BLACKBURN Rovers Reserves were thrashed 7-2 tonight, despite taking the lead against Sunderland's second string.

Young Irishman Alan Judge followed up last week's hat-trick by putting Rovers in front in just the sixth minute, with his 18-yard effort reward for his hard work in the build-up.

Ross Wallace equalised on 13 minutes with a curling free kick, after Dean Winnard was adjudged to have fouled Anthony Stokes.

And Rovers found themselves behind almost immediately through Chandler.

Jamie Clarke had a shot saved as a young Rovers side searched for a second, but Sunderland stepped up a gear after that, and Wallace took advantage of defensive confusion to make it 3-1.

The home side added a fourth virtually straight from the kick-off when Stokes rounded the goalkeeper after latching onto a long ball forward.

A furious Glyn Hodges was sent to the stands after Rovers were denied a clear free kick on the edge of the box for a foul on striker Clarke.

His side did start the second half brightly but Stokes made it 5-1 with a volley, sandwiched in between chances for Judge.

Bryan Hodge pulled a goal back with a header, but only after Wallace completed his hat-trick.