HARRIERS boss Steve Burr admitted he was bemused by the controversial penalty which allowed Nuneaton to beat them 2-1 on Bank Holiday Monday.

The game had looked set for a draw when referee Lee Swabey blew for a penalty late on after Kyle Storer had blocked James Armson's shot.

While Harriers captain believes the effort hit him between his arm and chest as he turned, the spot-kick was given.

Keeper Danny Lewis had saved the penalty, but Armson had been on hand to fire home after the ball had ricocheted off Mickey Demetriou.

Swabey and his officials enraged both sets of fans with some fussy and incorrect decisions throughout a scrappy game.

"I am just bemused by the referee's decision, absolutely bemused," commented Harriers' manager.

"I thought in the first half we got off to a great start but in the second we didn't find that energy to win the game.

"Nuneaton had a lot of possession but they equalised with the first shot they had.

"I am just disappointed with the way the game went, it's one of those things and we've got to try and get on with it.

"Speaking to the referee he said Kyle raided his arm and deliberately hand balled it."

Harriers had been handed a great start when Anthony Malbon had bagged his first of the season with a spectacular fifth minute effort.

The away side had largely weathered a bombardment from the hosts before Louis Moult had drilled home an 82nd leveller.

If they had won the game then the Carpetmen would have been top of the Skrill Premier but now have slipped to sixth.

They will be taking on Luton at home on Saturday (3pm ko).