The Black Cats had a strong appeal for a penalty when Jack Clarke tangled with defender Ryan Hedges but nothing was given.
Rovers then immediately broke forward and opened the scoring after an excellent strike from Ben Brereton Diaz from the edge of the box.
The hosts doubled their lead when Scott Wharton converted Hedges’ free-kick with a glancing header.
Our Sunderland writer Phil Smith has dished out his player ratings from Ewood Park:
The hosts doubled their lead when Scott Wharton converted Hedges’ free-kick with a glancing header.
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