AFC Wimbledon's Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Newport County has left manager Hayden Mullins proud of his team's performance, despite the 97th-minute equaliser that sealed their fate. The Exiles led 1-0 at Plough Lane on Saturday thanks to Yahya Bamba's superb second-half strike, but they conceded a 97th-minute equaliser before losing a penalty shootout 5-4 to exit the competition in the first round.
What happened?
County led 1-0 at Plough Lane on Saturday thanks to Yahya Bamba's superb second-half strike, but they conceded a 97th-minute equaliser before losing a penalty shootout 5-4 to exit the competition in the first round.
Why it matters for AFC Wimbledon
The Carabao Cup exit marks a disappointing start to the season for AFC Wimbledon, who are currently 19th in League One with 53 points from 46 games. They have scored 51 goals and conceded 72, with a goal difference of -21. They are 50 points behind leaders Lincoln in the title race.
What comes next?
AFC Wimbledon will look to bounce back from their Carabao Cup exit when they face Sheffield Wednesday away on October 17. They will be hoping to improve their recent form, which has seen them lose their last four matches in the league.
In a post-match interview, Mullins expressed his pride in his team's performance, saying: 'We did really well. The initial feeling is obviously disappointment that we didn't get anything from the game. But I think the bigger picture is that we came away from home against a League One club - a very good club with a big bench and the changes that they made really helped them - and I stand here a very proud manager to get a draw.'
Mullins also acknowledged that his team had missed a penalty, which could have made the game more comfortable for them. He added: 'We scored a fantastic goal and definitely deserved it. We missed a penalty as well so we could have been a little bit more comfortable, but that's football. It's tough and we just have to learn from this.'
What's next for Newport County?
Newport County will begin their League Two campaign at home to newly promoted Rochdale next Saturday (kick-off 12.30pm). Mullins, who was only appointed as Christian Fuchs' successor on July 31, is looking forward to more time on the training pitch and some more arrivals before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Mullins said: '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.'
He added: '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 really good blend.'
Recent form
AFC Wimbledon's recent form has seen them lose their last four matches in the league, with a recent score of 0-4 against Huddersfield on May 2.
Their current league standing is 19th in League One, with 53 points from 46 games. They have scored 51 goals and conceded 72, with a goal difference of -21. They are 50 points behind leaders Lincoln in the title race.
