Michael Gray brings down Julio Arca and earns a yellow card but the free kick comes to nothing.

Sunderland come forward again but Kevin Kyle's cross is cleared off the line by Ryan Nelsen.

Rovers are just hanging on as Sunderland are throwing everything at the visitors but clear openings are proving hard to come by.

The home side come forward and feed Liam Lawrence in the box but Brad Friedel makes a comfortable save.

Sunderland are having the better of things at the moment but they still can't fashion an opening, although Rovers aer not not offering any threat themselves.

Arca marks out the distance of the wall for a free-kick but escapes punishment from the referee and Lawrence sends his 25-yard effort over the bar.

Julio Arca needlessly drags down Steven Reid and he only earns himself a yellow card.

An announcement over the tannoy has caused the home fans to begin chants against the board of the club, which is creating an uncomfortable atmosphere inside the ground.

The game has gone a bit flat with the chances drying up but Sunderland still have hope, trailing by just the one goal.

Bellamy, who has not had a great game, seems to be struggling with an injury and has indicated to the bench that he wants to come off.

Blackburn are just starting to get back on top again but they are frustrated by the offside flag which has been raised on a couple of occasions with Bellamy threatening.

Justin Hoyte does well down the right and his cross finds Julia Arca but he can't direct his header on target.

It is the Rovers' fans who are making the most noise at the Stadium of Light as Sunderland continue to struggle up front.

Blackburn have been a little complacent in this second half but Brad Friedel is dominating his area to ease the pressure on his defence.

Tugay gave the ball away and Chris Brown is played through one-on-one with Brad Friedel but the keeper makes himself big and makes a great save.

Blackburn work the ball quickly up to Craig Bellamy but the Welsh striker drags his shot wide of the post.

Sunderland have started the second half with a bit of fire in their bellies but the final ball is lacking.

Sunderland have a great chance to level up matters as Julia Arca's cross finds Rory Delap but his header is brilliantly saved by Brad Friedel.

Sunderland are still in this game and their more direct approach is causing some problems for the Rovers rearguard.

Blackburn are dominating the game and Sunderland are struggling to keep them at bay but while the score is only 1-0 nothing can be taken for granted.

Sunderland's defence is all over the place at the moment but Emerton's header is brilliantly saved by Kelvin Davis.

Rovers work the ball nicely to find Craig Bellamy in the box but he drags his shot wide.

Blackburn earn a free kick in a dangerous area but Morten Gamst Pedersen's 25-yard curling effort goes over the bar.

Chances are at a premium at the moment but the onus is obviously on Sunderland who trail to Rovers' only shot so far.

Kerimoglu Tugay gives the ball away carelessly in midfield but Arca's dangerous cross eludes everyone.

Blackburn seem to have weathered the early storm and the goal has allowed the Rovers' players to settle down.

Blackburn's extra class is just beginning to show as they start to get on top but the final ball is lacking at the moment.

Rovers boss Mark Hughes may be a little worried by his side's sluggish start but there are signs his team is getting to grips with the game.

Julio Arca rather ambitiously goes for goal some 35 yrds out and his effort sails into the crowd.

Sunderland are certainly on top in these early exchanges but goals have been hard for their side to find this season.

Jonathan Stead does well down the left and he crosses into the middle but Rory Delap can only head wide.

Sunderland have made a bright start to the game and have already forced a couple of corners.