Newport County manager Hayden Mullins praised his side’s performance against AS Roma, with the County boss believing the experience of facing Champions League opposition will provide valuable preparation ahead of the new season.
Despite the quality of the visitors, County showed their competitiveness throughout the evening, creating chances, matching Roma’s intensity and giving supporters plenty of positives to take from a memorable night at Rodney Parade.
Mullins was pleased with the character and determination shown by his players, highlighting the importance of displaying those qualities when the competitive campaign gets underway.
“We take a lot of belief from it,” Mullins said.
“I think there were some really good performances in there from us. We started on the front foot and it was a fantastic occasion with a sell-out crowd here.
“They're a Champions League team, and I think we had the best chance of the first half, albeit they scored one which was a little bit tougher than our chance.
“But in terms of the test, in terms of digging in, in terms of a bit of the grit and determination, that’s what we need to see in the season.”
The manager admitted he knew the fixture would provide a difficult challenge, particularly after Roma’s previous result against Cardiff City, but felt the occasion gave his players the perfect opportunity to test themselves against top-level opposition.
“I knew it was going to be a tough night,” Mullins explained.
“What made it tougher was the result they had against Cardiff, so we knew there was going to be a different team out here today, a team with something to prove.
“I think the difficulty for me is I've had one training session and two games with the boys, so it’s been really tough to get a lot of the ideas I want to bring across into the team.
“But looking at them today, a lot of the spirit, the endeavour and the hard work is definitely what we’re going to need.
“It was pleasing to get the goal as well. I think that gives us that little bit of belief that we can break down a very good side.”
County’s goal against Roma was a reward for the attacking intent shown by the team, with Mullins pleased to see his players continue to create opportunities against one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The manager believes the performance showed the foundations needed as the squad prepares for the start of the competitive campaign.
“The lads gave everything,” Mullins added.
“We know most weekends won’t look like this because we won’t be playing a Champions League team, but in terms of the test, the way we competed and the way we stayed in the game, those are the things we need to take into the season.”
With the Carabao Cup opener against AFC Wimbledon now approaching, Mullins is keen for County to build on the positives from their meeting with Roma and carry that belief into the opening competitive fixture.
