NEWPORT County boss Peter Beadle was quick to admit his side let themselves down with poor finishing in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Hayes & Yeading, but believes referee Will Bull and his assistants were below par as his side were held.

The Exiles created a whole host of chances on a difficult Spytty Park playing surface, but only secured a point thanks to substitute Jermaine Clarke's late header.

However, things could have been different had Julian Alsop's late headed goal have stood, Bull ruling out what looked a legitimate effort.

"The first half wasn't up to scratch, we didn't have enough zip about our play but the boys couldn't have done much more in the second half.

"We needed more composure in front of goal, we had enough chances to win the game.

"It's the same old thing, it cost us against Bath twice and it's cost us in a few games since.

"We need to put our chances away, I said in the Argus last week that we are capable of scoring a hatful every week and it's true.

"We must be better in front of goal but the lads gave me everything on a heavy pitch and we started slowly because we've had a busy Christmas.

"We need to be less open when we're going forward, it's a shame we didn't have more efforts on target.

"We must take the point we got, but we are disappointed, it's two points dropped."

Beadle was upset with the decision to rule out Alsop's late header and felt referee Bull and his assistants had a poor afternoon.

"The lads are certain there was not a foul, Jules headed it in and he was unmarked so it obviously wasn't him fouling," he said.

"In the box it is always crowded and with lots of contact, I can't see anything clearly, but he obviously did.

"It's the second time we've had the referee here and both times we've seen controversy (a red card when Dorchester visited earlier in the season) which says something.

"I didn't think the assistants kept up with play and we'd expect them to do that at this level"