ANTHONY Tonkin said that Oxford United would have accepted a draw before Saturday’s game at Wycombe – but came away disappointed not to have won it.

The defender added that United were disappointed with their first-half showing, but delighted with their performance after the break, where just a goal was missing from their play.

“It was a very intense game, both teams were up for it and we had great support again,” said the left back following the 0-0 draw.

“We’d have settled for a draw, but reflecting on the chances, we’re disappointed not to win it. But Wycombe are predicted to be in the top three or play-offs, so we’re quite happy how we played.

“First half we were a bit disappointed with how we kept the ball. Second half we played really well. We definitely edged the second half on chances and possession.

“Obviously we haven’t got the results we wanted to, but we’re pretty satisfied with our performances. Not many teams will come to Wycombe and even get a draw.

“We created some great chances, and we are disappointed that we didn’t take one of those, but sometimes you just have to accept the draw.”

Tonkin praised new right back Ben Purkiss, who was not even expecting to be in the squad, but got his call-up when Sam Deering was sent home – and was then thrust into the action in the 12th minute after Damian Batt hobbled off with an ankle injury.

“Everyone in the team knows exactly what’s expected of them, and with Batts’s injury, Purks came in and slotted straight in, and did really well,” he said.

Batt will have a scan to assess the extent of the injury, but it does not appear as bad as first feared.

“He’s just rolled his ankle, he’ll go for a scan to see how it is,” said manager Chris Wilder.

Meanwhile, Purkiss, signed from York City in the summer, enjoyed his debut.

“I wasn’t even supposed to be in the squad,” he said.

“I’ve been coming back from injury, so I’ve been doing a lot of work. To be on the bench was a shock.

“Obviously Damian had a little niggle and I came in. Apart from a header which wasn’t the best, that Jake (Wright) and I made a little bit of a mess of, I thought I did OK.

“I’m satisfied. It was a decent result and on the balance of play I thought we deserved to win the game.”

James Constable could hardly believe the stunning save from Nikki Bull, who turned his fierce angled drive onto the bar.

“I thought it was going in,” said United’s skipper. “He’s made a great save, tipped it onto the bar and they’ve got it away.

“Their keeper was their man of the match. He made five or six saves and another day we might have won 3-0 here.”