Round-up: Newcastle held after penalty snub

Chris Hughton could not believe his eyes after Championship leaders Newcastle United were denied an "absolute certain" penalty in their 0-0 draw with Bristol City.

Referee Graham Salisbury waved away Marlon Harewood's appeals after the striker had been felled in the box by substitute Jamie McCombe's clumsy 74th-minute challenge.

Hughton said: "For me, it was an absolute certain penalty. There are some where you are not sure whether the referee is going to give it or not. I could have almost looked away because my first impression was just waiting for the referee to point to the spot."

Middlesbrough eased some of the pressure on manager Gareth Southgate with a 2-0 victory at Reading. Sean St Ledger and Leroy Lita were Boro's heroes. "I am pleased for them at the end of what has been a difficult week. They responded with a calmness and unity," Southgate said.