Bristol Rovers vs Cambridge: Russell-Denny and Cavegn seal 2-0 FA Cup upset

Bristol Rovers vs Cambridge ended in an FA Cup first-round upset as second-half goals from Reiss Russell-Denny and Fabrizio Cavegn earned the League Two hosts a 2-0 victory at the Memorial Stadium.

Friday’s win ended Rovers’ seven-match winless run and secured their place in the second round at the expense of Neil Harris’s League One side.

Cambridge’s Sullay Kaikai twice struck the crossbar, first with a free-kick before half-time and then with a late penalty as the visitors tried to recover from two goals down.

Bristol Rovers vs Cambridge: Russell-Denny breaks the deadlock

Rovers showed early attacking intent despite their difficult recent results. Alfie Kilgour fired narrowly wide, Cavegn tested goalkeeper Jake Eastwood and Tom James also went close.

Cambridge threatened before the interval when Kaikai’s free-kick struck the bar, but neither side found a breakthrough during the opening half.

Russell-Denny changed that in the 57th minute. The 20-year-old Tottenham loanee struck a low effort from outside the penalty area to give Rovers the lead.

The FA’s first-round report confirms that his shot found the bottom corner, putting the home side on course for a place in the next round.

Cavegn doubles the lead before Kaikai misses penalty

Cavegn made it 2-0 in the 72nd minute with another strike from distance. His low drive gave Cambridge a much more difficult task with less than 20 minutes remaining.

The visitors were offered a route back when Cathal Heffernan was fouled inside the penalty area. However, Kaikai hit the crossbar with his 82nd-minute spot-kick, leaving Rovers’ two-goal advantage intact.

Cambridge could not find a late response, and Rovers completed the win with a clean sheet. Sky Sports’ match coverage records the goals at 57 and 72 minutes.

Match detail	Result
Full-time	Bristol Rovers 2-0 Cambridge United
Half-time	0-0
Scorers	Reiss Russell-Denny 57, Fabrizio Cavegn 72
Competition	FA Cup first round
Date	Friday 6 November 2026
Venue	Memorial Stadium

Bristol Rovers FA Cup win ends seven-match wait

Rovers entered the tie without a victory in seven matches, making this both a cup upset and a welcome change in results.

The Press Association match report highlighted the contrast between their recent form and the confidence of their opening play.

Analysis: The important difference came after the interval, when Rovers turned their attacking threat into goals. Russell-Denny’s opener forced Cambridge to chase the match, and Cavegn’s second gave the hosts a margin that survived the late penalty scare.

Kaikai’s two efforts against the woodwork show that Cambridge had opportunities. His missed penalty closed off a possible comeback, but Rovers had already established control of the scoreline through two goals from open play.

What happens next?

Bristol Rovers advance to the FA Cup second round. Cambridge are eliminated and turn their attention back to their league campaign.

The result gives Rovers a first victory in eight matches, although they will need to carry that improvement into League Two for it to change their league fortunes.

For more match reports and results, visit dave.sport’s football coverage.