Newport County’s Hayden Mullins Encourages Yahya Bamba After Debut Goal
Newport County manager Hayden Mullins has called on newcomer Yahya Bamba to have faith in his own capabilities following an impressive debut performance. The summer recruit from Forest Green Rovers distinguished himself by netting a remarkable solo goal in his first competitive match for the Exiles against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup.
Bamba scored the standout goal in the 71st minute, curling a shot from outside the box after cutting in from the left wing. Although it initially seemed that his goal would secure victory, AFC Wimbledon equalized in added time and ultimately advanced through penalties.
Despite the outcome, Newport County focused on the positives as they prepare for their League Two opener against Rochdale on Saturday. Particularly noted was Bamba’s quick footedness.
“I really want him to believe in his ability, because in the first half he was a little bit quiet for his standards,” Mullins remarked. “He had moments when he could have been more explosive, given the space available.”
He added, “We discussed this at half-time to encourage him further. In the second half, he truly became a threat every time the game opened up. He was a danger and scored a fantastic goal, which he definitely deserved.”
Bamba exited the match with a tight hamstring and will aim to recover in time to play against Rochdale at Rodney Parade on Saturday at 12:30 BST.
Newport County boss Hayden Mullins has urged Yahya Bamba to believe in himself after a stunning goal on debut.
The summer signing from Forest Green Rovers caught the eye on his first competitive outing for the Exiles by scoring a superb solo goal against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup.
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It looked like his 71st-minute strike – when he came off the left wing and curled in an effort from outside the area – would be the winner but the Dons levelled in added time and then went through on penalties.
County, however, took plenty of positives from the performance before their League Two opener with Rochdale on Saturday, including the fast feet of winger Bamba.
“I really want him to believe in his ability, because in the first half he was a little bit quiet for his standards,” said new manager Mullins.
“He had times when he had the ball and could have exploded, because there was grass in behind.
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“He was a little bit safe but we spoke about that at half-time and tried to encourage him a bit more.
“He came out in the second half and was a real threat every time that the game opened up and we got him the ball.
“He was a danger and scored a fantastic goal, which he definitely deserved.”
Bamba came off with a tight hamstring and will hope to recover to feature against Rochdale at Rodney Parade on Saturday (12:30 BST).
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