In a tightly contested FA Cup first round match, Bristol Rovers secured a narrow victory over Cambridge United thanks to a second-half goal from Reiss Russell-Denny.

The Memorial Stadium was alive with anticipation as Bristol Rovers faced Cambridge United in the FA Cup first round. The match kicked off with both teams looking to make an impact, but it was a goalless first half that left fans eager for more action.

Throughout the opening 45 minutes, both sides had their chances, with Cambridge coming close to scoring when Sullay Kaikai struck the crossbar with a powerful free-kick just before the break. Bristol Rovers, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm but remained defensively solid, ensuring the scoreline stayed level.

As the second half unfolded, the match took a decisive turn. Reiss Russell-Denny, on loan from Tottenham, showcased his talent by firing a low shot into the bottom corner to give Rovers the lead in the 58th minute. This goal marked his second for the club since joining, providing a much-needed boost to the home side after a streak of poor form in recent league matches.

Despite the setback, Cambridge United pushed for an equalizer, but Bristol Rovers held firm, demonstrating resilience and organization. The Gas have a reputation for being competitive in the FA Cup, and they continued to defend well, ultimately securing a spot in the next round. The victory comes as a relief for Rovers, who have struggled in their league campaign, and they will look to build on this momentum in upcoming fixtures.