Bristol Rovers ended a run of seven games without a win in League One with a much-needed 1-0 victory at fellow strugglers Cambridge United to ease concerns at the bottom end of the table.

After a bright start, the Gas got their rewards on 26 minutes as Lino Sousa carried the ball up the pitch before playing forward to Scott Sinclair whose excellent cross found Luke Thomas unmarked at the back-post to score a rare header and a long-awaited first goal of the season.

Cambridge looked to threaten with balls into the box causing issues but went closest when Bristol City loanee Josh Stokes fired narrowly over the crossbar twice.

The 20-year-old was pulling the strings for the hosts once again early in the second half with a square ball across goal not touched in by a teammate before grazing the side-netting.

However, the Gas rediscovered some of the mojo they enjoyed in the first half and thought they had doubled their lead when Isaac Hutchinson guided the ball into the bottom corner having just come off the bench. Frustratingly, the linesman flagged for an offside in the build up.

Stokes once again had the hosts' best chance of the second half before captain Michael Morrison was shown his marching orders for a second yellow card late on.

The win is Rovers' first under Inigo Calderon but keeps them in 20th place. Here's how we rated the players...

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Josh Griffiths - 7

Despite the late Cambridge pressure, the goalkeeper didn't have a whole load of saves to make. Commanded his area well and plucked out some loose balls to ease some of the pressure in the penalty area. Another clean sheet to add to the tally.

Taylor Moore - 7

One of his best performances in a while which hopefully doesn't go under the radar. Constantly an available option for his teammates and did enough defensively. Also overlapped and underlapped down the right when needed pretty well considering he's not a natural right-back.

Connor Taylor - 8

Became a bit of a pantomime villain with the home fans behind the goal in the second half but that didn't faze the defender. Seemed to get his head to everything that came his way and played a massive part in securing the clean sheet.

James Wilson - 8

Outstanding like his centre-back partner. Made a crucial block towards the end that, if not made, surely would have seen Cambridge equalise with Griffiths instead getting to the ball. Deserved the clean sheet.

Lino Sousa - 6

Similar to his performance against Leyton Orient. Some instances of brilliance with the ball at his feet, driving forward, but also some really poor defensive moments. That should improve with game time though; there's clearly a good player in there and he contributed to the clean sheet.

Jamie Lindsay (off for Joel Senior 90+5') - 6

Plucked out some excellent balls forward from deep but also had some giveaways he'll be frustrated with. Overall though a solid display in the middle.

Grant Ward - 7

Picking up an early yellow card was a real concern but the midfielder was excellent sat just above the defence with his defensive and offensive play. Really set the tempo for the Gas.

Luke Thomas (off for Gatlin O'Donkor 58') - 7.5

Always looked dangerous when he got on the ball but it was a rare header that saw the winger open his account for the season at long last. Really nice wing play with Scott Sinclair putting in the cross from the left and him racing for the back-post.

Ruel Sotiriou (off for Isaac Hutchinson 58') - 5

Some nice moments, particularly a perfect switch out wide from deep in the second half. Kept getting sucked in deep when with the ball which Cambridge seemed to target but, in fairness, he did enough under pressure. The yellow card wasn't a great moment.

Scott Sinclair (off for Shaq Forde 75') - 7

One of his best performances in a good while. Lovely cross for Thomas, getting the assist for his fellow winger's goal, but had a lot of joy down his side, particularly in the first half. Really seemed to lead his teammates today.

Chris Martin - 6.5

Didn't see the desired chance fall to him but the striker led the line superbly, winning numerous flick ons and bringing the ball down well. Really gave Rovers an outlet up front.

Substitutes:

Isaac Hutchinson (on 58') - 6

Unlucky to see another goal disallowed for an offside in the build-up; nice finish. Gave Rovers an outlet up top when they needed to clear any danger. Silly yellow card at the end.

Gatlin O'Donkor (on 58') - 6

Did some nice things defensively but made the wrong call when in a potential two-v-one situation late on.

Shaq Forde (on 75') - 6

Came on late but helped the cause.

Joel Senior (on 90+5') - N/A

Came on deep into added time.

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