Cambridge United's two-goal scorer Danny Crow praised the team spirit that saw the U's take a stoppage time point at Luton Town after trailing 2-0 with ten minutes left.

Crow was dropped after a barren spell in front of goal but the introduction of Crow and Courtney Pitt with fifteen minutes remaining gave United fresh impetus in the closing stages.

"We came here to win this game," he stated afterwards. "The Gaffer sent us out to get the three points. We weren't going to try to frustrate, like a lot of teams coming to Cambridge do.

"Fair enough they went two-nil up and they played well, but the only difference in the play is that they created a few more chances than us. At two-nil down I suppose we would have settled for a draw, but with the missed penalty we feel we should be going home with all three points because for the last fifteen minutes we demolished them.

"Even at two-nil the heads didn't drop and that showed the team spirit we have here," Danny added. "Courtney and myself got dropped, and as much as you want the lads who've replaced you to do the business you are disappointed.

"When we were two-nil down and you get brought on you are really trying to show everyone you should be starting, so to play a big part in the comeback leaves you buzzing."

Crow halved the deficit after Robbie Willmott's shot was parried on 81, and although Chris Holroyd had a penalty saved a minute later Crow himself was brought down in stoppage time and netted from the spot to secure a point in front of over 700 travelling fans.

"For the first I played the ball out to Robbie who, as he does to every team, caused them problems. When he broke through and shot I just thought - because of the power and the pitch surface - the keeper was going to parry it and luckily it came onto my head and I put it away.

"We then had Luton reeling and kept pushing forward. I'm not certain the first penalty decision was a penalty, their players are still complaining about that, but you would have bet on Chrissy to put it away. But to be fair Pilks has made a great save. I was at Notts County with him and he's a great keeper.

"But even with that setback the lads thought we could still beat him, as it was proved in the last minute. We pumped the ball in and I think it was Freddie Murray who tried to put it in for us but it broke back to me and I could see their lad charging towards me so I put it past him and he took me down."

It was Danny's second penalty of the season, having scored one against Forest Green when Chris Holroyd was off the pitch for treatment, but he admitted, "I was a bit nervous when it came to taking the penalty but I always had confidence that I was going to score it.

"It's handy when you take it with our fans behind the goal. They were magnificent, making lots of noise throughout the match and credit to the Luton fans who also made it a great atmosphere to play in. The game and the support were a credit to this league and possibly a couple of leagues higher."

United return to action tomorrow at home to Rushden & Diamonds, who have won their last seven games and are seven points ahead of United in seventh place, and Danny hopes for a win to close the gap on the leading clubs.

"We have to push on now - Rushden are above us in the league but with us at home and hopefully a big crowd in we will go out to close that gap on the play-offs. Then it's York in the FA Cup and obviously the cup brings in vital revenue for the club, especially if we can get a big club in the third round.

"But a league run is vital to the club," he added. "We know we can be in the play-offs come the end of April and it's down to us to realise this by performances on the pitch."

Interview by David Gray

United's match at home to Rushden & Diamonds kicks off at 7.45pm.

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