ACADEMY starlet Keith Barker bagged his first ever goal for the reserves last night as Alan Murray's side claimed a hard-earned point from this six-goal thriller.

The 16-year-old striker opened his account in what was only his second appearance for the second string.

And the other major plus to come out of the game was another 45 minute work-out for Italian midfielder Dino Baggio who could have put himself in the frame for Saturday's clash with Liverpool.

Rovers found themselves a goal down after just five minutes when Butler beat Yelldell.

Then the visitors suffered a further blow when Martin Taylor had to be substituted following a nasty clash of heads.

However, Barker then dragged them back into the game with a well-taken goal on 23 minutes.

Sunderland regained the initiative again shortly after the interval with two quick goals courtesy of Karl Ready and Butler.

But Rovers mounted a rousing recovery as first Sebastian Pelzer struck a rare goal with eight minutes remaining.

Then in the dying seconds Ciccio Grabbi snatched a point with a stunning free kick from 25 yards.

Rovers: Yelldell, Michael Taylor, Martin Taylor (sub Fitzgerald), Johansson, McEveley, Nelson, Donnelly, Baggio (sub Black), Morgan (sub Pelzer), Barker, Grabbi. Subs not used: Renton, Johnson.

SUNDERLAND RES...3 ROVERS RES...3