Newport County

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Newport boss Hayden Mullins was pleased with his side's performance despite their disappointing loss at Bristol Rovers.

It was a dramatic game at the Memorial Stadium, including six second-half goals as the Gas ran out 5-3 winners.

"It was a quick game. It seemed to have everything, all the ingredients you'd want for a local derby, both teams went for it," said Mullins.

"I don't think we're the type of team to sit off and try and protect. When I saw my team two goals down and still going for the game, I knew we're in a good place.

"Even our first-half performance was excellent. We were unlucky not to be a couple of goals up. It was a bit of a sloppy goal. We conceded right before the end of the half, which really gave them belief."

County raced into the lead after just 15 seconds thanks to a composed finish from Harrison Biggins, much to the delight of his new manager.

"It was exactly what we wanted to try and do. We wanted to start fast, we wanted to be aggressive and impress and get around the ball. I think we did that at the beginning," Mullins added.

"The first half was full of positives. I saw my team today do exactly what I asked them to do in the first half. We wanted to be front-footed, we wanted to be positive. We wanted to take the game to Rovers and we did."

Former County forward Bobby Kamwa was jeered all afternoon by County supporters after leaving the club in the summer to join Bristol Rovers.

He went on to have the last laugh, scoring the Gas' fourth goal and running the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the travelling supporters.

"I've been told that he celebrated in front of the fans. I'm not too sure what the players think about it," he said.

"But that's Bobby's decision. He celebrated that way and I'm sure the fans let him know what they thought."

Newport manager Hayden Mullins is not panicking despite their chaotic 5-3 loss away at Bristol Rovers.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County Shaquille Gwengwe says he is enjoying his time in south Wales since signing from Poole Town in the summer.

The prolific 24-year-old scored 46 goals in 46 games last season in the Southern Premier Division South and stepped up three divisions to switch to the Exiles.

The forward made his league debut during County's season opener, scoring County's second goal in their 3-0 win against Rochdale.

"To be honest, I'm just enjoying it. I'm having fun. I think my transition has been fairly comfortable," said Gwengwe.

"Obviously the management and the lads have made me feel really welcome. I'm just taking each day as it comes, but I'm enjoying it.

"The games are very fast and you've just got to be switched on. Any little mistake, you get punished. But the main thing for me is just trying to be in the box and try to get to the end of things and score goals."

Prior to impressing against Rochdale, his competitive debut against AFC Wimbledon in the first round of the EFL Cup was one to forget.

Gwengwe missed a penalty during Newport's 1-1 draw, before eventually losing 5-4 in a penalty shootout, but he insists he did not let it affect him.

"I had to remain positive. You want to score every penalty that you take, but sometimes these things happen," he added

"It's fine margins, but I try to remain positive and also just work at it. Reps, reps, reps and I know I can score penalties, it was just one of them blips."

Although Gwengwe bagged his side's second goal last weekend, manager Mullins deployed the traditional number nine out wide.

And despite not playing in his preferred position, he is relishing his time under the new boss.

"It's different, but that's what the team needs right now. I'm there doing the job for the team. At the end of the day, even though I'm out wide, my aim is to create and score goals," he said.

"It's been really good [under the manager], demanding as well, especially as an attacker, but that's a good thing. He expects a lot from us and we try to do that for him each and every day, especially in training.

"That's transforming now onto the pitch and long may it continue, we're all enjoying it under him."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County boss expects a tricky encounter as his side travel to Bristol Rovers for a Severnside derby on Saturday, 22 August (12:30 BST).

The Exiles got off to the perfect start in Mullins' first league game in charge last Saturday.

A dominant performance saw them beat newly promoted Rochdale 3-0, to the delight of County supporters.

Steve Evans' Rovers will be looking for a response after losing 3-2 away at National League champions York City in their campaign opener.

"Steve Evans' teams are always tough to play against and I think after the weekend they'll definitely want to try and get a response in," said Mullins.

"I watched their game. They look solid. They look like a good team. They've got energy. I expect nothing less than a tough game and especially the first 10-15 minutes.

"I'm sure it'll be a tough, tough, game and a tough afternoon and if we do get a result there, it'll be through a lot of hard work and a bit of a battle."

The Gas won both encounters between the two sides last season, including a 3-0 hammering at the Memorial Stadium back in January.

County will be looking for some revenge on Saturday but Mullins insists his players are not getting carried away despite carrying the momentum of Saturday's comfortable three points.

"With us we've just tried to focus on areas of the game where we feel we can have an impact. I think that's our main thing, keeping the players grounded," Mullins added.

"There are different things and different elements we can look at. I think it's for everyone else to maybe get carried away with, but we've got a job to do.

"Once the whistle starts, hopefully the boys will be focused on what they're doing and we can really give them a tough game and apply our game on the Saturday and get the result."

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Nathan Blake believes Newport County benefited from Hayden Mullins' more "pragmatic" approach as they started their League Two campaign with a stunning 3-0 win over Rochdale.

Goals from Kyle Cameron, Shaquille Gwengwe and Yahya Bamba earned the Exiles all three points in their fourth tier opener at Rodney Parade last weekend in what was Mullins' first league match as boss.

The Exiles had just 32.8% possession against Ian Watson's side, despite the fact the visitors played with 10 men after Bryant Bilongo was sent off in the 66th minute.

"It's pragmatic, the football they're playing. You're not trying to do what your players aren't capable of," ex-Newport frontman Blake said on the BBC's Feast of Football podcast.

"I say it all the time, I won't name the managers, but there's been managers who have been trying to play a style of football, and Newport haven't got the players for it.

"It's the Pep Guardiola thing, but there's only one Pep Guardiola. You need to find your own style."

Pundits regularly raised concerns over the lack of experience in Newport's squad last season.

And former Wales striker Blake has praised new boss Mullins for playing to the strengths of his players.

"That's what I like about Mullins. He's come in and he's assessed what he's got," added Blake.

"There's nothing wrong with your goalkeeper kicking the ball. For me, they [previously] went too long trying to play football or a style of football that they simply didn't have the players to play.

"That's why they got themselves in so much trouble, along with other things.

"He's playing a style of football that's more conducive to the players that you've got."

Alfie Merritt, on loan from Bournemouth, hopes to build on his League Two debut for Newport County in the 3-0 win over Rochdale.

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Newport County summer recruit Yahya Bamba says he is loving playing under new manager Hayden Mullins.

"It's been fantastic. His playing style, his structure, everything. I love it," said the 27-year-old forward, who joined from Forest Green Rovers in June.

"That's the type of person that I would like to play for as well. His way of playing, pressing and everything like that. I'm honestly enjoying my time here."

Bamba marked his competitive debut with a spectacular goal against AFC Wimbledon in Newport's first round defeat in the EFL Cup.

The League Two campaign kicks off on Saturday against newly promoted Rochdale (12:30 BST).

"Excited to be playing at home, first of all, in front of the fans at Rodney Parade," Bamba said.

"We are going to try and get the three points on Saturday and see how the season goes after that."

Newport boss Hayden Mullins says he is looking forward to their League Two opener against Rochdale on Saturday.

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We asked Newport County supporters if their first competitive game of the season - the Carabao Cup defeat by League One AFC Wimbledon - left them feeling optimistic before the new League Two campaign.

Here is what some fans had to say:

Paul: Definitely. The Exiles looked like a team as opposed to a team of disparate individuals. Unfortunate not to have gone into nine minutes added on time (where did that come from?!) only one goal up against a League One team and more than held their own against AS Roma, a Serie A team. If they add a couple of sensible defensive and midfield additions in the next couple of weeks, play-offs may be a distinct possibility.

Ian: I have a good feeling about this season for the County. While it was difficult to judge progress against AS Roma, I thought we equipped ourselves well against a top team. We also showed some good football against Wimbledon. I thought Bamba's goal was top notch. Hayden Mullins is showing a positive approach to how County set themselves up. A new season, so new hope. I am so positive I bought a season ticket for the first time!

Chris: Be good to see Joe Thomas playing more football. Good young player.

Ian: Better recruitment over the summer, new manager in place and either three or four more players to come in...I think we will be fine this season. Mullins has a style of play that will fit League Two so positive, yes, but still nervous as it's Newport County after all.

Newport County started the Hayden Mullins era with a Carabao Cup defeat by AFC Wimbledon, but it was an encouraging performance.

The Exiles were close to knocking out the League One Dons, who equalised deep in stoppage time and then progressed on penalties.

County have had a summer of change after the shock departure of Christian Fuchs, but there were plenty of positives from Mullins' first competitive fixture.

The manager will hope to build on them when League Two gets under way with the visit of Rochdale on Saturday, 15 August (12:30 BST).

Yahya Bamba scored a terrific goal on debut, what did you make of the new signings?

Did County have a more solid look thanks to the additions of Cameron Norman and Kyle Cameron in defence?

What other signings need to be made in the rest of the transfer window?

Let us know what you think by clicking here.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County boss Hayden Mullins has urged Yahya Bamba to believe in himself after a stunning goal on debut.

The summer signing from Forest Green Rovers caught the eye on his first competitive outing for the Exiles by scoring a superb solo goal against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup.

It looked like his 71st-minute strike – when he came off the left wing and curled in an effort from outside the area – would be the winner but the Dons levelled in added time and then went through on penalties.

County, however, took plenty of positives from the performance before their League Two opener with Rochdale on Saturday, including the fast feet of winger Bamba.

"I really want him to believe in his ability, because in the first half he was a little bit quiet for his standards," said new manager Mullins.

"He had times when he had the ball and could have exploded, because there was grass in behind.

"He was a little bit safe but we spoke about that at half-time and tried to encourage him a bit more.

"He came out in the second half and was a real threat every time that the game opened up and we got him the ball.

"He was a danger and scored a fantastic goal, which he definitely deserved."

Bamba came off with a tight hamstring and will hope to recover to feature against Rochdale at Rodney Parade on Saturday (12:30 BST).

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County boss Hayden Mullins hopes that suffering late Carabao Cup anguish against AFC Wimbledon will serve them well in League Two.

The Exiles looked set to knock the League One Dons out in the first round when leading 1-0 through Yahya Bamba's terrific debut goal.

But Callum Maycock equalised in the seventh of nine added minutes and then Wimbledon won 5-4 on penalties, with Wales midfielder Matt Smith the only player to have an effort saved.

Mullins was proud of his team but disappointed they did not stand up to late pressure.

"We are going into a tough season now in League Two and will need to dig in. Those moments will be key," he said.

Mullins took the reins at the end of July and, after friendlies against Yeovil Town and Italian Serie A side Roma, now has a full week working with his squad.

The Exiles, who avoided relegation on the final day of the 2025-26 season, start their new League Two campaign with a home fixture against promoted Rochdale on Saturday, 15 August (12:30 BST).

"We will have a settled week and some time to really get to work on the training field. It's been a little bit of a rush," said Mullins.

"We've just got to remember we are a threat and a good side when we are nice and organised.

"We look a hard team to break down and the club have made some really good signings, with experience and a good blend.

"We are a couple short of where we need to be, but I am sure they will be arriving in the coming weeks."

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Newport County have signed left-back Alfie Merritt on a season-long loan from Bournemouth.

The 18-year-old featured on trial for the Exiles in pre-season and started in Tuesday's 4-1 friendly defeat by Italian giants Roma at Rodney Parade.

Merritt signed his first professional contract with the Cherries last summer and got a taste of senior football when making 13 appearances for Totton in Southern League Premier South last season.

The teenager will now spend the 2026-27 campaign with County in League Two, competing with Tom Davies for the start at left-back.

Merritt could make his debut against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup on Saturday, 8 August (15:00 BST).

Merritt is the first signing made since the appointment of Hayden Mullins as manager and the ninth in total.

Six players were signed while Christian Fuchs was in the hotseat - Harrison Biggins, Christian Doidge, Cameron Norman, Dan Sassi, Shaquille Gwengwe and Yahya Bamba - and Kyle Cameron and Kieron Evans joined after the Austrian's shock departure.

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport County boss Hayden Mullins says he cannot wait to get started before Saturday's first competitive game against AFC Wimbledon.

Having overseen just two training sessions and two friendly matches since being appointed, the former Fulham Under-21 head coach takes his side to Cherry Red Records Stadium for the first round of the EFL Cup (15:00 BST).

"I know it'll be a tough game against good opposition. I know [Wimbledon boss] Johnnie Jackson and how he sets his teams up," said Mullins.

"But if we approach it with the same mentality as we showed against Roma then we should be able to give them a good game."

The Dons finished 19th in League One last season and Mullins says he expects "a real tough game".

"They're playing at home, the fans' expectations will be high," he added.

"They expect to get a good result so hopefully we can go there and put a spanner in what he's thinking."

New club captain Kyle Cameron echoed his manager's thoughts.

"I know from playing against them before that they're well-drilled. It's going to be a tough test and good marker of where we're at."

But Cameron, who only joined the Exiles six weeks ago, is optimistic about County's hopes of causing an upset.

"We are creating chances and causing teams problems," he said.

"If you can do that against a side like Roma, you'd like to think we can take that confidence into Saturday as well.

"The fighting performances are what we're going to need and hopefully we'll be on the end of a good result."

Mullins, meanwhile, has revealed that Newport are closing in on another signing, who perhaps has already appeared for County this pre-season.

Teenage AFC Bournemouth defender Alfie Merritt featured for the Exiles in Tuesday's 4-1 pre-season defeat by the Italian side.

“I think we're in the process of doing one of those,“ confirmed the manager.

“And we're still looking for another couple of players as well.”