NEWPORT County AFC manager Warren Feeney praised his side’s never-say-die attitude as they fought back from 2-0 down to claim a point at the death against fellow strugglers Dagenham & Redbridge.

Newport-born Christian Doidge struck after just 45 seconds and defender Joe Worrall headed home a second after six minutes to give the visitors the perfect start at Rodney Parade.

But the Exiles regrouped and forced as remarkable 15 corners after the break and the pressure finally told in the final six minutes.

New signing John-Christophe Ayina came off the bench to pull a goal back on 84 minutes and birthday boy Conor Wilkinson celebrated turning 21 by lashing home the equaliser two minutes from time on his debut.

“I was delighted with a point in the end,” said a relieved Feeney.

“You want to win football matches but the position we’re in we can’t lose against these teams.

“The goals we conceded were poor – we got off to the worst possible start.

“They were poor goals to concede. Defenders need to defend first and foremost and we didn’t defend set-pieces.

“That’s disappointing but we’ll take the positives and I believe in these players.

“Their fitness is improving and by the end of it I thought there was only one side going to win it.

“It’s happened to us this season but you go into games with a point so the least you want to come away with is a point.

“It was a fantastic comeback, we showed a never-say-die attitude and that’s what pleased me.”

The Exiles boss added: “I’m pleased with the new signings. John came on and was a bright spark and the same with Conor – it was a great finish.

“It’s always good to get your debutants off to a flyer and they’ll get better game by game.

“The players will get to know them – they only came in on Thursday.

“I’m pleased – we’ll dust ourselves down and look forward to going to Leyton Orient on Tuesday now.”