DAVE Penney refused to condemn referee Anthony Taylor, but the Darlington manager felt three key decisions proved their undoing at the weekend.

The Cheshire official ruled out a Darlington goal in the first half, and after failing to award the home side a second half penalty, Taylor faced the wrath of fans when he failed to spot a foul leading up to County's 84th minute winner.

Micky Cummins' 33rd minute header was ruled out by Taylor, who penalised Julian Joachim for obstructing County goalkeeper Saul Deeney.

Penney also felt his side had a good claim for a penalty when Neil Wainwright was barged over in the box in the 83rd minute.

From the resulting counter-attack Patrick Collins appeared to be fouled before he conceded a corner. It was from the set-piece that County scored the only goal of the game to inflict Quakers' fourth straight defeat.

"The referee said Julian fouled their keeper but not many people saw it," said Penney.

"We thought we should have had a penalty at one end when Wainwright went down and then at the other Paddy Collins gets fouled and they score from the corner.

"Of course it's disappointing when these things happen, but we have to accept it."

Penney also revealed his bewilderment at the negative reception Barry Conlon received from home fans on Saturday.

The six-goal striker was jeered by a section of supporters as he was brought on as a 51st minute substitute for Alun Armstrong.

"I was slightly disappointed and didn't realise the reaction we were going to get for Barry Conlon coming on," said Penney.

"I always thought he was a big favourite here and that was something that really surprised me."