A SOLITARY goal from stand-in striker John Oster proved decisive at a wind-swept Archibald's Stadium last night as Rovers crashed to a limp defeat against Sunderland.

The title-chasing Wearsiders had simply too much know-how on the night for a Rovers side which mainly consisted of Academy players.

And to make matters worse for the visitors, their misery was compounded by an injury to Jay McEveley which could deny the youngster a possible first team return against West Brom on Saturday.

Welsh international Oster fired the home side in front in the 26th minute when he pounced on a mistake by McEveley before comfortably beating Ryan Robinson with a right-foot shot.

Then moments later McEveley had to be replaced by Gary Hawkins after the young defender limped off through injury.

From then on, Rovers were left to fight a rearguard action and but for the overworked Robinson the margin of Sunderland's victory might have been greater.

The visiting keeper made a string of fine saves to keep his side in the game as the Wearsiders threatened to run riot in a one-sided first half.

To their credit, Rovers did improve once they had the wind at their backs in the second half but striker Paul Gallagher missed their best chance of the night when he somehow headed wide from five yards out to let the home side off the hook with five minutes left.

Sunderland's win took them level on points with leaders Aston Villa who they meet in a title showdown next week.

ROVERS: Robinson, Bruce, McEveley (Hawkins, 27 mins), Fitzgerald, Pelzer, Donnelly, Dunning, Danns, Morgan (Black 70 mins), Gallagher, Watt (Johnson 87 mins). Subs not used: Renton

SUNDERLAND RES...1 ROVERS RES... 0

Rovers will complete their reserve team fixtures when they entertain Bolton Wanderers at Ewood Park next Tuesday (kick-off 7pm).