Cambridge manager Garry Monk hailed Josh Stokes’ strength of character after the midfielder bounced back from missing a penalty to score a spectacular equaliser in a 1-1 draw with high-flying Wycombe.

Stokes wriggled his way across the area in the 83rd minute before curling the ball beyond Franco Ravizzoli to cancel out Cameron Humphreys’ first-half strike.

On-loan Bristol City man Stokes had earlier seen a penalty saved by Ravizzoli after Wycombe’s Sonny Bradley was shown a red card for an apparent elbow on Michael Morrison.

Monk said: “Josh is a top player and it hurts him when things like the penalty happen.

“You saw his determination in that strike. He’s been great for us and we think he can be a top player and top players take responsibility in situations like that. It’s a fantastic goal.”

Monk thought his side’s second-half showing was worthy of at least a point.

“There’s a tinge of disappointment we didn’t win it, but in the first half we lacked a bit of intensity,” he added. “In the second half we showed more energy, got the crowd involved and when we play like that good things happen for us.”

Humphreys put Wycombe in front in the 35th minute, following up to score after goalkeeper Jack Stevens spilled Beryly Lubala’s shot.

Wycombe missed chances to extend their lead before Cambridge were handed a lifeline in the 65th minute.

Bradley fouled Morrison as a corner came into the area and referee Martin Woods pointed to the spot. Bradley was sent off, but Stokes saw his spot-kick pushed on to the bar by Ravizzoli.

However, the Cambridge midfielder went on to bring his side level and it took a fine save from Ravizzoli in stoppage time to deny James Brophy a winner for the home side.

Wycombe caretaker manager Sam Grace was left baffled by Bradley’s sending-off, saying: “I was shocked that it was given as a penalty, let alone a red card. It’s standard defending to put your arm out, but the referee felt it was an elbow and violent conduct.”

Grace said Wycombe would look to appeal against the decision and was otherwise happy with the efforts of his side, who were without injured top scorer Richard Kone and key defender Josh Low.

“I feel proud of the effort levels and way the boys defended,” Grace said. “We looked strong in the first half and wanted more of the same in the second because it felt like it was our game to take, but the referee’s decision is the turning point.”