NEWPORT County AFC caretaker manager Jimmy Dack believes the team has turned a corner after Mark Byrne’s late leveller earned a point against Tranmere Rovers.

County looked to be slipping to a fifth straight defeat following Rory Donnelly’s opener in first half stoppage time for the visitors.

But Byrne’s stunning strike on 83 minutes was the least the Exiles deserved for a stirring second half fightback that keeps them in the hunt for a League Two play-off spot.

“I thought the boys really dug in but we just switched off at the end of the first-half,” said Dack, who was in charge for the first time at Rodney Parade following Justin Edinburgh’s departure to Gillingham.

“The boys came in at half-time really disappointed; a few choice words were said in the dressing room.

“They care and want to do well; we just talked about getting a platform.

“I think a cloud has been lifted tonight,” he added. “We can draw a line under what’s happened over the past few weeks and move this club forward again.

“I said to the players before the end of the game it’s like splitting up with a long-term girlfriend and it will take you a few weeks to get going again.

“But I said once you get going you’ll be back on the pull again.”

Does Dack see himself living happily ever after with the Exiles?

“I’m here until the end of the season and I will give my all,” he said.

“I’ve never been a football manager, I’ve always been a number two and I’m going to see if I enjoy it and I can push on doing it.

“I’m here for Newport County and all my focus is on that.”