Newport County produced a superb second-half comeback to secure a crucial 2-1 victory over Barnet at The Hive Stadium and climb out of the League Two relegation zone.
Goals from Bobby Kamwa and substitute James Crole overturned a first-half deficit after Stead had given the hosts the lead, sealing a huge three points for the Exiles on a bright afternoon in north-west London.
With defeat for Harrogate Town earlier in the day presenting an opportunity to create breathing space above the bottom of the table, County arrived at The Hive knowing the importance of the afternoon.
Head coach Christian Fuchs made two changes to his side, with Lee Jenkins and Harrison Biggins coming into the starting line-up.
County almost made the perfect start, with Biggins firing narrowly over the crossbar just 17 seconds into the contest after a bright attacking move.
The visitors were forced into an early setback in the 19th minute when Michael Spellman was forced off through injury. Ben Lloyd was introduced in his place on his 21st birthday.
The opening stages settled into a cagey rhythm as both sides eased their way into the match. Barnet threatened sporadically through Stead down County's left-hand side, but the Exiles dealt well with the early pressure.
County began to show promising signs midway through the half when Sprangler burst down the right flank and flashed a dangerous cross across the face of goal, only for the Barnet defence to clear before Courtney Baker-Richardson could arrive.
But the hosts struck on 31 minutes. A long clearance from goalkeeper Slicker travelled over the County defence, allowing Stead to break in behind before firing a low finish across Jordan Wright and into the far corner.
Barnet almost doubled their advantage shortly afterwards when a wide delivery from Glover found Kabongo Tshimanga inside the six-yard box, but his header drifted over the crossbar to hand the Exiles a reprieve.
County responded with a huge chance in the 41st minute. Baker-Richardson’s flick-on released Kamwa, who nudged the ball across for Lloyd, but his effort was well saved by Slicker, who spread himself to deny the equaliser.
Barnet finished the half strongly, enjoying plenty of possession and territory. Despite five minutes of added time, the Exiles went into the interval trailing.
Half-time | Barnet 1-0 Newport County
County made a change at the break as Crole replaced Baker-Richardson, and the second half immediately sparked into life.
Barnet appealed for a penalty early in the half when Kanu went down inside the area, but referee Oliver Mackey waved play on.
County began to grow into the contest, with Lloyd continuing to provide a constant threat. On 53 minutes he cut inside onto his favoured left foot and struck from the edge of the box, but the effort was deflected behind for a corner.
Lloyd came agonisingly close to levelling eight minutes later. Cutting inside again, Lloyd’s strike deflected beyond the goalkeeper and trickled towards goal, only for Collins to race back and clear off the line.
Moments later Barnet threatened from a corner of their own, but Wright produced an excellent save to keep the deficit at one.
County’s persistence was rewarded in the 65th minute. Lloyd delivered a dangerous ball into the area where a clever flick from Cameron Evans found Kamwa, who fired home to bring the Exiles level.
Momentum was now firmly with County. Biggins went down inside the area three minutes later amid appeals for a penalty, but referee Mackey remained unmoved.
The game opened up into a frantic spell. Lloyd continued to torment the Barnet defence and nearly created another chance when his looping ball caused the goalkeeper to spill, allowing Kamwa a volley from the edge of the box which sailed over.
County pushed again in the 72nd minute when a fierce corner from Tom Davies caused chaos inside the six-yard box. The ball dropped to Jenkins, but he was unable to adjust his feet quickly enough and lifted his effort over the bar.
Sprangler was shown a yellow card shortly afterwards as the contest continued to intensify with both sides pushing for a decisive moment.
The Exiles came within inches of taking the lead on 81 minutes. Lloyd once again cut inside onto his left foot and curled a superb effort towards the far corner, only to see the crossbar deny him.
But County’s pressure finally told just two minutes later.
Substitute Nyakuhwa delivered a low pass across the six-yard box from the left and Crole was perfectly positioned to guide the ball past Slicker and complete a dramatic turnaround.
Four minutes of added time were signalled and Barnet launched one final push for an equaliser, but Wright produced a crucial one-on-one save to preserve the advantage.
County stood firm through the closing moments to secure a huge victory on the road, lifting themselves out of the relegation zone and up to 21st place in the table.
The Exiles now return to Rodney Parade on Tuesday night to face league leaders Bromley.
Newport County: Wright; Evans, Jenkins, Baker (C), Delaney, Davies (Thomas 79), Biggins (Smith 91), Sprangler, Spellman (Lloyd 19), Kamwa (Nyakuhwa 79), Baker-Richardson (Crole 45)
Subs not used: MacDonald, Garner, Opoku
Barnet: Slicker; Collinge, Senior, Stead (Browne 84), Kanu (Hawkins 73), Glover, Hartigan (C) (Shelton 73), Tshimanga, Crichlow, Tavares, Ofoborh
Subs not used: Evans, Howland, Chinedu, Assombalonga
Referee: Oliver Mackey
Assistants: Ross Murphy, Alex Mathieson
Fourth Official: Wayne Cartmel
Attendance: 2,256 (280 away supporters)
