Newport County

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Newport County boss Hayden Mullins has revealed Shaquille Gwengwe jokingly asked to play up front after scoring his third and fourth goals of the season.

Gwengwe, who netted 46 non-league goals in the past season, scored his first County brace as they drew 2-2 with Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.

The 25-year-old has been deployed on the left wing for the Exiles so far this season, but would prefer to start in his more natural striker position.

No player in League Two has scored more goals than the former Southern League Premier Division South standout, and Mullins would not want a chance to fall to any other County player.

"Shaq has done really well. He's getting the rewards from his hard work," said Mullins.

"He's playing in an area of the pitch which is not his first position, but he is doing a job for the team.

"Jokingly, he just said to me, 'Have I earned a place up front yet?' I said, 'We could change you, but the goals may dry up, so be careful what you wish for'."

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Gwengwe also scored in Newport's opening League Two win against Rochdale and the following 5-3 defeat at Bristol Rovers.

"He's scored four in three games. Shaq is doing a good job for the team. He popped up at the end when we needed him, and that's a mark of a good player and a good striker," added Mullins.

"It was a measured finish, on his right foot. At that time we had pushed him up front with Cole [Jarvis]. We needed a goal, and he's picked up the chance at the end.

"To be fair, you don't want it to fall to anybody else. He's in real good form at the moment. He is a striker that thrives in those moments."

Mullins has been pleased not only to see Gwengwe net in three consecutive games, but also with the quality of the former Poole Town forward's efforts.

"All of his goals have been striker's goals. He's come up a couple of levels, but you wouldn't think it. I keep reminding him that it comes from hard work and graft," Mullins said after the Tranmere draw.

"It won't be easy, he will feel, but he's doing really well. He got man of the match today, which he deserved."

Newport sit 11th in League Two after three games and travel to Salford, who are yet to win a point, on Tuesday, 1 September (19:45 BST).

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Newport County boss Hayden Mullins hailed his side remaining unbeaten at Rodney Parade after The Exiles salvaged a late draw against Tranmere on Saturday.

Trailing 2-1, Shaquille Gwengwe rescued a point with a 90th minute strike, meaning Newport have taken four points from their opening two home fixtures this season.

In the 2025-25 campaign, they lost 13 of their 22 league games at Rodney Parade, amassing just 22 points as they battled to survive relegation.

After the game, Mullins was asked about his desire to make his home ground a "fortress".

"Yeah, it's big. It's big for us," he replied.

"I think the one big positive is us scoring last in the game and drawing the game. It still feels like we've got something out of the game and we've got to take that.

"We are unbeaten at home. The fans have helped today, the boys have come off the bench and everyone's helped."

Newport now have two away games, at Salford and Northampton, before hosting Fleetwood Town on 12 September.

"It's a real, real big plus and a bonus that we're unbeaten at home, and we've got to use that. We've got to use it as fuel and really strive to make this place a real tough place to come."

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

Cole Jarvis says scoring his first Football League goal for Newport "means everything" after a career proving himself at every level.

The 25-year-old came off the bench to score in Saturday's 5-3 Severnside derby defeat to Bristol Rovers, heading home just five minutes after replacing Christian Doidge in his first League Two appearance of the season.

The goal marked another milestone in Jarvis' "upwards trajectory", which has taken him from Merthyr Town's academy, through the Welsh football pyramid and now into the EFL.

"For somebody like me who's never come through the academy set-up and has always had to prove myself, it's a massive achievement," said Jarvis.

"My family and I are so proud; it means everything.

"But it's not the end there. We look for more, we strive for more, and we strive to be better."

Having scored seven times for Merthyr in the first-half of last season, Jarvis made the move to Newport in January, but admits transitioning to full-time football is "a challenge".

"I came in at a difficult time," he said. "It's not an opportunity you can turn down, and I felt I was ready for it.

"It was a tough end to the season, but we've got something great going on now, so we keep building."

After making 11 substitute appearances under former boss Christian Fuchs, Jarvis feels the arrival of Hayden Mullins has brought renewed optimism to the group.

Mullins deployed Jarvis as a makeshift striker at Rovers in the absence of James Crole and Jed Garner, and the versatile midfielder is happy to embrace his new role.

"I'm really invested in him. I feel like we can do something really good together as a group," said Jarvis.

"I want to be on the pitch. I'll do whatever it takes for the team. Whatever scenario or position I'm in, I'm there to give 100%."

And Mullins, who likened Jarvis' versatility to his own playing days, was pleased to see him score a goal straight from the training ground.

"Alfie [Merritt] went down the left, crossed it and Cole finished with his head, so it stuck in our heads from there," he said.

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Despite the defeat, Jarvis described the Bristol Rovers match as the "biggest derby" he has been a part of, with his elation at scoring clear to see.

His family and friends were among those watching, but there was little opportunity to savour his "excellent" heading moment as the Exiles were hungry for more.

"I didn't get to celebrate properly in front of the fans because I had to pick up the ball and run back to the centre circle," he said.

"My family were there. They loved it, I loved it, but we'll have one day where we can celebrate properly."

Jarvis will be hoping that opportunity arrives on Saturday when Newport host Tranmere, and the former Martyrs man insisted there is nowhere he would rather be than Rodney Parade.

"It's the best place to be. The fans are so supportive, they're very passionate, and we can't thank them enough."

We asked Newport County supporters how they feel about the start Hayden Mullins' charges have made to the new season, and whether they were disappointed with Bobby Kamwa's celebration for Bristol Rovers.

Kamwa, scorer of the goal which kept Newport in League Two at the end of last season, ran the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of Newport fans after his first goal in Bristol Rovers colours.

Here is what some fans had to say:

Andy: It's early days for us. After last season's tightrope walk, we have to show our staying power. It could be our honeymoon period, but things look definitely on the up. I don't blame Bobby Kamwa, but I do think he could have shown more maturity from the off and acknowledged the Newport fans and club for the support and development his career has received.

Tony: Everyone has the right to seek employment elsewhere, so let the authorities deal with misconduct on the field, and we supporters should just concentrate on encouraging our squad, and stop wasting energy on chanting abuse at players. That's just letting the majority of supporters and certainly the good name of our club down. I think we need a defence-minded midfield general, someone who's not afraid to put his foot in where it hurts and another wide man to feed our strikers.

Terry: I suggested Newport will do better this season because there looked to be more goals in the squad and six from two is a great return - although clearly the defence needs tightening. As for Bobby Kamwa, he had taken his fair share of abuse on the day, and he got caught up in the moment as the adrenaline kicked in - although he probably should not have celebrated in such a fashion.

Tim: Having seen the first two games, I feel more confident about our season ahead. We are scoring goals, which has been an issue in the past. As regards Kamwa, then yes, he overstepped the mark. All players get stick when playing former teams, and he should remember that he was going nowhere until County took a chance on him and resurrected his career.

Ashley: The starting XI looks genuinely competitive. Bristol Rovers are fancied for promotion and that match could have swung either way, so there's real reason for optimism. The concern is depth. There are good players outside the XI - James Crole, Cameron Evans, Matt Smith - but the squad still feels light in key areas. Without reinforcements, grinding through games while carrying knocks will be difficult.

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Newport County manager Hayden Mullins expects another demanding afternoon when his side host Tranmere Rovers on Saturday (15:00 BST), warning that "no game will be easy" in League Two this season.

The Exiles return to Rodney Parade looking to bounce back from last weekend's entertaining 5-3 Severnside derby defeat at Bristol Rovers, a match Mullins felt provided plenty of encouragement despite the result.

"It was a real derby atmosphere. The game had everything really," said Mullins.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the game. I enjoyed our performance, our character, our energy and our threat to their goal.

"What I asked the boys to do, I saw for large periods of the game."

Newport have made a positive start under Mullins, who has quickly established consistency by naming the same starting XI in all three competitive fixtures to date.

That cohesion has been reflected in attack, with County scoring six goals in their past two matches after often struggling to find the target last term.

The Exiles were ahead after just 15 seconds at the Memorial Stadium before ultimately falling short, and Mullins wants another fast start at Rodney Parade.

"Come Saturday at three o'clock, we've got to start right, start fast and hopefully we're positive and can get the crowd with us," he said.

The fixture also provides a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change.

When the sides met at Rodney Parade in March, Newport climbed out of the League Two relegation zone for the first time in 151 days, a result that proved pivotal in their eventual survival.

Last term Newport won just six times at home, but having secured a 3-0 win to Rochdale on the opening day, the mood is now considerably brighter.

But Mullins does not expect it to be easy for the visit of a Tranmere side showing signs of improvement under manager Darrell Clarke.

Before Clarke's arrival earlier this summer, Rovers won just one of their final 12 league matches of last season as they finished two points behind the Exiles.

However, they have opened the new campaign unbeaten with four points from their first two League Two games and sit fourth.

"I've watched their two games and they work incredibly hard," said Mullins on the test ahead of his side.

"They've got a bit of quality in their team as well, so we understand the threats they pose.

"Darrell Clarke's teams are never easy to play against, and I'm sure he'll have his team well drilled and well versed on us."

Former Newport striker Courtney Baker-Richardson could also feature against his old club.

The forward scored four goals last season for County and made his first Tranmere appearance off the bench on the opening weekend of the campaign.

Newport midfielder Cole Jarvis, who played alongside Baker-Richardson last season, is anticipating a physical encounter.

"We've gone through some bits, and they seem a physical side," said Jarvis.

"But I have no fear in us getting the three points."

Luke Hemmings
BBC Sport Wales

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Newport County manager Hayden Mullins has urged patience as the Exiles work to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes.

The 47-year-old admitted he would have liked the remaining business to be done sooner, but says circumstances around prospective signings have slowed progress.

Newport have already made 11 signings this summer, most recently landing midfielder Matt Dibley-Dias on loan from Fulham

But former Fulham under-21 boss Mullins has indicated further recruits remain a possibility before the deadline on Tuesday, 1 September at 23:00 BST.

"We are looking to try and do something. We're still looking. Hopefully we can get those through and over the line," said Mullins.

"The players we're looking at are involved in their own games as well, so I have to be a little bit patient.

"The group are in a good place, so it's nothing I'm looking for immediately to go into the group.

"It's just the strength that we need and the depth and the competition around the group that we need to try and get in."

While Newport continue to explore the market, the County boss stressed he is not expecting any departures before the window closes.

"Everyone in the building at the moment is part of the plan, so I've got no immediate plans to do anything there," he said.

"It's a long season so we're going to need bodies. For the meantime, I think we're settled."

Newport host Tranmere Rovers at Rodney Parade on Saturday (15:00 BST) before travelling to Salford City on transfer deadline day.

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With fixtures coming thick and fast, Mullins acknowledged rotation may soon become necessary after naming the same lineup in all three competitive matches this season.

"We're mindful that we're potentially going to have to make changes. The squad is there for a reason, and we will use it," he said.

Mullins pointed to the impact of his substitutes against Bristol Rovers, with Alfie Merritt providing an assist and Cole Jarvis scoring Newport's late consolation goal.

"All the boys who came on added to the performance," he added.

Despite injuries to Jed Garner and James Crole, Mullins suggested striker is not an area he is currently looking to strengthen.

A move to sign a winger, which would allow Shaquille Gwengwe (pictured above) to move back to his preferred position up front, could not be ruled out.

"Shaq Gwengwe can fill that role; we've got Christian Doidgie, Jed Garner, Cole Jarvis did it on Saturday and helped, and we've still got James Crole who is out injured," said Mullins.

"We're hoping Croley will be back in the coming weeks.

"I think the group is in a good place. It's got strong competition at the moment. We just need to add in a few areas of the pitch where we feel a little bit light."

Newport County have made an encouraging start to life under Hayden Mullins, despite defeat by Bristol Rovers in League Two on Saturday.

The Exiles suffered a 5-3 loss at the Memorial Stadium after winning their the league opener against Rochdale and being beaten on penalties by League One AFC Wimbledon.

It has been a solid start by a side tipped to struggle after avoiding relegation on the last day of 2025-26.

What did you make of the performance in Bristol, and how disappointing was the celebration by former County forward Bobby Kamwa after his goal?

Did he have the right to enjoy the moment after being a target following his summer move?

With games against Tranmere and Salford coming up, what does Mullins need to add in the final days of the transfer window?

Let us know what you think by clicking here.

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Newport boss Hayden Mullins was pleased with his side's performance despite their disappointing loss at Bristol Rovers.

It was a dramatic game at the Memorial Stadium, including six second-half goals as the Gas ran out 5-3 winners.

"It was a quick game. It seemed to have everything, all the ingredients you'd want for a local derby, both teams went for it," said Mullins.

"I don't think we're the type of team to sit off and try and protect. When I saw my team two goals down and still going for the game, I knew we're in a good place.

"Even our first-half performance was excellent. We were unlucky not to be a couple of goals up. It was a bit of a sloppy goal. We conceded right before the end of the half, which really gave them belief."

County raced into the lead after just 15 seconds thanks to a composed finish from Harrison Biggins, much to the delight of his new manager.

"It was exactly what we wanted to try and do. We wanted to start fast, we wanted to be aggressive and impress and get around the ball. I think we did that at the beginning," Mullins added.

"The first half was full of positives. I saw my team today do exactly what I asked them to do in the first half. We wanted to be front-footed, we wanted to be positive. We wanted to take the game to Rovers and we did."

Former County forward Bobby Kamwa was jeered all afternoon by County supporters after leaving the club in the summer to join Bristol Rovers.

He went on to have the last laugh, scoring the Gas' fourth goal and running the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the travelling supporters.

"I've been told that he celebrated in front of the fans. I'm not too sure what the players think about it," he said.

"But that's Bobby's decision. He celebrated that way and I'm sure the fans let him know what they thought."

Newport manager Hayden Mullins is not panicking despite their chaotic 5-3 loss away at Bristol Rovers.

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Newport County Shaquille Gwengwe says he is enjoying his time in south Wales since signing from Poole Town in the summer.

The prolific 24-year-old scored 46 goals in 46 games last season in the Southern Premier Division South and stepped up three divisions to switch to the Exiles.

The forward made his league debut during County's season opener, scoring County's second goal in their 3-0 win against Rochdale.

"To be honest, I'm just enjoying it. I'm having fun. I think my transition has been fairly comfortable," said Gwengwe.

"Obviously the management and the lads have made me feel really welcome. I'm just taking each day as it comes, but I'm enjoying it.

"The games are very fast and you've just got to be switched on. Any little mistake, you get punished. But the main thing for me is just trying to be in the box and try to get to the end of things and score goals."

Prior to impressing against Rochdale, his competitive debut against AFC Wimbledon in the first round of the EFL Cup was one to forget.

Gwengwe missed a penalty during Newport's 1-1 draw, before eventually losing 5-4 in a penalty shootout, but he insists he did not let it affect him.

"I had to remain positive. You want to score every penalty that you take, but sometimes these things happen," he added

"It's fine margins, but I try to remain positive and also just work at it. Reps, reps, reps and I know I can score penalties, it was just one of them blips."

Although Gwengwe bagged his side's second goal last weekend, manager Mullins deployed the traditional number nine out wide.

And despite not playing in his preferred position, he is relishing his time under the new boss.

"It's different, but that's what the team needs right now. I'm there doing the job for the team. At the end of the day, even though I'm out wide, my aim is to create and score goals," he said.

"It's been really good [under the manager], demanding as well, especially as an attacker, but that's a good thing. He expects a lot from us and we try to do that for him each and every day, especially in training.

"That's transforming now onto the pitch and long may it continue, we're all enjoying it under him."

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Newport County boss expects a tricky encounter as his side travel to Bristol Rovers for a Severnside derby on Saturday, 22 August (12:30 BST).

The Exiles got off to the perfect start in Mullins' first league game in charge last Saturday.

A dominant performance saw them beat newly promoted Rochdale 3-0, to the delight of County supporters.

Steve Evans' Rovers will be looking for a response after losing 3-2 away at National League champions York City in their campaign opener.

"Steve Evans' teams are always tough to play against and I think after the weekend they'll definitely want to try and get a response in," said Mullins.

"I watched their game. They look solid. They look like a good team. They've got energy. I expect nothing less than a tough game and especially the first 10-15 minutes.

"I'm sure it'll be a tough, tough, game and a tough afternoon and if we do get a result there, it'll be through a lot of hard work and a bit of a battle."

The Gas won both encounters between the two sides last season, including a 3-0 hammering at the Memorial Stadium back in January.

County will be looking for some revenge on Saturday but Mullins insists his players are not getting carried away despite carrying the momentum of Saturday's comfortable three points.

"With us we've just tried to focus on areas of the game where we feel we can have an impact. I think that's our main thing, keeping the players grounded," Mullins added.

"There are different things and different elements we can look at. I think it's for everyone else to maybe get carried away with, but we've got a job to do.

"Once the whistle starts, hopefully the boys will be focused on what they're doing and we can really give them a tough game and apply our game on the Saturday and get the result."

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Nathan Blake believes Newport County benefited from Hayden Mullins' more "pragmatic" approach as they started their League Two campaign with a stunning 3-0 win over Rochdale.

Goals from Kyle Cameron, Shaquille Gwengwe and Yahya Bamba earned the Exiles all three points in their fourth tier opener at Rodney Parade last weekend in what was Mullins' first league match as boss.

The Exiles had just 32.8% possession against Ian Watson's side, despite the fact the visitors played with 10 men after Bryant Bilongo was sent off in the 66th minute.

"It's pragmatic, the football they're playing. You're not trying to do what your players aren't capable of," ex-Newport frontman Blake said on the BBC's Feast of Football podcast.

"I say it all the time, I won't name the managers, but there's been managers who have been trying to play a style of football, and Newport haven't got the players for it.

"It's the Pep Guardiola thing, but there's only one Pep Guardiola. You need to find your own style."

Pundits regularly raised concerns over the lack of experience in Newport's squad last season.

And former Wales striker Blake has praised new boss Mullins for playing to the strengths of his players.

"That's what I like about Mullins. He's come in and he's assessed what he's got," added Blake.

"There's nothing wrong with your goalkeeper kicking the ball. For me, they [previously] went too long trying to play football or a style of football that they simply didn't have the players to play.

"That's why they got themselves in so much trouble, along with other things.

"He's playing a style of football that's more conducive to the players that you've got."

Alfie Merritt, on loan from Bournemouth, hopes to build on his League Two debut for Newport County in the 3-0 win over Rochdale.

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Newport County summer recruit Yahya Bamba says he is loving playing under new manager Hayden Mullins.

"It's been fantastic. His playing style, his structure, everything. I love it," said the 27-year-old forward, who joined from Forest Green Rovers in June.

"That's the type of person that I would like to play for as well. His way of playing, pressing and everything like that. I'm honestly enjoying my time here."

Bamba marked his competitive debut with a spectacular goal against AFC Wimbledon in Newport's first round defeat in the EFL Cup.

The League Two campaign kicks off on Saturday against newly promoted Rochdale (12:30 BST).

"Excited to be playing at home, first of all, in front of the fans at Rodney Parade," Bamba said.

"We are going to try and get the three points on Saturday and see how the season goes after that."