Hayden Mullins reflected on Newport County’s growing confidence, the character shown in their recent comebacks, squad depth and the challenge of facing Cheltenham Town this weekend.
Mullins praised the resilience shown by his players after coming from behind against both York City and Rotherham United, highlighting the importance of their response in difficult situations.
“In both games, we went down in the game. The response in the second half against York was good, and on Tuesday, we went down two goals and put up a really good fight.
“When we got back in the game with Harrison’s penalty, I thought we started to calm down a little bit more and looked nearer ourselves.”
The manager also acknowledged the impact of mistakes in recent matches but was pleased that his side continued to fight for results.
“These things happen in games. It’s just pleasing for me that we definitely got something out of the game on Tuesday, which was very good.”
With County’s unbeaten run continuing, Mullins was quick to credit his players for their performances and commitment.
“I’m really proud of what the boys are doing. We’re attacking every game, we’re in every game and we look strong in every game. I think the credit definitely goes down to the players.”
Mullins was also pleased with the competition for places in attack, with Kion Etete and Ged Garner both finding the net in recent fixtures.
“I think there’s genuine competition up top. Whoever’s got the shirt has got to perform now. They’re looking over at the bench and seeing two or three guys waiting to come on. You’ve got to try and do whatever you can while you’ve got the shirt.”
The manager provided an update on the squad’s fitness, confirming that Matty Jacob would be out for several weeks with a hamstring strain, while other players continued their recovery.
“Matty Jacob will be another three or four weeks. He’s picked up a bit of a hamstring strain in the game.
“We’re taking a bit of a knock at the moment, but lads who are coming on and are fit are really helping us. Matt Smith came on against Rotherham and improved our performance, which was really good.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s trip to Cheltenham Town, Mullins expects another difficult encounter but believes his side can carry their recent momentum into the fixture.
“We’re in the middle of a really tough run, with York, Rotherham away, Cheltenham away and Chesterfield at home. We’re expecting a tough game. Hopefully, we can go there and get a result and give them a tough game back.”
Mullins believes the recent comebacks have strengthened the belief within the dressing room and is determined to see that continue.
“The belief in the group is right up there. For us to come back from 2-0 the other night, especially when it looked like we could have got done four or five, is a testament to the boys.
“We’re really pleased with the run and it just grows belief. We can attack every game in the right frame of mind, and hopefully we can go to Cheltenham on Saturday and get a result.”