Cambridge stun Stockport in shootout to book place in FA Cup third round

James Gibbons scored the decisive spot-kick as Cambridge beat Stockport 5-4 on penalties to book their place in the FA Cup third round.

The League Two visitors comfortably held Stockport throughout a largely uneventful goalless 120 minutes and were perfect from the penalty spot to spring an upset.

In the shoot-out, goalkeeper Jake Eastwood kept out Owen Moxon’s effort before Gibbons sealed victory.

Stockport contained Cambridge in a quiet opening and had the first effort on target after 14 minutes when Malik Mothersille cut in from the left and struck tamely at Eastwood.

Odin Bailey fired over the bar from distance before Stockport goalkeeper Corey Addai comfortably held Kelland Watts’ weak header as both teams exchanged chances through a scrappy, low-quality first half.

Cambridge grew in confidence as the half wore on and missed a good chance to take the lead after 45 minutes, Addai producing a smart diving save to deny Sullay Kaikai.

The U’s created the best opportunity in a drab, scoreless second half when Mamadou Jobe glanced a 57th-minute header narrowly wide.

Kaikai squandered another big chance to put Cambridge ahead four minutes into extra time, firing at Addai’s feet when played clean through on goal.

But his miss would not prove costly as Cambridge won the shootout.