Hayden Mullins: Fresh start for Newport County new manager

The early readings bode well for Exiles supporters.

in his first competitive game Mullins’ side pushed League One opponents AFC Wimbledon all the way in their Carabao Cup first round clash – agonisingly losing 5-4 on penalties after conceding an equaliser deep into added time.

And the former Crystal Palace and West Ham United midfielder was encouraged by what he saw.

“The initial feeling felt like a defeat, conceding so late into the game, it was a draw over the 98-99 minutes. But when we sit down and have a look at the game and review it, there were so many positives,” Mullins said.

“We know that, obviously, our league will be a tough league, and a tough campaign. There’s a lot of things I saw Saturday which we need to take out and take into our league campaign.

“There’s a few bits that we need to leave behind. We’re not the finished article, but like I say, we pushed a good League One side the whole way on Saturday. They had to be at their limit to beat us.”

Some of County’s signings are also starting to make their mark in South Wales.

Yahya Bamba announced himself on the scene with spectacular long-range strike to open the scoring against the Dons – and Bournemouth loanee Alfie Merritt drew praise on social media for his performance against Italian giants Roma.

The Newport boss has urged for patience with youngster Merritt as he settles into life in South Wales.

“There’s loads of bits that I can see in Alfie’s game which could potentially help us this season. We know he’s a young player. There’s going to be times we’re going to have to be patient with him.

“We’re here to try and help him and try and help his game. We know we’re in the results business and Alfie knows that he’s got to be ready for Saturday if his chance comes.”

The possibility of further recruitment has also not been ruled out by the head coach.

“There are bits that we are trying to do. Whether they entirely all come off, no-one knows,” Mullins added.

“There are a lot of clubs trying to do business now. We’re no different. Some targets you go for, two or three clubs are in for the same player.

“We just have to be quite cute and quite shrewd in what we’re doing and try and get the targets that we’re after, I’m sure there will be incomings.”