Christian Fuchs might not admit it, but his Exiles' snatching a point from the jaws of defeat at promotion-chasing Crewe, could well be a pivotal moment in Newport's grim fight to cheat the League Two trap door.
In an often astonishing contest, this was one from the script of a Hollywood blockbuster. The tale of a battered fighter slumping to the canvas only to rise and floor his opponent with the sweetest of left hooks.
Down to ten men after energetic raider Courtney Baker-Richardson was sent packing by referee Edward Duckworth for two separate yellow cards with a third of the match remaining, County fought back twice in the second half through a James Connolly own goal on 48 minutes and Cameron Antwi's 93rd minute strike.
County's scores cancelled out Crewe's double via top scorer Emre Tezgel and Josh March. It meant Newport had stemmed two successive league defeats on the road and moves them to within four points of safety in the section basement.
A charged Fuchs roared, "We showed real character out there tonight. We refused to give up and got the reward we deserved. All my players deserve the highest praise.
"We dug in there when we needed to and looked to spring into some sharp counter attacks. We are attacking now with more conviction and created lots of chances which pleased me greatly."
Indeed, despite being down to 10 men, County might have pinched the win, if this match had drifted beyond the eight minutes added time.
On the brace of yellow cards received by Crewe's former player Baker-Richardson, Fuchs said, "I have spoken to Courtney about things. I feel he slipped and caught their keeper [Tom Booth] for the first one in first-half added time."
Former Austria international captain Fuchs had few complaints about Baker-Richardson's second yellow card for a high challenge on Connolly.
But Exiles number two Mark Smith hinted later that Newport will contest the named goal-scorer for Newport's first leveller - attributed to Railwaymen centre back Connolly, a former Cardiff City trainee.
He said, "Will be appealing the fact our first goal went against Crewe player Connolly. Cameron Antwi is convinced it was his goal, but Michael Spellman is saying he got the final touch of the ball. We have seen it back on replay and that could well be the case.
"We'll see what comes back from the Football powers."
