Tonge says Derby debut draw felt like defeat
The Rams looked to be heading for a fine victory over the promotion-chasing Blades at Bramall Lane thanks to Robbie Savage's spectacular first-half strike.
The visitors were good value for their lead but were denied all three points when Lee Williamson fired a 91st-minute equaliser for the home side.
"It's always difficult playing your first game for a team but I enjoyed it," said Tonge, who joined Derby from Stoke City last week, on loan until the end of the season.
"I'm just gutted they got the equaliser right at the end. It feels like a defeat, to be honest.
"We would probably have taken a point before the game but I thought the way it panned out, we should have won.
"We played really well in the first half and we probably should have put it to bed by half-time. I think another goal would have done it.
"When you're only one goal ahead, anything can happen – a ricochet or a missed tackle.
"Sheffield United kept plugging away and got the equaliser in the end.
"It's disappointing because all the lads worked so hard and to let it slip right at the end is difficult to take because a win would have shoved us right up the table."
Tonge started on the right side of a four-man midfield, allowing Paul Green to revert to a more familiar central role.
"I've not played on the right for a bit, so it was different for me – but I managed to get involved in the game, particularly in the first half," said the 26-year-old.
"The gaffer (Nigel Clough) has a few options there with different people, so we'll just see how it works out in the next couple of weeks.
"I prefer to play in the middle but I think the same goes for most of the lads we have in midfield.
"Hopefully, I'll get the chance to play in there at some point."
Tonge seemed to have no problems slotting into his new team, producing an assured performance.
The surroundings arguably helped him settle – he played more than 300 games for the Blades before joining Stoke.
"I came back to Bramall Lane with Preston (during a loan spell earlier this season), so I think I was a bit more relaxed this time around," he added.
"It's strange how these things work out but I just tried to concentrate on the game.
"I got through it OK. I was feeling it a bit in the last 10 minutes or so but I managed to dig in there. My fitness will come with more games."
A win would have lifted Derby up to 14th in the Championship table but, as it is, they remain 18th and are now only four points above the drop zone.
"I am surprised that they are where they are in the table," said Tonge.
"I thought that on my first day when I looked around the squad. We've still got a couple of key players out injured but I'm sure we can start pushing up the table now.
"The lads did really well to beat Forest last week and were obviously playing with a little bit of confidence.
"They took that into Saturday's game and played well but we just couldn't quite hold on for the win."
Tonge is set to make his home debut against leaders Newcastle United tomorrow night – in the first of four successive matches at Pride Park.
no holding back: Derby County striker Rob Hulse attempts to battle his way past SHeffield United defender Jordan Stewart during Saturday's clash at Bramall Lane. It's a blow for the Rams as the Blades equalise through Lee Williamson during stoppage time (above).
