91Èȱ¬

Substitute Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro scored a 77th-minute winner at Newport to lift Shrewsbury Town back to the top of the League Two table.

Two minutes after replacing debutant Mikael Mandron, he broke free in the penalty area to score from close range.

Shrewsbury then had midfielder Keith Southern sent off for a two-footed lunge on Kevin Feely deep into an ill-tempered period of injury time.

Newport stay sixth despite failing to score in a third consecutive defeat.

Southern's straight red card came less than 10 minutes after coming on as Shrewsbury's second substitute - on only his second appearance.

Newport manager Justin Edinburgh:

"It was about the performance and we were back to where we were. They are a top team and we went toe-to-toe with them.

"But a mistake has cost us a defeat again and that's three on the spin.

"We've got another tough game away at Wimbledon where we have to start a run going."

Shrewsbury boss Micky Mellon told 91Èȱ¬ Radio Shropshire:

"It was a performance full of grit and determination in difficult conditions. With the wind and such a bobbly pitch, I'm delighted that we've come out on top.

"Jean-Louis has been itching to come on and play. We thought in training that we would introduce him. And, when you see a finish like that, you know he had to come on and play.

"It's lovely to be heading things up in the league table, but nothing has been won yet. We have to keep a focus on the next game."