Reserves news: Blackburn 0 SAFC 1

Kevin Richardson's side took the points tonight in a 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at Morecambe FC's ground, with new signing Andy Welsh getting his second run-out in red and white. But there was still no place in the side for out-of-favour midfielder Sean Thornton, despite recent stories from the Stadium of Light that the Irishman is working hard to regain Mick McCarthy's faith.

Rovers' keeper David Yelldell was in action only six minutes into the game to deny Jonjo Dickman who tried a shot from inside the area, and only five minutes later Grant Leadbitter latched onto a cross from new-boy Welsh, only to head over the bar.

Sunderland kept up the early pressure and went a goal up after only 14 minutes of play; Matt Piper supplied a cross which was met by Richie Ryan who headed into the net to give Sunderland an early lead.

Ben Alnwick comfortably saved a Blackburn shot early in the second half, and soon afterwards his Rovers' counterpart Yelldell saved another Jonjo Dickman effort to extend Sunderland's lead.

Shortly after the hour mark, Richardson decided to make a double substitution, taking Brown off and replacing him with Chris Kingsberry, and replacing Matty Piper with Neil Teggart.

Grant Leadbitter then renewed his attack on the Rovers' goal, with three good efforts in only a few minutes that kept the Rovers keeper on his toes - but ultimately Sunderland's tally wouldn't be added to, and the score finished 1-0 to the visitors.

BLACKBURN: Yelldell, Peers, L Jones, Bruce (Nolan 83), Morgan, Donnelly, Danns, Harkins, Peter, Johnson (Garner 20), Derbyshire. Subs not used: Drench, Hodge, Barr.

SUNDERLAND: Alnwick, Lynch, N Collins, D Collins, Dodds, Dickman, Piper (Teggart 63), Leadbitter, Ryan, Brown (Kingsberry 63), Welsh. Subs not used: Carson, Taylor, Flynn.