Buzzing Antoni

The Mancunian midfielder headed home a cross from Graham Carey four minutes before half-time at the Cambs Glass Stadium to claim a 1-0 Sky Bet League Two victory and keep leaders Doncaster within sight.

He said: “Today, I thought I had to stamp a mark on the team and it was nice to get a goal and get the three points.

“I saw G (Carey) doing his stuff and just thought I’d get on the end of his cross. It was nice to see it go in. All that matters is the win and to keep pushing on up the table; a goal’s a bonus to me.”

It was the 24-year-old’s first goal since netting for Fleetwood Town in December 2015 and came after he had extended Cambridge goalkeeper Will Norris earlier in a first half which the Pilgrims dominated.

He said: “There’s so much more to come. Where I am at today, I am happy, but I know I can get a lot further on.”

Norris also made a fine save to deny full debutant Matty Kennedy before a second half in which Cambridge made sure Argyle’s defence were at their sharpest.

Antoni said: “The ’keeper has made two great saves, from me and Matty, in quick succession and we thought it could be one of those days because we had a good half. It was nice to see my header go in and see the game out.

“The second half wasn’t pretty but that was down to Cambridge trying to affect our game, and they did, but the defence stood tall and it was just brilliant for all 11 out there to get the win.

“We know, with our defence, how solid they are, with Sonny [Bardley] and Jakub [Sokolik], and Yann [Song’o] in front of them. It’s a good three to have protecting [goalkeeper] Luke [McCormick]. They are happy in there.”

Argyle’s resilient rearguard action pleased everyone, including coach Paul Wotton, who played in several similar matches when he captained the side during Paul Sturrock’s successful management.

“They are the best wins you can get,” said Antoni. “Everyone’s put their body on the line to get the three points and it feels so good. Like Wottsy said, that’s the best clean sheet of the season so far.”

After a first 90 minutes for a while, Antoni would have been forgiven for feeling the effects in his legs, but he said: “They are alright because, most of the time, I was just looking at the ball going over my head before chasing it back. I wasn’t doing much attacking in the second half. 

“I felt really good and am absolutely buzzing that we got the win.”