Southend United boss Rob Newman praised referee Ray Olivier for bravely changing his controversial penalty decision against Blues during Saturday's gutsy 0-0 draw at Plymouth Argyle.

Homecoming - former Pilgrim Barrington Belgrave tussles with Paul Wotton during Saturday's stalemate at Home Park 8sJJY39C

The Seasiders knocked the Pilgrims off top spot for the first time since October, following a resilient defensive display at Home Park against the Third Division championship chasers.

However, Blues could have lost a deserved point when Plymouth were awarded a 69th minute spot-kick for handball -- despite it being blatantly clear that home hitman Micky Evans had caused the offence.

However, Sutton Coldfield official Olivier changed his mind after consulting both of his assistant referees, following a four-minute delay fuelled by Southend's furious protests.

Ref on the spot -- frantic Blues players protest to referee Ray Olivier (third from left) after the Sutton Coldfield official made a controversial penalty decision against Southend that he later bravely overturned. Picture: LUAN MARSHALL 8SJJY26C

"At the end of the day the referee has made the right decision," said Newman.

"When he initially gave the penalty I was as shocked as the rest of my team. Not one of Plymouth's players appealed for a penalty and it was obvious that Micky Evans tried to punch the ball into our net.

"But all credit to the referee. He has remained calm and spoken to both linesmen, which isn't something you always see, and justice prevailed.

"It was 100 per cent the right decision -- it was never a spot-kick -- and it's very rare to see a referee change his mind after giving something in the first place."

Newman also paid tribute to his players for keeping out a Plymouth side which had won its last ten home games.

"We've come to the champions elect and matched them on their own patch, which is very pleasing," said the Shrimpers chief, whose team remain 12th in the League.

"I thought we put in a thoroughly professional performance and looked very tight at the back again.

"Our goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan has had to make one good save during the first-half, but he was rarely troubled after the break.

"We've had a chance of our own in the second period and with a bit more control in front of goal we could have nicked the game.

"But overall I'm very happy. We've still got a lot of players missing, but we stood tall at Home Park and battled like Trojans."

Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock, whose side are already promoted, admitted he had sympathised with Blues.

"I thought the penalty decision was very harsh," he said.

"Southend were well worth a point. They made life difficult for us and would have been rightly disappointed to go home empty handed."

Blues have arranged two more top pre-season friendlies, with Premiership giants Spurs and First Division Wimbledon. Both sides are expected to visit Roots Hall in July.

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Published Monday, April 8, 2002