By Phil Gordos BBC Sport Online at Old Trafford

Bradford coach Brian Noble accused referee Russell Smith of costing his team victory in the Tetley's Super League Grand Final.

The Bulls were beaten by Sean Long's drop goal in the last minute of a pulsating encounter at Old Trafford.

But a furious Noble insisted Smith, and not the St Helens scrum-half, had been instrumental in denying his side their second successive Super League crown.

"It was a gutless performance from the official in the last eight minutes," fumed Noble, who felt his team should have been awarded a penalty following an infringement by Saints skipper Chris Joynt in the dying moments.

"I thought we played all the football and I thought we were the better team. It is really hard to stomach."

Bradford captain Robbie Paul was equally frustrated following the 19-18 defeat in Manchester.

"We were so dominant but a couple of decisions did not go our way," said the stand-off, who will link up with the New Zealand touring party on Sunday.

"We said it might come down to an individual play, the bounce of the ball, or a referee's call. And it did."

Saints coach Ian Millward was reluctant to attach too much significance to Smith's role in his side's dramatic win.