David Dunn bagged a brace and Benjani scored on his first Rovers outing, but the Reserves still ended up on the losing side in a seven-goal thriller against Arsenal.
After an even opening the deadlock was broken on 26 minutes when striker Benjani took advantage of some hesitant defending from Johan Djouru to cooly lift the ball over the advancing Fabianski in the Arsenal goal.
Amine Linganzi fired narrowly wide before it got better for Rovers when David Dunn doubled their lead with a peach of a goal. Collecting the ball 25 yards out, Dunn slammed the ball into the net with an effort that gave the Arsenal 'keeper no chance.
But a vital goal pulled back just before the break reduced the deficit and gave the home side hope for the second half, Chuks Aneke's goal was an outstanding solo effort.
And in truth, playing down the Underhill slope, Rovers were no match for Arsenal in the second half, with winger Jay Emmanuel-Thomas in sparkling form.
Jake Kean had kept Arsenal at bay with a couple of fine saves before the home side drew level just before the hour mark. Emmanuel-Thomas outpaced Morris down the right, squaring from the byline for a simple tap-in for Afobe.
Against the run of play Rovers regained the lead on 72 minutes courtesy of a David Dunn penalty after Djourou had pulled back Roberts in the area.
The lead lasted less than ten minutes however when a clever chip from Aneke saw Afobe make no mistake with a clinical finish.
With five minutes remaining Arsenal's comeback was complete when they grabbed the seventh goal of the night to make it 4-3. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas beating Morris before drilling the ball past Jake Kean at his near post.
At the death Rovers had the chance to level when Morris crossed for Benjani, but the Zimbabwe international headed wide.
ARSENAL: Fabianski, Yennaris (sub Boateng 22 mins), Miquel, Eastmond, Squillaci, Djourou, Afobe (sub Murphy 82 mins), Denilson, Emmanuel-Thomas, Aneke, Randall (sub Deacon 62 mins).
Subs not used: Shea, Evina.
ROVERS: Kean, Lowe, Morris, Pearson, Parry, Linganzi, Nzonzi, Dunn (sub Aley 85 mins), Roberts, Benjani, Hoilett (sub Potts 74 mins).
Subs not used: A. O'Connor, Urwin, Ramm.
Booked: Linganzi (Rovers)
