeful of seeing their Amber troops regain the season momentum with a fifth victory in seven league and cup games.
But, in truth, the visiting League One Grecians always proved that cut above, Newport indebted to gloveman Nik Tzanev who prevented more extensive damage with a plethora of super stops after the hour. The Kiwi was unable to rebuff Ed Turns' 50th minute winner, but, later, did repel a flurry of efforts from prowling predators.
Before the interval, Kai Whitmore sparkled on occasions borrowed Leicester ball-winner Sammy Braybrooke sweated, Bobby Kamwa and Ben Lloyd also raised hopes, but, in truth, their efforts fizzled out under the dark night skies.
Yet, there was light in the gloom, promising Exile academy starlet Harri Pugh had a debut from the bench, and home-grown Moses Alexander-Walker returned from injury to make a most welcome appearance too.
The Port shuffled their back for this encounter. We saw a quartet of changes. There was a return for Kiwi keeper Tzanev, Anthony Glennon, Irishman Ciaran Brennan, once of Sheffield Wednesday, and wide speedster Kamwa coming into the frame.
Exeter were completely transformed too - making seven alterations from the side held 1-1 by Wigan down in Devon last Saturday. Ex-Swindon stopper Jack Bycroft came in, as did teenagers Liam Oakes in centre midfield and Tom Dean at right back, in-form attacker Jayden Wareham leading the attack.
Heavy rain of biblical proportion saturated the turf at kick off, high winds sweeping across the stadium, ensuring a difficulty for both rivals to settle into a rhythm in the early exchanges.
Newport, though. were grateful for Tzanev's vigilance throughout a cagy first half - the New Zealander's handling exemplary as he dealt with a flurry of swirling right-side crosses from Oakes and a Ed Francis sharp snap-shot.
The Grecians, with Johnly Yfeko prompting intelligently down the left, were painting some intricate midfield patterns. Yet County, with schemer Whitmore so prominent, could have easily been ahead just before the break.
Braybrooke picked the pocket of Francis before feeding Kamwa, Cutting inside Dean, the former Burton winger extended the flying Bycroft with an 18-yard curler, this prior to Ben Lloyd firing over from an acute angle.
As the weather deteriorated into a near monsoon, County succumbed to a set piece five minutes into the re-start. Substitute Ethan Brierley's corner sparked menace, Turns burying his chance spectacularly. from close range. .
Newport, under siege, were struggling to stay in the contest, Ilmari Niskanen, and replacement Danny Andrew almost worsened the predicament - Brierley really should have, spooning over the bar when it was easier to score, Tzanev then brilliantly foiling another Grecian substitute Reece Cole.
Newport County
Nik Tzanev
Habeeb Ogunneye
Lee Jenkins [C]
Cameron Evans
Ciaran Brennan
Anthony Driscoll-Glennon
Sammy Braybrooke
Bobby Kamwa
Kai Whitmore
Ben Lloyd
Ged Garner
Subs
Shaun McDonald [GK]
Michael Reindorf for Garner 58mins
Harri Pugh for Ogunneye 71mins
James Clarke
Michael Spellman for Lloyd 71mins
Tom Davies
Moses Alexander-Walker for Kamwa 82mins
Exeter City
Jack Bycroft
Jack McMillan
Ed Turns [C]
Ed Francis
Jayden Wareham
Jack Aitchison
Ilmari Niskanen
Johnly Yfeko
Luca Woodhouse
Tom Dean
Liam Oakes
Subs
Joe Whitworth
Ethan Brierley for Oakes 46 mins
Reece Cole for McMillan 60mins
Sil Swinkels for Yfeko 46 mins
Danny Andrew for Niskanen 60mins
Kevin McDonald for Wareham 74mins]
Kieran Wilson
Referee - Scott Jackson
Assistant Officials - James Tewson & Jack Clench
Fourth Official - Keiron Forrest
Attendance 838 [149 away fans]