Hayden Mullins was pleased with Newport County’s performance as they began their EFL Trophy campaign with a 2-0 away victory.
“I think it was a game which we were really dominant in. I’m really pleased with the clean sheet, but just a little bit of frustration that we didn’t add more.
“I think we hit the post twice, we missed the penalty, we missed numerous chances. There’s a little bit of frustration that it wasn’t a little bit more, to be honest.
“But for the group of lads who have had to be patient, to give them 90 minutes and minutes on the pitch, it was really pleasing to see the group come together and put on that performance.
“It was one which had pace, energy, creativity and athleticism, and we were tough. We blocked numerous shots and were really tight and compact as a unit.”
Mullins was also pleased with the number of chances County created throughout the game.
“We’ve done that throughout the season, if I’m being honest. I look back at the Cheltenham game, and even the game we played against Fleetwood, we probably should have been another couple of goals up at half-time.
“We’ve created a lot throughout the season, and I think today we had a bit more pace on the pitch in the wide areas.
“It was pleasing that Jed was getting a lot of service through the middle as well, and the three lads in midfield added a lot of energy.
“It was a good performance, but like I said, it’s one where we are creating chances, and we’re not far away from putting together four or five.”
Jake Turner also impressed on his first start for the club, keeping a clean sheet.
“Jake’s another one who had to be patient. Coming at the beginning of the season, Jordan’s played really well, and Jake’s had to be patient.
“It was nice to see him keep a clean sheet tonight, and he just assured what he did.
“I think he’s a player who’s got a lot of experience in this division, and he’s a player I know pretty well. We’re really pleased to have someone like Jake in the squad as well as having Jordan.
“He’ll put pressure on Jordan, which is good, and it’ll be healthy pressure and competition along with Sean McDonald as well.”
One of the highlights of the evening was a competitive debut for academy player Harrison Haupin.
“Harrison’s been training a lot with the group. He trains a lot with us most weeks, and it was pleasing to see him on the pitch.
“He didn’t really look out of place. We put him in at right-back and he slotted in there pretty well, with some important headers and blocks for us.
“He’s one we hope that we can keep around for a while, and hopefully he’s one for the future.”=
With international call-ups creating opportunities for other players, Mullins believes the competition for places will remain strong.
“We want to create a lot of competition and healthy competition.
“We try and drive and challenge them, and push them in the right way. We knew we wanted to attack this game and attack the competition.
“As with any game we take the field, any Newport team that takes the field, I think it’s always going to be competitive and we’re always going to have an edge.
“It’s pleasing to see the group today get the win and the clean sheet.”