Brown, who was initially yellow-carded in the 14th minute for killing the ball, then saw red for a similar offence. Black and Ambers prop Gethin Robinson was also binned during a stop-start half that saw the Welsh All Blacks lead 15-3 at the break.
But despite being down to 14, Newport hit back in determined style to gain a second successive Gnoll victory. It took just 50 seconds for Neath to open their account, ex-Newbridge centre Arron Pinches breaking and wing Bowdy Davies claiming an unconverted try. Former Newport flanker Gareth Gravell scored a close-range try in the 13th minute against 14 men and repeated the feat eight minutes later with Newport down to 13.
Penalties either side of half time from full-back Geraint O’Driscoll gave Newport hope. And they were right back in it when wing Elliot Frewen sprinted clear to claim a 27th league try.
O’Driscoll converted and the 14 men shook The Gnoll when the full-back landed another penalty to give them a one point lead.
Five minutess later, a fourth O’Driscoll penalty enhanced their advantage ahead of a lengthy stoppage caused by an injury to Neath fly-half Dai Langdon.
The Black and Ambers then showed true grit, crowning an amazing comeback with an 80th minute try under the posts from fly-half Ethan Davies.
