Bristol Rovers seek FA Cup spark ahead of Cambridge United tie

Summarised from BristolLive's report · Updated 5 Nov, 22:10 · Archive

Bristol Rovers manager Steve Evans hopes FA Cup football can revive his side after a difficult October.

Bristol Rovers manager Steve Evans hopes the FA Cup can provide a lift for his side, who face Cambridge United on Friday night in their opening round tie. The Gas have endured a difficult October, winning just once in their last five league games. Defeats to Fleetwood Town at the weekend capped an especially poor run, with Rovers dropping from third place to 17th, though they remain only four points off the play-offs.

Evans said a change of competition could help restore form and confidence. He pointed to Fleetwood Town's FA Cup run, in which they beat Arsenal, as evidence of cup football's potential to inspire struggling teams. Evans noted that while Arsenal had around 57 or 58 shots on goal in that match, the outcome was what mattered. He added that the cup fixture offers a break from the pressure of chasing play-off points.

Read the report

• Bristol Rovers wanting FA Cup magic to sprinkle to bring spark back to Gas"When it comes to cup football, it doesn't matter how you progress, it's to be in the hat the next time the draw is made.”BristolLive · 5 Nov, 13:06

In this story: Bristol Rovers · Steve Evans · Cambridge United · Fleetwood Town · Arsenal · Exeter City

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