Ref justice for Cooper

Swindon manager Mark Cooper criticised the officials after the 2-0 defeat at Sheffield United.

Substitute Jamie Murphy scored both goals in the second half after the hosts weathered some strong pressure from the League One leaders. Harry Toffolo, John Swift, Jonathan Obika and Andy Williams all went close to scoring for Swindon before Murphy opened the scoring with a fine, first-time finish after meeting Louis Reed's cross from the right. Murphy added a second in stoppage time after the Swindon defenders pushed forward and left keeper Wes Foderingham exposed. Moments before then, Swindon had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down when Jordan Turnbull appeared to be fouled inside the area. Cooper said: "Frustrating, I think is the word. We could have been three or four up at half-time. "It was an unbelievable performance from the officials. It will be interesting to see what the assessor has got to say about that performance. "It was a blatant penalty at the end on Jordan Turnbull - I think everyone agrees - and we should be coming away with at least a point, but it wasn't meant to be. "Of course you're frustrated when you create that many opportunities and you have that much possession and you don't score. "On another day, we can easily win the game but you have to give credit to Sheffield United because they've done well. They got a lot of help from external sources. "We should have got something out of the game but we haven't and that happens. We take it on the chin and we move on." United boss Nigel Clough, whose side ran Tottenham close in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night, said: "It's a great three points for us. "There were a lot of enforced changes - we made 10 changes to the side that played against Spurs. "To get three points against the team at the top of the league and keep a clean sheet as well was extremely satisfying. "I didn't want to risk Jamie (Murphy) in some ways, with the period we've got coming up, but he showed his worth. It's been a great week for him because he signed a new contract with us. "Terry Kennedy, who made the second goal, also signed a new contract and it's wonderful when you see them involved. "There were a lot of tired legs after Wednesday and we haven't been able to do much, with the weather." Commenting on the officiating, Clough added: "We were both a little puzzled at times and it made for the sort of game that didn't flow well."