ROVERS slumped to their second defeat of the season at the hands of Sunderland at Christie Park.

Glyn Hodges' young side struggled to create chances against strong opposition.

Keeper David Yelldell, was in good form but on 14 minutes the American stopper had no chance as Matt Piper crossed for Richie Ryan to head down into the net.

On 20 minutes Rovers were dealt another blow as Jemal Johnson suffered concussion after a clash of heads. He was replaced by 16-year-old Academy starlet Joe Garner.

In the second half Sunderland continued to dominate but Yelldell was equal to everything that was thrown at him.

ROVERS : Yelldell, Peers, L Jones, Bruce (sub Nolan 83 mins), Morgan, Donnelly, Danns, Harkins, Peter, Johnson (sub Garner 20 mins), Derbyshire (sub Hodge 88 mins). Subs (not used): Drench, Barr.

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