Three first-half goals helped a strong Blues side to a comfortable 4-0 victory at Cheltenham Town.

Garry O'Connor, Sebastian Larsson and Kevin Phillips were all on target in a clinical opening period before young trialist Albert Fataki added a late fourth within minutes of stepping off the substitutes' bench.

First-team coaches Andy Watson and Roy Aitken took charge for the trip to Waddon Road and had a blend of youth and experience to choose from, with most of the first-team players who didn't feature at Nottingham Forest 24 hours earlier on show.

The only absentees were summer signings Scott Dann and Giovanny Espinoza, who both sat out as a precaution with minor groin niggles but another trialist, Landry Matondo, began the game in midfield.

Blues surged out of the blocks and opened the scoring inside the first two minutes, Larsson laying the ball on for O'Connor to send an unstoppable effort into the top corner from 20 yards.

Larsson hit the post with a free-kick before doubling the visitors' advantage shortly before the half hour. Phillips' through-ball sent the Swedish international racing through on goal and he promptly rounded goalkeeper Barry Richardson before cooly slotting the ball into the empty net.

Phillips got himself in on the act ninety seconds later, making the most of a slip from Cheltenham skipper Drissa Diallo by volleying past a helpless Richardson.

Keith Fahey should have added a fourth moments after the break when he lost his footing at the vital moment after beating the offside trap.

The hosts were looking to restore some pride and almost pulled a goal back when Josh Low forced Maik Taylor to palm the ball over the crossbar and then veteran Barry Hayles fired over after cutting inside his marker.

Apart from those efforts, a exceptionally young Blues back four coped admirably with the Robins' physical presence up front.

And striker Fataki put the icing on the cake in the 80th minute when he turned his man in the area and planted a low effort across the keeper.

Blues: Maik Taylor, Jared Wilson (David Joyce, 72), Dan Preston, Jacob Rowe, Shaun Timmins, Sebastian Larsson (Luke Hubbins, 62), Landry Matondo, Lee Bowyer, Keith Fahey (Ashley Sammons, 66), Kevin Phillips, Garry O'Connor (Albert Fataki, 77). Sub (Not Used): Artur Krysiak.

You can see extended highlights plus an interview with striker Kevin Phillips on BLUESWORLD on Monday.