County must dig in under pressure - Mullins

[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." Latest Newport County news, analysis and fan views