Peter Thorne was convinced City were robbed at Morecambe by the “goal” that never was.

The Bantams squandered a first-half lead to go down 2-1 at Christie Park – and could be left four points adrift of the play-offs before they play again on Monday.

But controversy raged after Thorne’s header early in the second half appear-ed to be fumbled behind the line by keeper Barry Roche.

That would have put City two up at a stage when they were bossing the game. But referee Nigel Miller did not give it after checking with his assistant.

A fuming Thorne said: “It was over without a doubt – even their players were saying it was in. The ref couldn’t see it but you go on their reaction and you could tell the defenders thought it was a goal.

“Things like that kill you and it’s a shock that we’ve come away with nothing from a game we should have won.”

City, who scored through Matt Clarke, were pegged back within minutes by Stewart Drummond’s header before going down to a long-range blast from Rene Howe.

Thorne added: “We’ve got to react better. We weren’t a patch on how we’d played in the first half when I felt we battered them.

“We’re absolutely devastated. We had that many away fans again and we keep letting them down.”

Television pictures of the 47th-minute incident were inconclusive because of the position of the cameras.

But Stuart McCall spoke to the assistant concerned afterwards.

The frustrated City chief said: “Our nearest two lads thought it was over the line and their centre half said the same.

“It was a big decision from the linesman so I asked him if he was sure he was correct. Most in that situation would say ‘yeah, definitely’ but he just said ‘I hope I’ve got it right’.

“That could cost us the season. At 2-0 up, the game would have been over but instead they’ve got a lift from it.

“We don’t pick up properly from a throw-in and they equalise with a header. Then their lad strikes a wonder shot which hits the post and goes in.

“We’d set off at a good tempo and desire and really put the pressure on. But it’s another game where we’ve ended up with nothing to show from it. But that’s the way it’s been going for us. It’s a cruel game.”

McCall singled out Luke O’Brien for special praise at left back.

“OB epitomised everything we would want. He’s a lad who’s been at the club so long and gave everything he had.

“He was up and down the pitch and his desire and effort was outstanding. He didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.

“But it’s exactly the same as last season. We’re all feeling numb.”

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