Rovers march on after penalty shootout drama

BRISTOL Rovers advanced to the last 16 of the Vertu Trophy with an impressive win against fellow League Two side Cambridge United, although a penalty shootout was required after the visitors equalised in stoppage-time.

- WILL MURRAY

Ellis Harrison scored a first-half brace for the Gas in the third meeting between the sides this season. Harrison’s first came from the penalty spot in the ninth minute before he emphatically finished past Ben Hughes from the edge of the box after receiving a Luke Thomas cross nine minutes later.

But two late goals from Cambridge - the second in stoppage-time - sent the game to penalties. But Luke Southwood saved twice, before Kamil Conteh slotted home the winner.

Darrell Clarke made three changes to Saturday's team, with Kacper Lopata, Josh McEachran and Freddie Issaka coming into the team. The 47-year-old opted for the same 3-4-2-1 formation, with Harrison playing as the lone striker.