Ellis Harrison’s first-half goal was the difference as Bristol Rovers beat Cambridge United 1-0 at The Memorial Stadium in Sky Bet League Two.
The experienced striker scored his 50th goal for the Gas, but his first since his return to the Club. Harrison’s last goal was back on March 17 2018, against Plymouth Argyle.
The Pirates dominated the opening 45 minutes of the game with Harrison the main man in attack, constantly challenging the U’s defence with his aerial presence and physicality before his winning strike.
The visitors piled the pressure on in the second half but could not find a way through the Gas defence. A late red card for Mamadou Jobe and some incredible effort from every player on the pitch saw Rovers hold on for the three points.
A strong start saw the hosts pile on the pressure in the opening stages of the contest. Harrison made his presence known challenging in the air against the Cambridge centre halves, flicking an effort just beyond the arriving Omochere.
Harisson would not have to wait long for his next chance as Kacper Łopata released Macauley Southam-Hales down the right-hand side, and he fired a ball across the box, with Harrison heading into the side netting.
Finally, in the 34th minute, Harrison got the goal his first half display deserved; Alfie Kilgour flicked on a long throw and Harrison converted a fantastic side foot volley to beat Jake Eastwood in the Cambridge goal.
Rovers continued to pressure the Cambridge backline early in the second half. Omochere broke away from the defence just outside the box, but his effort was well saved by Eastwood in goal.
Harrison was withdrawn from play on the hour to a hero’s reception from the Gasheads all around The Mem, who were hoping his strike would be enough to secure the first win of the Sky Bet League Two season.
As the second half progressed, Cambridge ramped up the pressure, forcing the Gas defence into a stern examination. Yet, with standout performances across the backline, every threat from the visitors was met with resolute resistance.
Late on, Omochere broke away and was brought down by Mamadou Jobe, who was shown a second yellow card by referee Paul Mardsen. After 10 minutes of nerve-wracking extra time, the full-time whistle was finally blown, bringing the Gas their first three points of the season.
Bristol Rovers: Southwood, Sparkes, Kilgour, Hutchinson (Howley 71), Omochere, Thomas (Moore 81), Harrison (Cavegn 60), McEachran, Conteh, Southam-Hales (Senior 71), Łopata
Subs: Young, Senior, Moore, Ellison, Howley, Cavegn, Dewsbury
Goals: Harrison 34
Booked: Hutchinson 5, Southwood 41
Cambridge United: Eastwood, Bennett, Purrington (Brophy 45), Ball, Watts, Appere (Loft 87), Kachunga (Kouassi 65), Kaikai, McLoughin (Mpanzu 45), Jobe, Gibbons (Knight 75)
Subs: Briggs, Brophy, Knight, Rossi, Mpanzu, Loft, Kouassi
Booked: Gibbons 15
Red: Jobe 90+10
Referee: Paul Mardsen
Attendance: 6809 (396 Away)
