ROVERS' reserves came away from the North East with a hard-earned point after a keenly-contested clash with the Black Cats last night.

The visitors played second fiddle to the home side for most of the game but after a dogged defensive performance they returned to Lancashire with a share of spoils.

David Bellion almost scored with just 25 seconds on the clock when he cut in from the right and thumped a shot just wide of Ryan Robinson's goal.

The Black Cats went on to dominate the remainder of the half, with Chris Brown guilty of missing a golden opportunity when he side-footed wide from close range after another surge and cross from the impressive Bellion.

Brown, who formed a powerful strikeforce with 10-goal targetman Kevin Kyle, almost atoned after 30 minutes when he forced Robinson into action with a strong shot from just inside the penalty area.

Robinson came to Rovers' rescue again when he saved from both Cliff Byrne and Bellion.

By contrast, the visitors rarely threatened as an attacking force but home keeper Jrgen Macho did have to keep his concentration to palm Jimmy Corbett's stinging drive over the crossbar -- Rovers' only attempt on goal in the first half.

Sunderland continued to force the pace after the break as Kyle, Bellion and substitute Steve Capper all went close to snatching a winner.

But Alan Morgan then wasted Rovers' best chance to steal the points when he shot wide at the death.

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

SUNDERLAND: Macho, Harrison, Byrne, Ramsden, James Bellion (Black 83), Thirlwell, Medina, Ryan (Capper 71), Kyle, Brown (Teggart 69). Subs not used: Ingham, Mercimek.

ROVERS: Robinson, Hockenhull, Danns, Taylor, McNamee, Donnelly (Morgan 65), Douglas, Greer, O'Brien, Corbett, Ostenstad. Subs not used: Taylor, Renton, Nelson, McEveley.