EDDIE Newton defended his players for not putting the ball into touch for an injury to Shola Ameobi in the build-up to Albion's second penalty, insisting it was not intentional.

Referee James Linington waved away spot-kick appeals in the 68th minute when the Toon striker went down in the box under the challenges of Gabriel Tamas and Jonas Olsson.

Play immediately sprung to the other end and Jerome Thomas was felled in the box by Ryan Taylor, who received a red card for his troubles.

The Baggies were awarded their second penalty, which were both converted by Graham Dorrans.

"In hindsight, it's easy to say the ball should have been knocked out," said Newton.

"But, at the time, we were breaking at tempo and players' minds are not focused on anything but that.

"The crowd was up so they couldn't hear anything from the sidelines and they were just trying to be honest in scoring a goal.

"I honestly don't think the players involved in that move knew there was a problem with Ameobi.

"That was what I saw watching from the sidelines.

"Everyone wants fair play but the simple fact of the matter is the players involved in the move didn't realise what was going on.

"The circumstances led to that situation and there is nothing else we can do."

United also felt they should have had another spot-kick 13 minutes after the break when Taylor hit the deck from Dorrans' challenge.

But Newton does not belief referee Linington got much wrong and feels it is about time Albion had the rub of the green.

"I thought the challenge on Roman Bednar for our first penalty was definitely a spot-kick," he added.

"He got in front of the defender and was then tugged from behind.

"I thought the foul on Jerome Thomas was also a penalty,

"They were both clear penalties.

"I don't think we've been getting the rub of the green of late so I was quite aghast that we got them!

"It was also great to see Dozza put them away with consummate ease.

"I thought Ameobi was already on his way down and I thought the referee was right not to give a penalty.

"Sometimes they're given, sometimes they're not.

"You can't fault the referee's position.

"He was right there on it and he gave a clear signal that it wasn't a penalty.

"If you're on the losing end, people might say the referee didn't do this and that.

"We all know that the referee has a hard job and it's easy to look back and say he should have done this and that.

"But he's got to make split-second decisions.

"He's seen it as he's seen it and it's gone for us and not them.

"This happens every week - in the cup and all around the world.

"Sometimes, you're on the receiving end of it and other times not.

"Regardless of what anyone says, it won't change the result and it won't change the decision."

PIC: SPOT ON...Dorrans converts his first spot-kick