Newport County 1 : 1 Exeter City - Quality John-Lewis strike rescues point for new Newport manager John Sheridan

Posted Sunday, October 04, 2015 by PA

Lenell John-Lewis' volley ensured new Newport manager John Sheridan avoided defeat in his first game in charge as they earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Exeter in SkyBet League Two.

It has been an eventful week for the Exiles, with the Supporters' Trust completing their takeover of the club and Sheridan succeeding Terry Butcher as manager.

The division's bottom side had looked to be sliding to another defeat when Joel Grant put the visitors ahead after 62 minutes, but the hosts earned a deserved point when John-Lewis netted 11 minutes later.

After a sluggish opening Exeter created two great chances as Lee Holmes scooped Christian Ribeiro's cross over from close range, before the midfielder curled narrowly wide.

Paul Tisdale's men hit the front 17 minutes after the break when the Newport defence failed to clear and Grant steered the ball into the bottom corner.

However, County responded in fine fashion. Substitute Alex Rodman worked Robert Olejnik with a sharp drive, and John-Lewis was alert enough to dispatch the follow-up with a superb strike.