NEWPORT County AFC manager John Sheridan was pleased to see his side progress in the FA Cup but revealed that he gave the players a half-time rocket after a sloppy end to the first half.

A first minute strike from Lenell John-Lewis and a stunning Yan Klukowski free-kick put the Exiles in charge in their first round replay against Brackley Town at Rodney Parade.

Aidan Hawtin’s goal six minutes before the break gave the Conference North outfit hope but an Alex Rodman goal just after the hour and an own goal from Hawtin on 71 minutes settled the tie.

“We got off to a great start, 40-50 seconds the first goal, then you get 2-0 and I think we should have made the game a lot easier than it was,” said Sheridan.

“The goal [for Brackley] was very sloppy on our part and it gives the opposition a little bit of belief.

“I had a little dig at the players at half-time, I don't think we were seeing the game out – similar to the first game – but we saw it out properly in the end.

“Although full respect to Brackley; they came and gave us a game.”

County have now booked a second-round trip to League Two rivals Barnet on December 5.

Defenders Janoi Donacien (ankle) and Scott Barrow (toe) missed the Brackley game through injury.

Striker Zak Ansah was left out to ensure he’s available to face Notts County in the league on December 12 before his loan from Charlton Athletic comes to an end.

Defender Andrew Hughes made his first competitive appearance in 11 months after his recovery from a serious knee injury, coming off the bench on 58 minutes.

Nathan Ralph, who has not featured since pre-season, was an unused substitute.