Chelsea's Under-21s recovered a two-goal deficit before winning 4-2 on penalties
Bristol Rovers surrendered a two-goal lead at the Memorial Stadium as Chelsea's youngsters fought back to win their EFL Trophy Southern Group C game on penalties.
Mees Rijks and Joe Quigley scored their first goals of the new season to put the Pirates 2-0 up just before the hour mark, but Harrison Bettoni and Chizaram Ezenwata were both on target as Chelsea levelled before winning the shootout 4-2.
Reiss Russell-Denny almost put Rovers ahead early on with a drive that rattled the crossbar, but it was Dutchman Rijks who broke the deadlock, finishing off Jack Aitchison's cross from close range.
It looked as though the Pirates were home and dry when Quigley volleyed in Russell-Denny's cross to extend their advantage, but Chelsea reduced the deficit when Bettoni was teed up by Sol Gordon.
Bettoni then went close to making it 2-2 before Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli created the opening for Ezenwata to level 10 minutes from time and take the tie to penalties.
Chelsea's Dante White struck the post, but Rovers pair Jack Sparkes and Richie Smallwood both missed their kicks before Justin Osagie sealed the Blues' success.
