Andy O'Brien is adamant that his 86th minute 'goal' ruled out for a push should have stood to give Bradford City a crucial point at Newcastle.

The Bantams thought they had cancelled out Gary Speed's opener when a long ball was pumped into the six-yard box by Dean Windass.

United goalkeeper Steve Harper jumped with O'Brien, flapped at the ball and pushed it against the back of the City defender's head.

The ball then bounced over the line to prompt joyous City celebrations only for referee Andy D'Urso to rule the strike out for a push.

Alan Shearer rubbed salt into City's wounds with a last-minute strike to clinch a 2-0 home victory.

O'Brien said: "It was just a big ball into the box which no one seemed to react to. The keeper fumbled it and was trying to scramble it back out when I popped it over the line.

"I thought it was a goal and was celebrating because I don't get many. The Newcastle players also looked to be gobsmacked and there was no one complaining about a foul.

"They all gave out a huge sigh of relief when the decision went their way."

City boss Paul Jewell backed up his defender: "My feelings are the same as the players and they felt it was a good goal. But then again we would. We wont be crying over spilt milk but I would like to see it again."

Toon boss Bobby Robson also said he was relieved to see D'Urso disallow O'Brien's strike.

The former England manager said: "The high ball came in and three centre halves and three centre forwards were in front of him (Harper). He was half clattered and half dropped the ball and the decision went for us.

"But we didn't get a penalty when Duncan Ferguson went over so maybe that made it 1-1. It was probably a foul but it could have gone against us."

The decision was a bitter blow for City who remained in the bottom three as a result of their tenth defeat in 11 away games.

However O'Brien said: "We will be positive. It is easy to put your head down and sulk but we have been instilled with positivity right the way through the season and that will continue. Southampton lost so that is a big game next week.

"We have to take the positives out of this game. Newcastle have a star-studded side but they didn't open us up. We will remain positive and kick on from here."

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