Newport penalty conversion falls to EFL-low 16.7% as Mullins backs players

Newport County have the lowest league penalty conversion rate in the English Football League after scoring just once from six attempts across the past two seasons, according to BBC Sport. Their 16.7% success rate in League Two forms part of a wider record of two goals from nine penalties in all competitions, with County sitting two points outside the play-off places.

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Harrison Biggins had converted a penalty in an October draw at Rotherham, but his next attempt was saved four days later during a 1-0 defeat at Cheltenham Town. The midfielder chose the same side on both occasions. Manager Hayden Mullins declined to blame him for the miss, saying players who accept responsibility for taking penalties should not be singled out when they fail to score.

The difficulties have continued through three managers and several different takers. BBC Sport reported that six of Newport's last nine penalties had been directed to the right, with the goalkeeper anticipating the direction every time. Cameron Antwi, Nathaniel Opoku and Bobby Kamwa were among those denied, while Biggins' successful effort at Rotherham was the only goal from those six attempts.

Changing direction has not consistently solved the problem. Ged Garner had an attempt to the left stopped against Swindon Town. Yahya Bamba aimed towards a top corner but had his effort disallowed for a double touch, then scored the retake by waiting for the goalkeeper to commit. That approach resembled the technique Mullins used during his own playing career, although the manager acknowledged the nerve required to employ it.

The recent figures contrast with Newport's record between 2023 and 2025, when forwards Will Evans and Omar Bogle converted 10 of 13 penalties between them. Mullins said he prefers to give the responsibility to his centre-forward. He also stressed that individual players have different techniques, rather than suggesting there is one approach that guarantees success.

Mullins identified fatigue, mindset, the circumstances of a match and the opposing goalkeeper as factors in taking penalties. He said practice remained part of Newport's preparation, but indicated that he would not devote excessive energy to worrying about the conversion rate. His response to Biggins' miss was to back the player and focus on being prepared for the team's next opportunity.