NEWPORT County boss Peter Nicholas was left gutted last night after his side were beaten 1-0 by Cardiff City in their Welsh Premier Cup quarter-final at Spytty Park.

Llangennech referee Ceri Richards turned down a 'stonewall' penalty that could have put County in front.

Nicholas said: "To be honest, I was disappointed with the result but I was disappointed with the referee. He made a big influence on the game.

"It (the penalty claim) looked a stonewaller from where I was sitting. There was no need for the boy to dive in, it was going out for a corner anyway."

He added: "I just thought his decision-making was poor in general. And I couldn't see anything wrong with our goal (disallowed for a foul on the City keeper). I'd like to see that again. But we won't make any excuses."

Nicholas paid tribute to his players for dominating the clash for long periods against Cardiff's second string that included the likes of £450,000 signing Gavin Gordon.

He said: "I think we outplayed them. I can't fault the lads, the crowd was good and it was a good home performance but I am disappointed to have lost the game.

"I thought that the goal was against the run of play. In the second-half, it looked as though we were going to go on and win the game or get a goal at least.

"But their young lad, Fleetwood is quick and lively, and he took his goal well."