Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu’s double gives Cambridge a lift

Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu’s second-half double was enough to move Cambridge to within a point of the Sky Bet League Two play-off zone as they beat Barrow 2-0 at the SO Legal Stadium.

After a goalless first half, the deadlock was broken just five minutes after the restart as Mpanzu gave Cambridge the lead and he wrapped up the win in stoppage-time with an excellent finish.

Cambridge started the better of the two sides, creating plenty of chances but it was Barrow who had the first big chance as Rekeem Harper had a free header from a corner, but he could only head wide.

The hosts went close once again as Elliot Newby fired over from close range and the game remained goalless at the break.

Mpanzu then opened the scoring for the visitors, as he slotted home on the rebound after Ben Winterbottom had saved Glenn McConnell’s initial shot.

Cambridge nearly doubled their lead, but Winterbottom made an excellent save with a Mamadou Jobe header goalbound.

The visitors then sealed the three points as Mpanzu turned home an Elias Kachunga cross after an effective counter-attack.