Sam Burns’ fifth minute penalty, his seventh goal in eight games, gave Rovers Under-23s their first win of the season at Chelsea.

Mike Sheron’s side ended their wait for a win with three points at Cobham courtesy of Burns’ spot-kick after Jake Garrett was fouled.

It backed up his double in the 4-4 draw with Leeds United, as Rovers moved on to seven points from their opening seven Premier League 2 matches with a first win, and clean sheet.

Burns’ spot-kick gave Rovers the perfect start when Garrett was tripped in the box, the striker sending the keeper the wrong way to give the away side the lead.

The teenager then had a chance to double the advantage soon after as when slipped in behind by the impressive Jared Harlock, his shot across Ted Sharman-Lowe was well kept out by goalkeeper Ted Sharman-Lowe.

Harvey Vale, who gave away the penalty, had an effort over the top but the best chance of the half fell to Bryan Fiabema, but Ash Phillips put him under enough pressure to stop him turning a right wing cross home from inside the six yard box.

Rovers’ task was made easier with 20 minutes to play as Xavier Simons received a second yellow card after a stray arm caught Lenni Cirino in the face.

The visitors' bid to make the scoreline more comfortable saw Joe Nolan have an effort tipped over the bar by Sharman-Lowe, but the ‘keeper was grateful to the post coming to his rescue when substitute Luke Brennan curled an effort goalwards, only to be denied by the post.

Sheron, who took over from Billy Barr in the summer, will be hoping the result is the catalyst for improved fortunes, starting with their second Premier League Cup group game on Friday when they host Middlesbrough.

Rovers were beaten in their opening game by Nottingham Forest and will be looking to respond at Leyland (7pm), but they will be without centre halves Louie Annesley and Ash Phillips who are away with Gibraltar and England Under-17s respectively.

Rovers: Dowling, Ferguson, Phillips, Annesley, Cirino, Garrett, Nolan, Harlock, Durrant (McBride), Gilsenan (Brennan), Burns