RateTheRef

The penalty Mr Madley did award appeared to be as a result of contact outside the area and wasn't convinced at first glance there was enough to justify any foul. I also felt the YC for Newport's Demetriou seemed harsh two players seemed to be jumping for the ball and contact made in the context of cards he didn't issue elsewhere. Overall I'd agree with Charlieboy's assessment and after the plaudits for his handling of the L1 semi-final definitely a step backwards today.

Sadly, this is the way the modern game has been going for a few seasons with players 'feeling contact' and going down which is exactly what happened with the penalty. Minimal contact which was made just outside the box, however, I can understand how it looked a foul from the referee's positioning which was behind the players.
I think that Demetriou was cautioned for something he said because the Morecambe player stayed down and Demetriou definitely said something to the referee and that was when the card was produced.
Newport will feel aggrieved, however, they missed chances to win the game and Morecambe grabbed their opportunity when it was presented.
League One teams will be able to go to the seaside in Lancashire having thought that they had missed out with Blackpool's promotion.