Former U's skipper Danny Brown returned to Cambridge with new side Eastbourne Borough on Saturday and thought they deserved at least a draw from a game that they led for a brief spell.

Paul Armstrong put the part-timers ahead in the 58th minute when Wayne Hatswell gave away a penalty, and Danny Crow was knocked unconscious and had to be stretchered off soon afterwards, but substitutes Courtney Pitt and Chris Holroyd turned the game as first Pitt delivered a corner for Lee Phillips to head home his first U's goal on his home debut, then Holroyd won and converted a penalty to clinch the win.

"I'm disappointed not to be leaving with at least a point especially after we went a goal up," said Brown, "but I'm thankful of the reception I got from the fans. I've heard it's a better reception than they gave Lee Boylan the other night!

"In the first half I thought we defended too much, but in the second half the crowd turned a bit and was on United's backs and they started to look a bit uncomfortable. The set piece that did us for the equaliser was poor by our standards but we had chances after that as the game opened up.

"One of the chances was the shot I had; I'm blaming the pitch for that. As we speak I can see the ground staff replacing the divot it bobbled up off!"

On the two penalty decisions, Brown commented, "I don't think either side can complain. Our lad is saying he was pushed first but all I saw was his push and that's what the referee saw as well. But before that our keeper should have caught it, if he had done that there wouldn't have been a penalty.

"But it was Courtney Pitt coming on that changed it for United, despite me giving him a kick. If you looked at Cambridge's bench today you would see the strength in depth you have, whereas we currently have one fit centre-half."

Expanding on the differences between a full-time club pressing for a return to League football and a newly-promoted part-time outfit who have achieved a safe mid-table position in the first season at this level, Browny added, "The difference is immense.

"We (Eastbourne) are a decent little football club with honest footballers who on most days can match most teams in this league. We might not have the quality of some bigger clubs but we make up for it in effort. We'll play games, get up, go to work, train in the week and come the next game still give our all.

"As long as we keep the nucleus of the squad and get a few in to increase the quality we'll be able to move on from this year's league position.

"As for Cambridge chances in the play-offs, I think they have every chance. You really needed the win today after the last couple of results. I thought you played some very good football out there and I found it very harsh to see you passing the ball around so well and being booed.

"But that may be the expectation after last year. Everybody here - whether players, manager or fans - want that little bit more; hopefully you'll get it.

"As I said I'm disappointed in the end result but I'm grateful for the reception from the fans and I hope Danny Crow's injury isn't too serious."

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