NEWPORT County manager Peter Nicholas and defender Jason Perry were sent-off last night in controversial fashion as the Exiles sank to their fourth consecutive Dr Martens Premier Division defeat at Havant and Waterlooville.

The fiery 1-0 reverse at Westleigh Park leaves County, who haven't scored in 444 minutes of football, only seven points away from the division's drop-zone.

But Nicholas has promised fans: "I will turn it around."

The manager, who is likely to face a touchline ban after being sent to the stand, was fuming with match referee Paul Norman after he awarded a free-kick which ultimately led to the game's only goal from Havant's Brett Poate.

Perry was shown his second yellow card after Norman adjudged that he lashed out at Havant striker James Taylor with two minutes remaining but the experienced defender insisted: "I didn't do anything wrong. I'm innocent."

Nicholas said: "The ref sent me to the stand to clam down. I did not use foul and abusive language, which Mr Norman confirmed to me.

"I thought the free-kick that led to the goal was a diabolical decision. Steve Benton clearly won the ball but their lad (James Taylor) went down and the ref gave the free-kick."

Talking about his dismissal, Perry said: "I put my hand on his shoulder to assist my leverage as I went to header away a throw-in and the next I knew, he (Taylor) was on the floor.

"I thought the ref was going to send him off but he dismissed me. I'm still in shock.

"If I was him, I wouldn't be able to sleep at night because I did nothing wrong."

Both men will look to appeal against the decisions.

Meanwhile, County keeper Pat Mountain was also at the centre of controversy as Havant substitute Wes Chalmers was shown a straight red card for dangerous play after diving two-footed into the Exiles' man.