NEWPORT County AFC manager Graham Coughlan felt a ‘crazy decision’ denied his team the chance to push for victory against a 10-man Bradford City.

The Exiles drew 1-1 with the promotion-chasing Bantams in League Two after Mickey Demetriou’s cross was deflected in by Liam Ridehalgh after an hour.

Bradford had hit the front in the first half through prolific striker Andy Cook but only after a controversial decision by referee Sam Allinson.

The official deemed that away goalkeeper Harry Lewis had not prevented a clear goalscoring opportunity when he handled outside the area after getting confused by the rugby 22-yard line, with the white line painted green.

County striker Charlie McNeill was closing in on a long ball but Allinson opted to show yellow rather than red.

“How the referee came to that conclusion… I’d rather not spent time talking about crazy decisions,” said Coughlan.

“I do have a degree of sympathy for the goalie, it was an honest error, but if our players made an honest error then they would be punished.

“The law is pretty simple and basic, why the laws of the game were not applied I will never know.

“I am sure the ref will come up with some story but it is a regular thing for us. The referees are trying to do their best but just apply the letter of the law.”

South Wales Argus: JOY: Mickey Demetriou celebrates after his cross went in against BradfordJOY: Mickey Demetriou celebrates after his cross went in against Bradford (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

County still had the better of the contest with 11 men and were pushing for victory in the closing stages against a side in the hunt for automatic promotion.

“We were very good, particularly in the second half, and I am frustrated we didn’t win. We deserved to win and there was only one team going to win it at the end,” said Coughlan, whose side are 18th in the table, 10 points clear of the relegation zone.

“There was a lot of talk about how good Bradford were, their players, their goalscorer in Andy Cook and their clean sheets but people obviously underestimate the Newport County resilience, character and players.

“The clinical side of the game is probably why Bradford are where they are in the league. They had one chance and took it, and it came from an error.

“We are a great group and never know when we are beaten – we have massive heart, resilience and character – and today we showed a lot of quality.

“We played well, moved the ball and got into good areas. We are looking at two really good League Two teams, albeit the table doesn’t suggest that.

“We have many of those performances since I’ve come in and I am pleased, but I don’t want to be stood here being told well done [after draws], I want to win and we didn’t take an opportunity today.”

On-loan Middlesbrough forward Calum Kavanagh was left out with a tight hamstring as a precaution and will be assessed ahead of Tuesday’s home game with AFC Wimbledon.

Striker Offrande Zanzala will have another scan on his shoulder on Monday and will miss the clash with the Dons.