Speaking exclusively to cambridgeunited.com Anthony Tonkin reflected on his side's draw that saw their lead narrowed at the top of the Blue Square Premier. The ex-United man had a disappointing return to the R Costing's Abbey Stadium with his game finishing with the red card for the foul on Danny Crow but expected the game to be a tough one despite the home sides league position.

"We knew when we came here tonight that because of the position Cambridge are in that you would be fighting for your lives. That's not to say that every away game is tough in this league. You expect when you are top of the league that people will raise their game but when the home team has more to play for it will be tougher for us. We expected tonight to be difficult and it definitely was."

Tonkin reflected on the draw from a tight game between two sides well matched on the day despite the gap between the clubs in the league table.

"Cambridge came out of the blocks well and to be fair it wasn't until their goal went in that we started to get on top. By the end of the first half I thought we were definitely controlling the game and our equaliser came at a good time. We thought as we kicked off for the second half we would take control of the game and credit to Cambridge they didn't let us do that.

"My dismissal changed the game, I can't really complain about it. It's hard in that situation I caught Danny up and I thought I was going to get round him and get the ball but he stumbled across me and the referee has seen this as a professional foul. I've tried to hold my hands up to say there was no deliberate contact.

"The referee will always see when a player goes over in that position as a straight red, so once he blew for the foul I knew I was going off. If it was at the other end I would have expected him to do the same time so I can't have any complaints.

"Following my sending off the gaffer kept two up front for us and it could have gone either way but we are happy in the end to come away with the point. When you come here and finish with ten men, a point can be seen as a good result."

Along with the red card Anthony was also disappointed that he was unable to show his appreciation to the Abbey Stadium faithful at the final whistle.

"During my time at Cambridge I always received a great reception from the fans and I always appreciated them getting behind me and it's a real shame I couldn't show my gratitude towards them at the end of the match. Obviously I heard them singing my name as I was walking off the pitch. I had a great time here and still wish the Club all the best for the rest of the season, apart from when you come to Oxford next month of course!"

Interview by David Gray

Cambridge United: YOUR CITY - YOUR CLUB

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