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Rovers send Black Cats crashing out of cup

12/11/2008

Blackburn Rovers have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup following a 2-1 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Rovers scored two goals in quick succession in the second half to edge out the Black cats in a closely contested affair.

Substitute Roque Santa Cruz and an own goal from Phil Bardsley was enough for Rovers, while Kenwyne Jones' strike was in vain for Roy Keane's side.

Sunderland enjoyed the better chances in the first half and were unlucky not to go into half time ahead.

Kieran Richardson almost put Sunderland ahead but veteran Turkish midfielder Tugay was able to block his goal-bound effort.

Rovers keeper Paul Robinson then had to be on his toes to deny Danny Collins who had latched onto Steed Malbranque's corner.

Moments later the England stopper was called into action again, this time tipping Jones' header on to the crossbar.

Heading into the second half Blackburn had yet to register a shot on target so it was surprising when they suddenly took the lead – though the introduction of Santa Cruz certainly helped.

He was able to benefit from a Samba flick-on and headed past Marton Fulop from close-range.

The goal was against the run of play but instantly gave Rovers a lift and they took full advantage of being in the ascendancy by adding a second goal seven minutes later.

Matt Derbyshire hit the Black Cats on the break and sent a dangerous cross into the Sunderland box. Fulop deflected the ball onto defender Bardsley who could not avoid putting into his own goal.

Jones pulled a goal back for the home side immediately, unleashing an excellent shot from the edge of the area, to give Roy Keane's side some hope.

However, in the final 20 minutes they failed to create a clear-cut chance to enable them to force extra time.