NEWPORT County AFC defender Darren Jones says the squad has put aside the disappointment of last week’s trip to Hartlepool and is fully focused on enjoying an extended run in the FA Cup.

County were 2-0 up in the League Two clash at Hartlepool last Saturday but were pegged back to 2-2 by the hosts after captain Andy Sandell was sent off.

With Sandell suspended, Jones is expected to skipper the Exiles in their FA Cup first round tie at Luton Town tomorrow.

And he knows that victory at Kenilworth Road will mean Justin Edinburgh’s men are just one win away from potentially drawing a Premier League giant in round three.

“We’re all excited about the FA Cup,” said Jones. “It’s such a great competition and obviously in round one you are so close to the third round draw and the chance to play one of the big boys.

“Obviously Luton away is a tough draw for us because they’re one of the best sides in League Two and they’re in great form.

“But we’re in decent form too and we’re confident that we can go there and get a result and make sure we’re in the hat for the second round draw on Monday.”

Jones admits that the long journey home from the North East last weekend was not a pleasant experience but a team-bonding club golf day on Wednesday has helped raise the mood in the camp.

“The sending off killed us,” said the 31-year-old central defender.

“Andy knows it should never have happened but he’ll learn from it and we’ve all put it behind us now.

“It was a long old journey home but we have to look at it from a positive point of view and we did extend our unbeaten run even if we dropped a couple of points.

“We looking ahead now and really looking forward to what should be a great cup game at Luton with a big crowd and a lot of away fans backing us.

“Hopefully we’ll give them more to cheer about than last week.”

County have informed the local police that they expect up to 500 away fans to make the trip for tomorrow’s tie.

Edinburgh’s men have not played the Hatters since the 2012/2013 Conference season when they won 5-2 at Rodney Parade and drew 2-2 at Kenilworth Road in April 2013.

While County went in to win the Conference play-off final against Wrexham the following month, Luton had to wait 12 months to clinch promotion as Conference champions in April this year.

John Still’s side are currently second in League Two after winning seven of their last eight league matches, while County are eighth following a run of one defeat in 13 games.

Meanwhile, artificial pitches will not be allowed in Leagues One and Two in 2015-16 after a tied vote by club chairmen.

And former County defender Mark Aizlewood's planned playing comeback at the age of 55 has been put on hold because of a fire.

Saturday's Welsh Premier match between Rhyl and Carmarthen has been postponed because of a fire at the Belle Vue.

The fire in the boiler room area of the dressing rooms caused electrical damage and impacted the water supply.

Carmarthen Town boss Aizlewood was considering including himself on the bench because of an injury crisis.