ON-LOAN goalkeeper Peter Enckelman pulled off a string of impressive saves as Rovers survived a late onslaught to earn a point against Sunderland at Christie Park last night.

Alan Murray's side had taken a second minute lead courtesy of a Stephen Wright own goal, only for Michael Proctor to hit back with a well-taken equaliser.

Then it needed a magnificent triple save from Enckelman right at the death to ensure Rovers came away with a share of the spoils in what was their final home game of the year.

Conditions were hardly conducive for free-flowing football but Rovers still made a flying start, breaking the deadlock inside the opening two minutes.

Ciaran Donnelly whipped over a teasing cross, which former Liverpool and England Under 21 international Wright somehow sliced past startled keeper Michael Ingham.

Sunderland should have been back on level terms in the 16th minute when Enckelman spilled Chris Scott's centre but Chris Black blasted over from 15 yards.

Then a mistake by Nissa Johansson presented Proctor with an inviting opening on the edge of the box but the striker's lob sailed harmlessly over.

It was Sunderland's turn to survive a scare midway through the half when Gary Harkins drew a fine save from Ingham after a jinking run and Jemal Johnson's follow-up header bounced back off the crossbar.

That proved to be something of a turning point as Sunderland then hit back with a well-executed goal in the 33rd minute.

Scott's raking right-wing cross found Proctor in space and the striker expertly guided a clinical header inside the near post with Enckelman rooted to the spot.

The momentum remained with the visitors after the break.

Black twice went close to making it 2-1, first heading over from close range then testing Enckelman's reflexes with a shot from inside the box.

But Rovers nearly snatched a late winner of their own when a shot from Johnson crept just wide of the far upright with Ingham well beaten in the 86th minute.

There was still time for the Wearsiders to mount a late siege, however.

Enckelman reacted sharply to deny Tommy Smith then in the dying seconds, the Finn somehow thwarted Smith and Black twice during an incredible goal-mouth scramble.

ROVERS RESERVES... 1

SUNDERLAND RES... 1

ROVERS: Enckelman, Peers, Morgan, Harkins, Johansson, McEveley, Donnelly, Danns, Johnson, Douglas, Nelson. Subs: Watt (for Harkins, 69), A Taylor (for Douglas, 69) Not Used: M Taylor, Renton, Barker

SUNDERLAND: Ingham, Wright, Babb, Dickman, Clark, Collins, Black, Scott, Smith, Proctor, Ramsden. Subs: Not used: Toft, Huntley, Teggart.