NEWPORT County AFC manager James Rowberry hailed a perfect end to a challenging day after his spirited side stole the points late on in a 2-1 EFL Trophy win at Exeter City on Tuesday night.

The Exiles got their campaign off to a winning start after they responded to falling behind to Kegs Chauke's strike early in the second half at St James Park.

Chanka Zimba swiftly levelled when he latched on to a poor back-pass before calmly rounding goalkeeper Scott Brown and then substitute Omar Bogle won it in the 82nd minute.

READ MORE: Full match report

The striker scored his sixth goal of the campaign when he majestically controlled Adam Lewis' long ball before placing his shot between the legs of the 'keeper.

County reported a break-in at their Spytty Park training ground between Monday evening and Tuesday morning with computer equipment, TVs, medical equipment, playing kit and personal items taken.

However, the players didn't let that distract them from backing up the wins against Tranmere, Portsmouth and Harrogate.

South Wales Argus: Omar Bogle won it with his sixth of the season for CountyOmar Bogle won it with his sixth of the season for County

"I was really pleased with everybody, especially after the day we had with the break-in," said Rowberry.

"We came together, managed the situation and brushed it off with me and Carl [Serrant, assistant manager] dealing with the police in the morning.

"It wasn't ideal but on the field I couldn't have been more pleased and the lads showed great resilience by coming from a goal behind again.

"At the back we've got that solidity now which we have been searching for – they worked their socks as they do every game."

The EFL Trophy is often used to give academy prospects a taste of senior football but both County and Exeter went strong with their line-ups.

Rowberry said before the game that bright prospects need to earn starts and he used the trip to Devon to ensure the selection headaches keep coming.

"We are a strong squad and we need to utilise that," said the manager, who fielded nine players who started in the Carabao Cup upset against Portsmouth.

"I was so pleased for Priestley Farquharson [after he completed a first 90 minutes since last September] and Matty Dolan was very good at centre-half next to him.

"The back four, considering they hadn't played together before, looked very strong. When we saw the Exeter teamsheet we knew that they were also taking it seriously so I was really pleased with how the lads performed."

Forest Green Rovers beat Southampton Under-21s 3-1 in the other group game with the top two progressing to the knockout stages.

The Gloucestershire side head to Rodney Parade on Tuesday, September 20 before the young Saints are entertained in Newport on Tuesday, October 18.