Striker Dan Holman grabbed a brace as Cheltenham Town Reserves launched the new Central League season with an impressive victory at the home of Yate Town FC.
The Robins fielded a team with a real mix of first team experience and rising Academy stars and produced a polished display to run out winners.
Holman twice found the back of the net with precision finishes, a trialist striker grabbed a brace while Academy product George Lloyd enhanced his growing reputation further with a late goal to cap a fine show.
Cheltenham, who finished second behind Exeter City in the South West Division of the league last season, started the game brightly with defensive rock Matt Bower heading an early chance close.
Goalkeeper Rhys Lovett in the visiting goal also reacted well to save a volley from Rhys Kavanagh before recent recruit Jaanai Gordon dragged a shot narrowly wide from distance.
The impressive Dan O’Shaugnessy turned neatly and shot over before the game’s opening goal when Aaron Downes rose highest to cushion a header into the path of Holman to sweep home for a half-time lead.
The game exploded into life in the second period with three goals in as many minutes.
Cheltenham’s trialist striker poked home after confusion in the Bristol penalty area, as two men went for the same header, before the hosts hit back with Kenan Dunwald slotting home after being sent free.
However, the Robins wasted no time in quickly rebuilding a two-goal advantage as, from the kick-off, Nigel Atangana fed in the trialist striker who powered home a drive.
The Robins made a number of changes in the second half, but lost none of the momentum as Lee Llewelyn worked tirelessly to win back the ball before team-mate Lloyd was cleverly slid in by Holman and he deftly lofted the ball over the goalkeeper and into the corner of the net.
Gordon went close again with an angled drive before Holman completed the job seven minutes from time when he headed home a corner from substitute Will Dawes.
CHELTENHAM TOWN RESERVES: Lovett, Downes (Williams 45), Trailist, Bower, O’Shaugnessy, Atangana (Brennan 61), Llewelyn (Dawes 81), Lloyd (Davis 81), Gordon, Trailist, Holman. Subs not used: Clayton (Gk)
BRISTOL ROVERS DEVELOPMENT: Jonkerman, Williams, Kelly, Russe, Menayese, Morgan, Ebbutt (Baghdadi 60), Hargreaves, Dunwald, Kavanagh, Otudeko (Jones 64). Subs not used: Ten-Grotenhuis, Ison, Armstrong.