IT'S honours even at Ewood Park as Rovers struggle to break the visiting Black Cats down.

Mark Hughes' side have huffed and puffed but not been able to create much in the way of clear-cut chances.

Sunderland, fresh from a 3-1 win over Bolton at the weekend, were marginally the better side and created more chances, although nothing that seriously tested goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

Kenwynne Jones dragged a shot wide before David Bentley almost scored with one of his trademark from 30 yards but blazed just wide.

A second Bentley free-kick in the 31st minute, this time from 35 yards out, was curled into the heart of the area, but Roque Santa Cruz's glancing header bounced comfortably wide.

A half chance followed for Jones four minutes later following an awful clearance from Stephen Warnock that ballooned up in the air towards Friedel's goal.

Jones, though, blew the opportunity with an equally bad sliced half-volley which posed no threat to Friedel.

The 23-year-old was at least on target in the 38th minute, but his low 20-yard effort through a crowd of players resulted in an easy take for Friedel down to his right.

But neither side could muster a goal at the break.