Hayden Mullins has highlighted Newport County's strong home start as the foundation for improvement after a difficult opening to the League Two season. The Exiles sit 20th in the table with four points from five games, having lost their last two matches.

Mullins, the Newport County manager, spoke to the BBC ahead of Saturday's home fixture against Fleetwood Town. "The positives are the home form is quite strong, we've played two games, picked up four points, and that's something we want to build on," he said.

Home comforts at Rodney Parade

Newport County opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Rochdale at Rodney Parade on 15 August. They followed that with a 2-2 draw against Tranmere on 29 August. This early home return of four points contrasts sharply with last season, when the club did not record a home win until 29 December under previous boss Dave Hughes.

"At home, what I've tried to do is concentrate on us and make sure our start is good," Mullins explained. The team has taken the lead in five of their six league matches this term, but converting those positions into wins has been a problem, particularly on the road.

Away day struggles continue

The club's away form remains a significant concern. Newport County have not won any of their away matches this season and have lost 11 away league games during the 2026 calendar year. Their last two trips ended in late defeats; a 2-1 loss at Salford City on 1 September was followed by a 1-0 defeat at Northampton last Saturday, with J. O'Brien Whitmarsh scoring the 87th-minute winner.

A drop in attacking output away from home is also evident. The team registered just six shots in those last two away games, compared to 23 across their previous two home fixtures at Rodney Parade. Defensive lapses in the closing stages have proven costly.

Building on the platform

With three of their last four matches being away, the return to Rodney Parade this weekend offers a chance to reset. The overall record of one win, one draw and three defeats from the last five leaves them eight points behind early leaders Bristol Rovers. The club's goal difference stands at minus one, having scored nine and conceded ten.

Newport County will look to their squad to find more consistency as they prepare for Fleetwood's visit. The full run of upcoming games is available on the club's fixtures page. Their next match is at home to Fleetwood Town on Saturday, 12 September, with a 3pm kick-off at Rodney Parade.