Woking 0-1 Cambridge United: James Brophy’s first goal in more than three years secures victory in FA Cup first round tie at the Kingfield Stadium

James Brophy ended his goal drought to earn Cambridge United a 1-0 victory at non-league Woking in the FA Cup this afternoon.

The midfielder, who had not scored for the U’s in a competitive fixture since October 2021, found the back of the net in the 73rd minute to book his side a place in tomorrow night’s second round draw.

The result continued Cambridge’s recent upturn form, with their winning sequence having extended to four matches – keeping clean sheets in each of those outings.

U’s head coach Garry Monk said: “I don’t know if any of you watched the game last night (Huddersfield losing to Tamworth), but if you don’t turn up and do the fundamentals right – away from home especially – you can come unstuck.

“We made sure the fundamentals were there and tried to get the ball down and play, but it was difficult. They were energetic and up for it.

“It was hard to play football but the main thing about coming here was to compete against a team that we knew would be competing hard.

“It was a typical away game at this stage of the competition in the FA Cup. Being the team from the higher league you know you’re up against the crowd and you’re up against a team trying to feed of that.

“We stuck at it, we were defensively solid and then you’ve got to take your moment when it comes. It’s been a long time coming for Brophs so that’s a really good thing. Everyone was delighted for him in the changing room at the end.

“It’s a good win for us and the most important bit today was starting this week right by trying to get into the next round of the cup – we’ve managed to do that and credit to the boys.”

Cambridge will switch their focus on Tuesday (5 November) to a home EFL Trophy clash against Chelsea Under-21s before next weekend’s League One derby at Peterborough United.