STRIKER Aaron O’Connor says Newport County AFC need to cut out the ‘sloppy’ errors that proved so costly at Luton Town on Saturday.

The Exiles drew level at 2-2 through O’Connor’s bullet header but then conceded two late goals at Kenilworth Road to see their FA Cup campaign ended at the first hurdle.

That came seven days after O’Connor and Chris Zebroski had put County 2-0 up at Hartlepool United in League Two only for two points to be squandered as the team shipped two late goals following captain Andy Sandell’s red card.

O’Connor has called on the whole team to put things right ahead of Sunday’s league clash with Exeter City at Rodney Parade.

“It was a typical FA Cup tie – end to end stuff with lots of goals but I’m not sure the best team won,” said the 31-year-old.

“It was a pretty even game and after 75 minutes I think a draw would have been a fair result.

“But again we gave away a few sloppy goals that we could have been easily avoided.

“We’re giving away too many easy goals,” he added. “We always look like we’re going to concede at the minute and we need to work on that.

“When we got it back to 2-2 we looked like the ones who might go on to win it but it’s disappointing to concede those goals.

“Lapses in concentration cost us and obviously you can’t work on that.

“It’s down to the individuals to make sure you switch on and make the right decisions once you cross that white line and we’re getting punished at the minute.

“It’s gone now and there’s nothing we can do about it so we have to make sure we focus on the league and moving up the table.

“Hopefully this isn’t something that’s going to affect us too much and we can carry on our good form in the league.”

O’Connor is happier with his own form after two goals in two games and he admitted that the abuse from the fans at Luton – his former club – inspired him on Saturday.

“I’m feeling better week by week and I feel like I’m getting sharper and back to my usual self,” he said.

“It’s probably the best I’ve played this season and it’s nice to get goals as well so hopefully I can keep that going.

“I wasn’t going to celebrate but I was getting quite a bit of stick so I thought that was my chance to give a little bit back.

“It’s all part of football. It’s fun and games. They enjoy giving me stick and I enjoy scoring goals so everyone’s happy.”