MANAGER James Rowberry was furious that Newport County AFC were denied a “stonewall penalty” in their 0-0 draw at Bradford City.

The Exiles climbed a place to fifth in the tight League Two promotion race thanks to a hard-earned point at Valley Parade.

However, Rowberry was fuming that his side didn’t get the chance to hit the front from the penalty spot in the second half.

Cameron Norman burst down the right wing and went down in the box under pressure from behind by Alex Gilliead only for referee Marc Edwards to wave away the appeals.

“It’s a penalty and when you watch it back I don’t understand why it was not given,” said Rowberry.

“I am going to be careful what I say but in my opinion when Cameron Norman takes contact in the box it’s a foul.

“Why would he go down in that situation? I don’t understand why it’s not been given and I am going to say my thoughts to the referee.

“I felt it was a penalty, so do my staff, so do my players and it’s on camera. I don’t understand it.”

South Wales Argus: County boss James RowberryCounty boss James Rowberry

County had to dig deep in the second half when the Bantams, now managed by Wales legend Mark Hughes, built up a head of steam.

Bradford will feel they were good value for at least a point but Rowberry was frustrated that the Exiles’ first-half display didn’t earn the lead.

“We were terrific and did enough to win the game. Some of the passages of play, especially in the first half, were excellent,” he said.

“Naturally you are going to come under a bit of pressure when you come to Bradford with how they tried to play against us. They were another team that matched our shape in midfield.

“It’s a credit to the lads and the work that they have done. A hard-earned point? Maybe, but I thought that we did more than enough to win.

“We had some good chances with two balls that went across the face of goal and a stonewall penalty turned down.

“In our play and the way that we progressed up the pitch, I thought we were terrific and I can’t take anything away from my players.

“We defended a lot better than we did against Hartlepool and we got into better opportunities. To have 13 shots was more progressive and I was pleased with that.

County are fifth in the table, three points behind third-placed Northampton. Next weekend they welcome second-placed Exeter to Rodney Parade for what should be a cracker.

“It’s going to be tight and will go down to Rochdale in the last game of the season,” said Rowberry, who hopes to have striker Courtney Baker-Richardson back against the Grecians.

“We just have to focus on Exeter now and a positive performance, we just have to keep doing what we are doing.”