Downes gives verdict on penalty claim as Tustin 'barged in the back'

Aaron Downes insisted Hereford should have been awarded a “clear” penalty during their 3-0 win over Merthyr Town – despite his side’s commanding performance.

The Bulls were already in control at Edgar Street when the incident occurred in the first half, with referee Callum Jones waving away appeals after a challenge inside the box on Harry Tustin.

While the Bulls boss said Tustin was barged in the back, it appeared the Cheltenham loanee may have run into his man and gone down.

"For my liking, it's easy for me to say, but it's a penalty in my eyes," Downes said. "It's clear, he's got a touch on it and he's been barged in the back.

"Anywhere else on the pitch it’s a free-kick, so it should be a penalty.”

Hereford were already two-nil up at the time thanks to Lewis Hudson and Mikey Lane, with Matt Preston adding a third before the break.

A professional display from the Bulls saw them comfortably see the game out and end their horrific run of seven straight defeats - a record not seen since 1997.