Smith Rowe settles outcome as Fulham beat Cambridge

Emile Smith Rowe's goal proved the difference for Fulham

Fulham reached the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a hard-fought win over Cambridge United at Craven Cottage.

Emile Smith Rowe tapped in Timothy Castagne's low cross in the 66th minute after Raul Jimenez's initial shot was saved.

Shayne Lavery had an effort blocked from close range in the first half before sending his second effort wide as the visitors pressed for the opener.

The hosts were largely frustrated by their League Two opponents until Smith Rowe's intervention and calm finish.

Jimenez headed over the bar in a game of few chances.

Analysis: Traore toils as Fulham players fail to take chance

It was a completely different line-up for the Cottagers as boss Marco Silva made 11 changes - but only a few took their chance to make their mark.

Fulham had 82% possession in the opening 45 minutes but did not make it count with just two successful crosses from 11 attempts.

Neither side got any of their four shots on target in a largely uneventful first half, with Cambridge defending stoutly.

Adama Traore, who has yet to start in the Premier League this season, started brightly as his cross picked out Jimenez, whose back-post header was pushed behind by visiting goalkeeper Jake Eastwood.

But the Spain international was well marshalled by the visiting defence and had two further crosses blocked, before he was substituted six minutes before Fulham took the lead.

Jimenez was lively and hooked an effort over from close range and headed another chance wide from a corner.

The hosts were eventually able to overcome their lower-league opponents, but Silva looked distinctly unimpressed with his side throughout the match.

What's next for these teams?

Fulham travel to Aston Villa on Sunday, 28 September (14:00 BST) in the Premier League, while Cambridge visit Tranmere Rovers in League Two on Saturday, 27 September (15:00 BST).