Parkinson questions referee

Bradford boss Phil Parkinson believes key decisions went against his team as they suffered a 2-0 loss at Peterborough.

He was critical of referee Graham Horwood for the award of the free-kick and penalty which led to the Peterborough goals. Parkinson said: "We were right in the game but decisive decisions went against us. "The referee gave a very dubious free-kick that led to a scrappy opening goal in what was a scrappy game in all honesty. "And he then gave one of the softest penalties I've seen in a long time. The linesman was looking straight down the barrel at the incident from 10 yards away and didn't flag, but the referee made a ridiculous decision. "I moaned about a referee after last Tuesday's game at Swindon so I don't want to do that again. "I can't fault the effort of my lads, but we're having a spell where things are not going for us." Dave Robertson boosted his prospects of becoming the next permanent Peterborough manager with a winning start as caretaker boss. Posh jumped five places up the League One standings and within four points of the play-off places by knocking Bradford out of the top-six thanks to two second-half goals at the ABAX Stadium. A scruffy goal early in the second half set them on their way. Recalled defender Gaby Zakuani was credited with the goal but Bradford defender Stephen Darby may have got the final touch after goalkeeper Jordan Pickford failed to punch clear a 52nd-minute Jon Taylor free-kick. And victory was clinched in the final minute when Michael Bostwick thumped in a penalty after Alan Sheehan had handled a cross from substitute Harry Beautyman. Robertson, handed the reins after the departure of Darren Ferguson last weekend, said: "I've thrown my hat in the ring and made no secret that I want the job. "I feel I've brought commitment, passion and pride to the club which has rubbed off on the players and the fans. "It is a fantastic start after a week of hard work. It was important to take the good things we have done in training across the right line and we did that. "I spoke to the chairman after the game and we're taking things one step at a time. The focus now shifts to going to Sheffield United on Tuesday."