RICHARD BRODIE believes York City were denied a “stonewall penalty” in the second half of their FA Trophy final at Wembley.

The striker said the Minstermen were all convinced a spot-kick should have been awarded in the 51st minute after the former Newcastle Benfield frontman’s goal-bound shot cannoned off the arm of Stevenage defender Michael Bostwick.

Referee Michael Jones waved away the protests but Brodie, who appealed vehemently, said the official told him it was handball.

“I don’t know how anyone else viewed it but, in our changing room, it was a stonewall penalty,” he said.

“It is going in the far corner and the lad has actually stuck his arm out to block it with his elbow.

“The referee said it was handball but it was too close.”

Brodie said City were happy going in level at the break but admitted the Minstermen failed to deal with the danger Boro posed from set-pieces.

“I thought we started the game better in the first 15 minutes. I had a lot of touches,” he added.

“They came into the game, as we knew they would. But going into half-time at 0-0 – we were quite happy. They were a big, dangerous side from set-pieces. We knew that was the danger and they scored.”

He added: “We got to Wembley and we would have liked to have won – but it wasn’t to be.

“You can’t describe the feeling (walking out at Wembley). The fans were there and it was a great occasion.

“We have been beaten. Does it make you bigger and stronger to come back and have another crack at it? We’ll be back.”

Brodie pledged to ensure City enjoyed a more profitable campaign next season, but reflected on a 23-goal haul that was one of the season’s bright points.

“We stayed up, the fans have come down in numbers and followed us at Wembley and we are sorry we haven’t given them anything to shout about.

“Next year, we will have a better season.

“I didn’t for one minute think I would end up at Wembley, never mind scoring 23 goals. That’s football.

“I missed a chance to play at the Riverside Stadium with Barrow (against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup) but this more than makes up for it. It’s just very disappointing we couldn’t win.”