U's beaten by Rovers
Cambridge United suffered defeat at the hands of ten-man Tranmere as Dan Gardner’s goal won it for the visitors.
United had fought back in the second period, with substitute Sullay Kaikai equalising Max Power’s first half opener. But parity lasted just five minutes, with Gardner scoring from close range after a cross from Myrie-Williams. Rovers skipper Steve Jennings was dismissed in the 79th minute after picking up a second booking, but the visitors held on.
Richard Money made three changes, bringing in Robbie Simpson, Tom Elliott and Dominic Ball at the expense of Jordan Slew, Sullay Kaikai and Liam Hughes.
And Ball saw a header well-saved by Owain Fon Williams as United made a decent start. Simpson, sporting a head band after an early clash of head, was also denied by the Rovers stopper, but after that
United lost their way, and on the stroke of half time the visitors took the lead. Myrie-Williams cross from the left was headed away poorly and fell straight to Power, who fired home.
After the break United looked a bit brighter, and Kaikai’s fine strike from 20 yards raised hopes of a come-back.
But just five minutes later Myrie-Williams was able to get the better of Tait and set up Gardner for a simple finish.
Jennings red card led to a frantic end to the match, but though Fon Williams saved well from Elliott, United were unable to muster an equaliser, and now move on to Saturday’s match at Southend.
May I Claim Man of the Match: Robbie Simpson
Cambridge United: Dunn, Tait (Hughes 83), Dunk, Coulson, Nelson (Kaikai 55), Donaldson, Mendez-Laing,
Champion, Ball, Simpson, Elliott. Subs not used: Norris, Hunt, Slew, Morrissey, Chiedozie.
Tranmere Rovers: Fon Williams, RiIhiekwe, Ridehalgh, Thompson (Dugdale 24), Donacien, Laird, Power, Jennings, Gardner (Donnelly 82), Myrie-Williams (Hugill 85), Odejayi. Subs not used: Ramsbottom, Kirby, Jago, Shuker.
Referee: Lee Collins
Attendance: 4,202 (away 164)