Bristol Rovers recorded their first win of the season with a 1-0 home victory over Cambridge United
Daniel Hargraves Bristol Rovers reporter
17:43, 23 Aug 2025Updated 18:02, 23 Aug 2025
Dan Hargraves is the Bristol Rovers reporter for Bristol Live. He joined the title in July 2023 having previously worked for Reach PLC as a freelance football writer in April 2022 while a journalism student at the University of Derby.
He has also reported on a number of football matches across European competition, the Premier League and EFL and covered the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022. In his role as covering the Gas, he wants to leave no stone unturned and cover every angle of the football club for Gasheads’ enjoyment.
Bristol Rovers players celebrate Ellis Harrison’s opening goal against Cambridge United(Image: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
Bristol Rovers picked up their first win of the new season on Saturday afternoon with a 1-0 victory at home to Cambridge United thanks to a first half goal from Ellis Harrison.
Rovers should have taken the lead when Harrison grazed the side netting with a header from a Macauley Southam-Hales cross. The striker then made ammends later in the first half when finishing past Jake Eastwood after Alfie Kilgour had gotten a flick-on from a throw-in from the right-back.
Promise Omochere registered a shot on target within the first minute of the second half after not taking the option of playing in an unmarked Luke Thomas to his right.
The Pirates then had to weather a bit of a Cambridge storm through most of the second half with the entire back-four putting their bodies on the line to limit the Us to any real chances of note.
The visitors went down to 10 men in the final moments of the match after Mamadou Jobe was shown a second yellow card as Rovers held on for the three points.
Here’s how we rated the players on the day…
READ MORE: Bristol Rovers 1-0 Cambridge United live: Gas still have lead in tact in added timeLuke Southwood – 7
Some really good claims as, despite second half pressure, Cambridge didn’t actually get a shot on target. Two clean sheets in two games for the goalkeeper – a really good platform.
Macauley Southam-Hales (off for Joel Senior 71′) – 7
Really impressive once again. The right-back was a presence at both ends of the pitch and got the pre-assist, if such thing exists, by throwing in the ball that Alfie Kilgour flicked on to Ellis Harrison. Joel Senior’s unfortunate to lose his place, but the 29-year-old has a grasp on that shirt now.
Kacper Lopata – 8
Seemed to have a response to every question asked of him. Constantly headed the ball out of his penalty area in the second half and had a refreshing no nonsense approach about how he defended.
Alfie Kilgour – 8.5
Another outstanding defensive display from the Rovers captain, who also got an assist to his name. Could feel the emotion lift out of his body at the end when doing the fist pumps in front of the Thatcher’s End.
Jack Sparkes – 8
The difference the left-back has made to that side of the pitch has been night and day compared to last season. Plenty of crosses, with most on the money, but this afternoon his best work came when being required to put in what felt like countless blocks and clearances as Cambridge tried to get themselves back into the game.
Josh McEachran – 7.5
Some really important blocks from the midfielder whose technical ability has been a delight to watch at times. Really good signing.
Kamil Conteh – 7
Another really good performance from the midfielder. Got stuck in and was a major presence in the middle of the park.
Isaac Hutchinson (off for Ryan Howley 71′) – 6
Frustrating afternoon at times for the midfielder. Got booked early into the game for a cynical foul but had some nice link up and moments as well as interceptions as the first half went on. In the second half he had one or two scenarios where a man was available ahead but he couldn’t quite find the pass.
Luke Thomas (off for Taylor Moore 82′) – 7.5
The Luke Thomas we want to see on a more consistent basis. Chasing down loose balls, winning challenges and being a real livewire in attack. It feels like forever since the winger started a game out wide but he clearly benefitted from playing in a more natural position. Given the man of the match award after what was a proper Bristol Rovers performance.
Promise Omochere – 7
Another bright display from the forward who took up more of a wide role for the majority of the game. Worked hard off the ball and had some nice moments of play with it. Got a shot on target away in the first minute of the second half which was met with groans that he didn’t play in Luke Thomas who was there and available. Looked out of gas (pardon the pun) come the full-time whistle after a great effort.
Ellis Harrison (off for Fabrizio Cavegn 61′) – 8
Got himself a goal and was a real handful for Cambridge to deal with. Came close to heading Rovers into the lead before netting a really well taken goal. Also put in a shift for the Gas’ defensive efforts.
Substitutes:Fabrizio Cavegn (on 61′) – 6
The new striker needs time and patience to make his mark in blue-and-white quarters as he settles into a completely brand new environment. Looked sharp at times but a few moments where fans were shouting for him to
Joel Senior (on 71′) – 6.5
Unfortunate to lose his place after the Chesterfield red card. Came on and helped the cause.
Ryan Howley (on 71′) – 6
Also got himself involved.
Taylor Moore (on 82′) – N/A
Came on late.
READ MORE: Fabrizio Cavegn: New Bristol Rovers striker on move to England, Swiss football and Gas goals