ROVERS RES 5 SUNDERLAND RES 0.

STEVEN Reid began his comeback from a 14-month injury nightmare as Blackburn Rovers reserves smashed five past Sunderland's second string.

The Republic of Ireland midfielder came through 55 minutes unscathed after recovering from a succession of long-term injuries.

Rovers went 2-0 up inside the first 18 minutes through Sergio Peter and a 25-yard deflected strike from Keith Treacy.

Reid received a rousing reception as he made way for substitute Rostyn Griffiths 10 minutes into the second half, and Stephane Henchoz made it 3-0 with a rare goal a minute later, capitalising on some poor defending inside the area.

Jamie Clarke grabbed a deserved goal on 65 minutes and Bruno Berner wrapped up the win after Trevor Carson made a real hash of his speculative long-range effort.

Sunderland substitute David Dowson almost grabbed a late consolation for the Black Cats but was thwarted by Rovers' stopper Gunnar Nielsen's brilliant block.