James Brophy’s goal proves decisive as Cambridge win at Woking

Cambridge held off a spirited Woking performance to book their place in the second round of the FA Cup with a 1-0 away win.

A second-half goal by James Brophy was the difference at the Laithwaite Community Stadium.

After a largely scrappy opening, Woking were forced into a 21st minute substitution when Dennon Lewis collided with the visitors’ Jubril Okebina and needed carrying from the field on a stretcher.

However, the National League strugglers should have taken a lead on the half hour when Max Dyche headed wide from close range after a Jamie Andrews corner.

Cambridge looked to have gone ahead just before the interval, when Dan Nlundulu turned the ball home from a Paul Digby cross, but referee Jamie O’Connor ruled the goal out for handball.

Will Jaaskelainen tipped over a Brophy effort from 25 yards out, a shot that took a tricky deflection.

Woking were more lively after the interval and almost took a 63rd minute lead when an Andrews free-kick hit the post.

However, the hosts were undone with 17 minutes remaining when Brophy shot into the top corner after a counter-attack.

Woking looked for an equaliser and Harry Beautymann headed into the arms of Vicente Reyes – but Cambridge held their nerve to progress.