NEWPORT County AFC midfield ace Mark Byrne says inconsistent refereeing has cost the Exiles dear this week.

County boss Justin Edinburgh was angry that his side were not awarded a late penalty for a foul on Chris Zebroski in the 1-0 defeat to ten-man Oxford United.

And Byrne and captain Andy Sandell both picked up their fifth yellow cards of the season meaning they will be suspended for Saturday’s home clash with York City.

It left Irish star Byrne, who has been amongst County’s most consistent performers so far this season, frustrated with the display of referee Darren Sheldrake at the Kassam Stadium.

“I thought my yellow was a bit harsh and two minutes later there was a tackle on me and he never booked him,” said Byrne.

“Then later the ref apologised to me and said he was wrong and he should have booked him.

“And if they’d had 11 men I think he would have given the penalty,” he added.

“Anywhere else on the pitch that’s a foul but after giving the red card I don’t think he was going to give a penalty as well.”

Byrne and Sandell will be forced to watch from the sidelines at Rodney Parade on Saturday as the Exiles look to bounce back from the defeat – their first in eight games.

“I miss next week now and someone else will come in so it will be 50/50 for me to get back in,” said Byrne.

“I know I have to keep performing to keep my place in the team and it will be frustrating to be watching next week because there is good competition everywhere.”

The former Barnet man has been a big hit since his summer arrival at the club, however, and he should be reunited with midfield partner Adam Chapman at Dagenham & Redbridge on October 18.

“I came in and wanted to get a spot in the team and I think I’ve done well enough to do that,” said the 25-year-old Dubliner.

“Me and Chappy are different players but we have got a good partnership together and we know each other inside out now.

“But I still want to improve and I want to add a few goals to my game.”