Cambridge United head coach Neil Harris pleased with ‘professional performance’ in 3-0 FA Cup win over Chester

Head coach Neil Harris has praised his Cambridge United players for their ‘professional performance’ during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Chester in the FA Cup.

The U’s headed into the first round tie at the Cledara Abbey Stadium aiming to avoid being on the receiving end of an upset against their National League North opponents.

And they did just that thanks to an impressive first-half display, one which saw Kylian Kouassi net twice before James Brophy curled in a third goal just before the interval.

Harris, who reached the final of the competition during his playing days with Millwall, said: “The biggest compliment I can pay my players is that it was a very professional performance.

“These kind of games against an underdog are not easy and we showed character in abundance. We killed the game in the first half.

“I love the FA Cup, it’s the best club competition in the world and I think the players fed off my excitement today.”

In contrast, Chester boss Calum McIntyre was far from impressed with his side.

He said: “There are ways to lose football matches, and feeling like you’re out of the tie by half-time is not the way to do it.

“I apologise to our supporters who backed us in unbelievable numbers because we didn’t give them the cup tie they hoped for.

“It was always going to be difficult against an established football league side, but we didn’t give a good account of ourselves and I’m disappointed with the nature of the goals we conceded.

“We did a lot of prep work on Cambridge and knew what type of test it would be, and then we let them score off a set piece. It’s frustrating because then you have to chase the game.”

Cambridge will be in Vertu Trophy action on Wednesday at home against Brighton & Hove Albion Under-21s.