Cambridge boss Neil Harris hailed his players’ professionalism after they booked a place in the Carabao Cup second round with a 2-0 victory over Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium.
Louis Appere’s second goal in three games this season sent Cambridge on their way and Ryan Loft’s 75th-minute header sealed an impressive win.
“Well done to the players that came into the team tonight. It was a strong performance,” Harris said.
“I will be disappointed if we don’t back that up on Saturday. We will be right at it.
“I am pleased for the fans who travelled and it was important that we put on a show. We played with professionalism and we played with more control and game-management than we did last Saturday.
“All credit to the players for their learning ability during the past 48 hours, and their desire to want to do well. I thought they took their opportunity.
“I was really pleased with the fluidity that we showed, the fact also that Bristol Rovers changed shape three times in the game and we were able to adapt.”
Rovers boss Darrell Clarke, who did not speak to the media after the game, had described his team’s league defeat against Fleetwood as “a rude awakening call” but there was precious little in the way of a response.
Rovers fans chanted “this is embarrassing” after Appere struck, and boos accompanied the players’ half-time exit.
Rovers rallied after the break but United goalkeeper Jake Eastwood did not have a save to make until the 65th minute, and a place in round two was impressively secured through Loft’s pinpoint effort before the boos returned.
