TWO goals in two second half minutes from David Bentley and Roque Santa Cruz saw Rovers claim their second away win of the season.

Rovers' first away match of the season saw them come away from the North East with all three points at Middlesbrough, and the same occurred again further up the A1 at Roy Keane's Sunderland.

After a goalless first half in which Rovers dominated without ever seriously threatening Craig Gordon's goal, it took two goals in as many minutes for the match to be settled.

David Bentley fired home on 53 minutes after Santa Cruz's effort had been blocked and less than ninety seconds later it was the Paraguayan who was there to fire home after good work from Emerton.

Sunderland rallied late on and pulled a goal back through Grant Leadbitter, but it was too little too late for the home side.

Mark Hughes surprised many with his team selection ahead of the game, and a measure of the strength of the squad at his disposal that he was able to leave the likes of Robbie Savage and Morten Gamst Pedersen on the substitute bench, whilst striker Benni McCarthy didn't even make the sixteen.

In blustery conditions the game started at pace, the Rovers trio of Tugay, David Bentley and David Dunn enjoying plenty of possession between them with their enjoyable intricate passing.

Dunn fired over with a first time effort on four minutes, but that effort was a rare chance for Rovers, as despite enjoying plenty of the ball, it wasn't in the areas that would hurt Sunderland.

A jaunty run from Christopher Samba ended in a near-post effort that was comfortably saved by Gordon, whilst Derbyshire fired wide after a Bentley effort dropped at the striker's feet.

Roy Keane's side seemed content to hit Rovers on the break, Chopra and Jones looking to capitalise on any scraps allowed by the resolute Lancashire defence, long-range efforts from Leadbitter and Miller their only efforts.

Both sides seemed content with the pattern of play, but as the game drifted towards the break came the only talking point of the first half. Liam Miller, looking lively for the home side, threaded the ball through to Chopra to chase into the area, the former Newcastle player arrived to the ball at the same time as the onrushing Brad Friedel which resulted in Chopra going to ground. Referee Peter Walton took his time before making the decision, but it wasn't the one the baying home fans wanted. Sunderland only getting a corner kick.

There were no changes from either side at the start of the second half, but Rovers didn't come out with their usual confident play, unable to retain possession that allowed the home side to start with confidence. But Sunderland weren't able to capitalise and once normal service was resumed it was the visitors who took the lead on 53 minutes

Roque Santa Cruz ran at the Sunderland defence, Danny Higginbotham backed off further and further until the Paraguay international was in the area, he saw his effort blocked by the elbow of the defender but the ball ran into the path of David Bentley and he needed no hesitation in making it two goals in four days, slamming the ball home from ten yards out.

Two minutes later and the lead was doubled. Again it was Danny Higginbotham who played a major part in proceedings, his woefully underhit backpass was pounced upon by Brett Emerton. The Australian looked set to score his first goal in two years but for a superb stop by Craig Gordon, but the rebound looped into the air for Emerton to head across the box where Roque Santa Cruz finished with ease for his fifth goal of the season.

Three minutes later and it should been three, Santa Cruz, a constant pain throughout for the Sunderland defence forced his way through to play in Bentley, but Gordon made a superb one-handed save.

Sunderland eventually came out of their shell in the final ten minutes of the match, forcing a number of corners, eventually pulling a goal back on the stroke of the ninety through a fine Leadbitter strike from the edge of the area.

With four minutes added time to be played it gave the home fans renewed hope, but there were no worries for Rovers as they claimed a welcome three points in the North East once again.

So after two defeats in a row, Rovers have responded with two wins in a row, the perfect preparation for Thursday's UEFA Cup match against Larissa.

SUNDERLAND: Gordon, Nosworthy, McShane, Miller, Higginbotham, Collins, Chopra (sub O'Donovan 66 mins), Jones, Leadbitter, Yorke (c) (sub Murphy 65 mins), Wallace (sub Connolly 65 mins).

Subs: Ward (GK), Harte.

ROVERS: Friedel (c), Emerton, Ooijer, Samba, Warnock, Bentley, Mokoena, Tugay (sub Savage 75 mins), Dunn (sub Rigters 86 mins), Derbyshire (sub Pedersen 66 mins), Santa Cruz.

Subs: Brown (GK), Khizanishvili.

Booked: Collins (Sunderland)

Attendance: 41,252