League Two: Bristol Rovers defeat Cambridge United 2-0
Two goals from Reiss Russell-Denny and Fabrizio Cavegn secure a Round Two berth for the home side, ending a seven-game winless streak.
By Bianca Herrera ·
Bristol Rovers advanced to the FA Cup second round on Friday after defeating League One side Cambridge United 2-0 at the Memorial Stadium. The victory snapped a seven-match winless run for the League Two club, which had struggled for form in recent weeks.
Reiss Russell-Denny, a 20-year-old midfielder on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, opened the scoring in the 57th minute. The Chelsea academy product drove a low shot from 20 yards past goalkeeper Jake Eastwood, converting sustained pressure into a goal.
Fabrizio Cavegn extended the lead in the 72nd minute. After missing a clear chance just prior, Cavegn won possession just outside the penalty area and fired a powerful low drive that beat Eastwood's dive to make it 2-0.
Cambridge United created a final chance to salvage the tie in the 82nd minute. Cathal Heffernan was fouled in the box, earning a penalty that Sullay Kaikai took. However, the striker blasted the spot-kick directly against the crossbar, allowing Brad Young to hold on for the win.
The home side dominated possession throughout the second half. Prior to the goals, Rovers had tested the Cambridge defense with efforts from centre-half Alfie Kilgour and Tom James, both of which narrowly missed the target.
