Blackburn Reserves 0, Sunderland Reserves 0

Mar 17 2009 The Journal

CRAIG Gordon kept a clean sheet for Sunderland’s reserves as they drew with Blackburn at Morecambe’s Christie Park last night.

Gordon’s only real scare came in the 39th minute when he watched Chilean playmaker Carlos Villanueva’s chip go over his head and off the bar to safety.

The Scotland international, who has not played in the Premier League since November, will hope he has done enough to earn himself a first-team recall at Manchester City on Sunday. Sunderland’s best chance came in the 54th minute when David Healy picked out Calum Davenport in the box and his shot hit the outside of the post before going behind for a goal-kick.

Davenport, on loan from West Ham, is another player hoping to get a chance at Eastlands after the Black Cats’ poor display against Wigan last Saturday.

It took until the 31st minute for one of the goalkeepers to make a save of any note – Jason Brown diving to stop Davenport’s header. Brown did well to save a Daryl Murphy effort in the 38th minute and the keeper again denied Sunderland’s Irishman just before half-time.

Rovers striker Benni McCarthy had the ball in the back of the net in the 57th minute but it was ruled out because of pushing in the box. Keith Treacy flashed a shot wide on the hour mark and McCarthy missed the target when given a chance with five minutes left on the clock. Neil Bailey’s side, who have lost just twice all season, nearly grabbed all three points in the 82nd minute when Jack Colback found Robbie Weir and his first-time shot was saved by Brown.

Jordan Cook, one of three Sunderland strikers on show, missed a good chance late on as the away side finished strongly. The result leaves the Wearsiders nine points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North with five games left to play.

SUNDERLAND: Gordon; Weir, Kay, Davenport, Hartley; Meyler, Chandler, Colback; Cook, Murphy, Healy. Subs (not used): Carson, M’voto, McArdle, O’Mahoney, Waghorn.