Newport County supporters face growing frustration as their team holds the worst penalty conversion rate in the English Football League. Over the past two seasons, Newport has converted just two of nine penalties across all competitions, with a dismal 16.7% success rate. The struggle is concentrated in League Two, where they have converted only one of six spot-kicks. The missed opportunities could prove costly for a side currently two points off the play-off positions.
Multiple managerial changes and personnel shifts have failed to resolve the issue. Harrison Biggins briefly ended the slump with a goal at Rotherham in October, but the optimism was short-lived as he saw his effort saved against Cheltenham Town four days later. Manager Hayden Mullins refuses to assign blame, describing penalty-taking as a "game of cat and mouse" with the goalkeeper. Recent data suggests a pattern, with six of Newport's last nine penalties aimed to the right, and the goalkeeper guessing correctly each time.
The team's historical success from the spot offers little solace. Between 2023 and 2025, forwards Will Evans and Omar Bogle scored 10 of 13 penalties. However, Shaquille Gwenge has been absent due to suspension during a recent three-game stretch where Newport missed two penalties. Gwenge is available again and practices regularly, but Mullins insists the issue is complex, influenced by fatigue, mindset, and the specific circumstances of each kick.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing