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Will Evans' brace saw Newport County recover to hand Troy Deeney his first loss as Forest Green Rovers boss.

Rovers led when Ryan Delaney headed a free-kick into his own net, before Matty Stevens doubled the lead.

But Callum Jones was shown a second yellow just after half-time and Newport took advantage, with Evans converting crosses twice in quick succession.

Payne then struck a ferocious shot to put County ahead, before Delaney made amends by scoring at the right end.

Deeney had begun his managerial career last week with a point against Gillingham, but despite a promising opening in south Wales he will now be in no doubt as to the task he faces to help Rovers climb out of the League Two relegation places.

The defeat, coupled with Sutton United's win at AFC Wimbledon, sees Rovers drop to the foot of the table and seven points from safety, while Newport remain in 17th.

Newport manager Graham Coughlan:

"The turnaround was when we changed shape and we got to grips (with them). They were brave, they had three front men who for the first half-hour bullied us, turned us, dropped it in behind us and chased it.

"They got on to every loose ball and I've not seen a Forest Green team play like that, they caught us by surprise to be honest how direct they were.

"Two-nil down and let's not forget Nick Townsend pulls off a wonderful save as well, so we had to change shape, we had to change one or two personnel around as well and I think the game was won or lost from that moment."