Newport County: Aaron O'Connor's red card upheld

Aaron O'Connor has scored eight goals for Newport County this season

Newport County's appeal against Aaron O'Connor's red card has been dismissed by an FA disciplinary panel and he will now serve a three-match ban.

The striker, 31, scored the Exiles' opening goal in Saturday's 2-0 win over Stevenage, but was dismissed in injury time for a late challenge on Ron Henry.

He will miss Saturday's trip to former club Luton and games against Plymouth and Cheltenham later this month.

After the game, Justin Edinburgh said: "I've confidence it will be rescinded."

County's manager added: "I certainly don't feel that it was a red card and it's just left us a little bit disappointed."

Darren Jones also scored as Newport secured a third successive win to move up to sixth place in the table.

Edinburgh was pleased with Newport's victory which extended their unbeaten run to nine games in the league.

"It wasn't pretty at times but I thought we controlled the game and showed ruthlessness in front of goal when it came along," Edinburgh added.

"We held and stood strong to anything they threw at us in the second half.

"It was competed fairly and honestly and that's what disappoints me more than anything with the sending off.

"Up until then I thought the referee had dealt with the game very, very well and allowed a lot of good challenges to go in and a lot of physical contact.

"There was never a sending off needed."

Edinburgh confirmed defender Andrew Hughes will have a scan on his knee this week after coming off injured early in the second half.

"There might be a bit of a problem with his knee which would be a massive blow," Edinburgh said.