ROVERS Reserves suffered only their second defeat of the season as they were trounced 4-0 by Sunderland.

In blustery conditions at the Eppleton Colliery Welfare Ground, Rovers started the stronger of the two sides, but were made to pay for missed chances as the home side scored twice just before the break through Chandler and Meyler.

But Rovers had no answer for Sunderland in the second period with the Black Cats increasing their lead further thanks to goals from Colback and Prica on a night to forget for Iain Brunskill's side as the hosts extended their lead at the top of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North.

Mark Bunn was called into action after just seven minutes, Jordan Henderson cutting inside past Jon Bateson to shoot, but the Rovers stopper saved low down. A minute later and Andy Haworth's run down the left saw him clip the ball over the top for Julio Santa Cruz to chase but Nick Colgan claimed just ahead of the striker.

From that goal kick the ball was put back towards the Sunderland goal and Santa Cruz let fly with a stunning 35 yard volley that flew narrowly over the bar, it would have been some goal had it found the back of the net. On 23 minutes the Paraguayan youngster went close once more, heading an Ajdarevic cross just wide.

But as the half wore on the home side started to take control. Bunn did well to save a shot from Cook, whilst Jamie Chandler fired over the bar following good work from Colback.

Four minutes before the break Sunderland took the lead. A Rovers attack broke down with Sunderland breaking forward quickly, Prica hit a low shot that Bunn saved but amongst the bodies rushing in to get to the loose ball, Chandler arrived first to score high into the roof of the net.

Two minutes later and the lead was doubled. A corner from Henderson wasn't dealt with and Meyler forced the ball home.

With the wind at their backs Rovers will have hoped for an improved showing in the second period but instead it was a comfortable display from the home side.

Bunn saved well from Henderson on 53 minutes, but a minute later a superb strike from 35 yards by Jack Colback flashed passed the unsighted goalkeeper to make it 3-0 to Sunderland.

Striker Marcus Marshall was brought on for Ajdarevic as Rovers looked for a way back into the game, but it was still the home side making the running, Prica firing across goal and narrowly wide on 70.

However the Swedish striker didn't have long to register on the scoresheet, Cook's through ball finding Prica and he drew the goalkeeper before firing low into the net.

Michael Potts came on for Josh O'Keefe to mark his first appearance at Reserve team level, but there was little to celebrate on a disappointing night for the Reserves.

ROVERS: Bunn, Kane, Bateson, Winnard, Marrow, Hodge, Judge, O'Keefe (sub Potts 74 mins), J. Santa Cruz, Ajdarevic (sub Marshall 59 mins), Haworth.

Subs not used: Bussmann, Lowe, Hanley.

SUNDERLAND: Colgan, Kay, Chimbonda, Cornforth, Meyler, Chandler, Colback, Henderson (sub Dowson 67 mins), Prica, Cook (sub Fletcher 78 mins), Luscombe.

Subs not used: Hunter, Brown, Noble.

Attendance: 680