New boss Hayden Mullins got off to the perfect start in League Two as Newport County eased past newly-promoted Rochdale at Rodney Parade.

Goals from summer signings Kyle Cameron and Shaquille Gwengwe put the Exiles firmly in control after a dominant performance in the first half.

The visitors were second best all afternoon on their return to the Football League and their task got even harder after the break when Bryant Bilongo was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Cameron Evans.

County, who avoided relegation on the final day of the 2025-26 season, capped off an impressive display in added time when Yahya Bamba volleyed home from close range.

Newport started brightly and got their reward when defender Cameron, one of six summer signings in the starting line-up, struck from close range.

The Exiles continued to pile the pressure on with Christian Doidge and Ciaran Brennan forcing smart saves from Brighton loanee goalkeeper Nils Ramming.

They eventually earned a two-goal lead when a sumptuous Harrison Biggins cross found Gwengwe, who tapped home on his Football League debut.

Ten-man Rochdale could not deal with the intensity of the home side and did not manage a shot on target.

A volley in added time by Bamba, who scored in the Carabao Cup defeat by Wimbledon, secured three points for County in Mullins' first league game in charge.