DANNY Scopes insists Concord Rangers must ‘respect the point’ despite controversially being denied a penalty during the goalless stalemate with Havant & Waterlooville.

The Beach Boys felt aggrieved after they were not awarded a first half spot-kick when Nathan Carlyle’s attempted cross struck a Havant defender’s arm and, although the offence appeared to take place inside the penalty area, the referee awarded a free-kick which came to nothing.

But Concord boss Scopes chose not to criticise the man in the middle.

“Their defender jumped up and the ball hit him on the arm,” said Scopes.

“The linesman flagged for handball and the referee gave a free-kick right on the edge of the penalty area.

“We had a lot of our players around the ball.

“They were certain it should have been a penalty and we thought that when looking from the dugout as well.

“But you get some and lose some.

“In fairness, the referee was very good on the day.”

Havant goalkeeper Ross Worner made a string of fine second half saves to keep Lamar Reynolds, Kit Elliott and Joel Nouble at bay.

Neither side could make the breakthrough and it ended honours even at the Aspect Arena.

Havant, who are fourth in the standings, went into the clash having not suffered a National League South defeat on the road this season.

And Scopes felt his side were unfortunate not to end Havant’s impressive away run.

“When you bare in mind the fact that Havant haven’t lost away from home all season in the National League South, you have to respect the point,” added Scopes.

“They are a full-time club and have big players.

“But I am a little bit disappointed that we didn’t win all three points because we had a lot of chances, particularly in the second half.

“I don’t remember my goalkeeper - Chris Haigh - making a save in the second half.

“Before the game, we probably would have taken a point.

“But, when you look back on the game and the opportunities we created, it’s a bit disappointing that we couldn’t break Havant’s unbeaten away record.”