A FURIOUS Graham Westley blasted referee Trevor Kettle for the “bizarre” decisions that cost Newport County AFC a point at Cambridge United.

County looked to be heading for a first away win since November as Ryan Bird gave them a 2-0 lead with two expertly taken goals either side of half-time.

But the hosts pulled one back through substitute Barry Corr on 64 minutes and defender Leon Legge headed in the equaliser eight minutes later.

And the turnaround was completed in the third minute of stoppage time when Mitch Rose was adjudged to have fouled Luke Berry in the box.

South Wales Argus:

Joe Day saved George Maris’ poor penalty but defender Mark Roberts smashed in from the rebound to condemn County to defeat.

It brought an end to their six-match unbeaten run and leaves the Exiles seven points from safety with a game in hand at the bottom of League Two.

“There’s an enormous amount of anger [amongst the players],” said Westley. 

"They’re angry about the decisions. I saw a foot boot the referee’s door as I went into the tunnel and I could understand the anger that went into that kick on that door.

"I could really understand it. It’s not good when you put in a lot of hard work and then you feel as though it’s been just robbed away from you.

“It’s difficult for us to accept a big foul leading to the equalising goal but that’s nothing like the desolation we feel over the penalty that was awarded.”

Even Cambridge manager Shaun Derry agreed that County were hard done by, according to Westley.

“Their dugout even said the decision was bad,” he added. “They were as bemused by the decisions as we were.

“I thought double jeopardy had gone out of the window – if it’s a penalty you don’t get a straight red card – so even the implementation of the rules was wrong in my view.

“But when the opposition dugout is saying to you these decisions are bizarre you have to question whether these decisions are bizarre.

South Wales Argus:

“My player says he hooked the ball over the bar and their player said he was hoping for the corner.

“It was a bizarre moment – nobody in their side was appealing and then suddenly a penalty was awarded.

“It’s hard for the players to take.”