Rovers Under-23s signed off 2018 in fine fashion as they made it three consecutive wins with victory against Arsenal.

Damien Johnson’s side backed up a 3-1 win over Swansea last week, which moved them off the bottom of the Premier League 2 table, with a 4-0 success against the Gunners.

Joe Nuttall continued his recent excellent scoring run, netting for the fourth straight match to take his tally to eight during that run.

And midfielder Brad Lyons also scored twice as he maintains his impressive progress after joining from Coleraine.

There was further good news for Rovers, with Joe Rankin-Costello returning from injury having missed the majority of 2018 with a knee injury.

Rovers, without the suspended Dan Butterworth, took the lead inside the opening minute through Lyons.

Johnson’s team included Matty Platt, his second appearance for the Under-23s this season as he struggles for opportunities with loan club Accrington Stanley, with his season-long deal at the Wham Stadium set to come under consideration in January.

Having scored inside a minute in the first half, they had to wait just two minutes after the re-start before doubling their lead as Lyons scored his second of the night with an excellent strike from distance.

Nuttall got on the scoresheet for the first time, converting from the penalty spot with 19 minutes remaining.

And he rounded off an excellent night for Rovers as he scored again in the 90th minute.

The result leaves Rovers second bottom of the table, but now level on points with West Ham in 10th.

Rovers are next in action on January 7 when they travel to Chelsea.