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  1. County must dig in under pressure - Mullinspublished at 18:58 BST 8 August

    Hayden Mullins applauds the Newport County fans after defeat by AFC WimbledonImage source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

    Newport County boss Hayden Mullins hopes that suffering late Carabao Cup anguish against AFC Wimbledon will serve them well in League Two.

    The Exiles looked set to knock the League One Dons out in the first round when leading 1-0 through Yahya Bamba's terrific debut goal.

    But Callum Maycock equalised in the seventh of nine added minutes and then Wimbledon won 5-4 on penalties, with Wales midfielder Matt Smith the only player to have an effort saved.

    Mullins was proud of his team but disappointed they did not stand up to late pressure.

    "We are going into a tough season now in League Two and will need to dig in. Those moments will be key," he said.

    Mullins took the reins at the end of July and, after friendlies against Yeovil Town and Italian Serie A side Roma, now has a full week working with his squad.

    The Exiles, who avoided relegation on the final day of the 2025-26 season, start their new League Two campaign with a home fixture against promoted Rochdale on Saturday, 15 August (12:30 BST).

    "We will have a settled week and some time to really get to work on the training field. It's been a little bit of a rush," said Mullins.

    "We've just got to remember we are a threat and a good side when we are nice and organised.

    "We look a hard team to break down and the club have made some really good signings, with experience and a good blend.

    "We are a couple short of where we need to be, but I am sure they will be arriving in the coming weeks."

  2. Cardiff defender Fish out for three monthspublished at 18:07 BST 8 August

    Cardiff City defender Will Fish in actionImage source, Huw Evans Picture Agency
    Image caption,

    Cardiff City signed defender Will Fish from Manchester United in August 2024

    Cardiff City defender Will Fish is set to miss the first three months of the Championship season because of a hernia injury.

    The 23-year-old, who played 38 games in League One last season, is set for an operation on Monday and is one of a number of injury concerns for the Bluebirds.

    Calum Chambers is recovering from a knee injury and academy product Dylan Lawlor did not train last week.

    But Brian Barry-Murphy insists the club will not make any knee-jerk reactions in the transfer window.

    "We never react because of injuries unless they're really long-term," said the head coach. "But I think we need new players, new additions.

    "You saw how stretched we are in terms of numbers, and that's even if the players who are injured were fit.

    "So we're very conscious that we have to strengthen the squad."

    Cardiff were made to dig deep to beat League Two Swindon 3-2 in the EFL Cup on Saturday.

    Perry Ng, who has played the majority of his career at full-back, started in central defence for the Bluebirds alongside Gabriel Osho.

    Barry-Murphy would have taken Osho off in the second half but had no defenders to replace him with.

    "I should have taken him off in the game, he was quite sore towards the end," said Barry-Murphy.

    "We just had no centre-back cover on the bench, so took a bit of a risk there and I hope he's okay in the days coming up."

    The Bluebirds had Jack Moylan to thank for booking their place in the second round of the cup, as the former Lincoln man marked his debut with a winning goal.

    "Once he settles in here and has time, his quality will become really evident for the supporters," said Barry-Murphy.

    "And you saw in the end, he'll give everything for the club, which is the most important thing."

    Cardiff start their Championship season against Wrexham on Monday, 17 August in the Welsh capital.