Chris Beech: Newport were playacting against Carlisle

The Exiles and Cumbrians shared the spoils in a goalless draw at Rodney Parade on Tuesday night, a solid point for both in their bids for the play-offs.

However, Beech called out County for their dramatics and in particular midfielder Labadie, a man who tries to thrive in the dark arts.

“Newport have got some players who have been around the game and they know how to work the referee,” said the Carlisle boss.

“There was constant screaming on the floor and it’s not nice. Their skipper [Labadie] has gone rolling around on the floor and he’s a good player.

“It’s almost like they have no reason to stop doing it unless they get booked. Hopefully they clamp down on it because I think the referees are aware of it.

“They test the referee with their constant screaming, but I thought he did OK.”

While Beech praised Lee Swabey and his officials, he felt that an early caution would have stopped any acting.

LEADER: County captain Joss Labadie

“The ref was good at not always giving in to the screaming, shouting and diving that was going on.

It's disappointing to hear because in my day we used to play on,” he said.

“I played with a broken foot for three weeks. It was three weeks until the physio said to go for an x-ray.

“He said there's good news and bad news, the bad news is that it's broken and the good news is that it was three and a half weeks ago, so you've only got another two and a half for rehab.

“I just don't know what goes on now but the ref tried to not get sucked in. If he'd booked them early on then it stops it.”

Asked about his own team indulging in pressurising the officials, Beech said: “I don't want our players having sore throats, I want them having sore feet for running so hard.”

While Beech has a point with aspects of County’s play, there was no faking by Matty Dolan after a late head injury.

The medical team withdrew the midfielder-turned-defender to properly assess the blow and he will be a doubt for the visit of Cambridge on Saturday.