Salford City sit eighth in League Two, while Newport County are 21st
Salford City missed the chance to return to League Two's play-off places as they were held to a 1-1 draw by strugglers Newport County.
The Exiles went in front through Shane McLoughlin's early penalty at The Peninsula Stadium.
Salford hit back with a penalty of their own as Hakeeb Adelakun converted from the spot, although they had Tyrese Fornah sent off in the 75th minute.
The draw was not enough to lift the Ammies into the top seven, although it did bring an end to their three-game losing run in all competitions.
A point was enough to see Newport - who are now six points clear of the relegation zone in 21st - end their five-game losing run, although they are winless in eight away league matches.
Despite their wretched run of late, there was no lack of confidence in the opening stages from Newport who won possession high up the pitch and were awarded a penalty in the 11th minute when David Ajiboye was tripped by Salford captain Curtis Tilt.
McLoughlin coolly rolled the ball beyond Jamie Jones to put the visitors ahead with his second goal of the campaign as Newport made a dream start.
The Ammies looked for an instant response as Kylian Kouassi stung the palms of Nick Townsend moments before Adelakun was denied by the Newport goalkeeper.
Kai Whitmore latched on to Kieron Evans' ball before picking out Josh Martin - making his first start since joining the Exiles from Notts County - who could only blaze over from 12 yards out.
Both goalkeepers were called into action as Townsend reacted well to parry away Matty Lund's thumping hit before Jones denied Ajiboye and Bobby Kamwa in quick succession at the other end.
But the hosts levelled proceedings shortly after the half hour mark as Kieron Evans brought down Liam Shephard in the box - with Adelakun sending Townsend the wrong way from the spot.
After Fornah drilled over, the latter stages of the opening half were far grittier, with Cameron Antwi replacing the injured Kai Whitmore as the score remained level at the break.
Salford showed the greater ambition to seek a winner as Newport looked more content to slow the contest down and pick their moments to attack.
Karl Robinson sent on Cole Stockton and Rosaire Longelo for the final 20 minutes as Newport's Tom Davies was forced off through injury - with Anthony Glennon replacing the full-back.
With 15 minutes remaining, Salford were reduced to 10 men as Fornah was shown a second yellow card for a challenge on Newport captain James Clarke.
Exiles boss Nelson Jardim responded by sending on Courtney Baker-Richardson and Noah Mawene shortly after Stephan Negru headed over with what was a rare second half sight of goal.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Salford carried the greater threat in the final stages as substitute Ryan Watson lashed over.
Kamwa looked to go around goalkeeper Jones in the 90th minute after a rare foray forwards for the away side, although he was unable to pull the trigger as the points were ultimately shared.
Newport County head coach Nelson Jardim told BBC Sport Wales:
"I think it was important that we stopped the losing run. We've done it now and it's a question of building up.
"A point away is always good, but first half, I was disappointed not to be leading the game by at least two goals. We had more than enough chances to score.
"But when we needed to fight, which in these conditions was difficult, the boys showed the fighting spirit and character and a point was not as bad."
