In their battle to avoid relegation from EFL League Two, Crole’s 83rd-minute finish could prove priceless.
It completed a dramatic comeback at Hive Stadium and lifted Newport out of the relegation zone, moving them up to 21st place and two points clear of danger with nine matches remaining.
The January signing admitted the moment meant a huge amount after a challenging start to life with the Exiles.
"I'm relieved in all honesty because I haven't done as well as I would have liked in my first few games," said Crole.
"Today (Saturday) I came on and made an impact, I was a nuisance, I obviously got my goal which is what I'm here to do.
"I've dreamed about the moment 100 times and it couldn't have really got much better, in front of the fans."
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The 22-year-old former Penybont forward arrived at Newport in January alongside winger Tanatswa Nyakuhwa, who played a decisive role by providing the assist for the winning goal.
Newport had earlier fallen behind after Callum Stead put Barnet in front shortly after the half-hour mark. The hosts held that lead at the break despite pressure from the visitors.
Substitute Ben Lloyd threatened to equalise before half-time but was denied twice, while another effort after the interval was cleared off the line by defender Danny Collinge.
At the other end, goalkeeper Jordan Wright kept Newport in the contest with an excellent save to stop Romoney Crichlow-Noble from extending Barnet’s advantage.
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The turning point arrived midway through the second half when Bobby Kamwa fired home from close range to level the match with his first goal of the season.
Momentum then swung firmly in Newport’s favour, and when Nyakuhwa broke forward late in the game he found Crole in space to deliver the decisive finish.
The strike not only secured three vital points but also provided a significant confidence boost for the young striker.
"I'm hoping now I can kick on and take some momentum into the next couple of games and do well for the rest of the season," he said.
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Newport assistant manager Mark Smith was full of praise for Crole’s perseverance since joining the club.
"He's been very patient, he's worked hard in training and he's waited for his moment," said the Exiles' assistant manager. "And when he came on I thought he had a fantastic second half. He's been asking the question of the gaffer and I'm so excited for him.
"And not only him - I thought Tan was fantastic when he came on. It was exactly the same thing. I'm very happy for both of them."
Smith felt the impact of Newport’s substitutes proved decisive in shifting the balance of the match.
"They're game-changers, and that's what we want. Jordan [Wright] made one hell of a save and kept us in the game [before the equaliser]. That's what you need in both boxes."
Reflecting on the overall performance, Smith said the victory was a reward for the work the squad had put in during the week.
"We needed the win and it feels good," said Smith. "We've had a good week in training and it's nice to see it pay off. The boys put a lot of effort in this week and it's just nice to have that feeling that they've backed it up with three points.
"We knew what we had to do in the second half and I think we had a different energy in the second half.
"I thought they were a bit flat and, as soon as we got on top, I felt it was going to come. That's why we made the changes we did - because that momentum felt like it was building."
For Newport, the result could prove pivotal as they fight to preserve their Football League status.
"This team is capable of beating anyone in the league," said Crole.
"We'll go into every game with a mindset of 'we can win' and that won't change against Bromely.
"The belief is there. Every game we show fight, willing and desire, especially in that second half [against Barnet].
"We're out of the bottom two, now we can start looking up rather than down."
With league leaders Bromley F.C. due to visit Rodney Parade next, Newport will hope Crole’s dream goal proves the start of a crucial run of results in their survival fight.
