Sunderland ended a run of three straight Premiership defeats with a battling draw against Worthington Cup-weary Blackburn.

Victory could have hauled Howard Wilkinson's side out of the Premiership drop zone.

But both sides had chances to snatch victory in a tense Stadium of Light clash.

We think we've dropped two points Graeme Souness

England strikers Andy Cole and Kevin Phillips both wasted golden opportunities to break the deadlock in the first half.

Cole blasted wide with the goal at his mercy on 14 minutes and Phillips completely miskicked with only Brad Friedel to beat 12 minutes before the break.

Graeme Souness' Rovers, on the back of an impressive Worthington Cup draw at Manchester United, had the better of the possession.

John Oster (left) and Nils-Eric Johansson battle

But they were unable turn that into goals as the Black Cats held firm at the back.

Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, back in the side after a lengthy injury absence, kept his side in it with fine saves from Dwight Yorke and Cole.

And Sunderland came desperately close to snatching all three points when defender Jody Craddock's 69th-minute shot came back off the post.

It was a very tight game Howard Wilkinson

Stadium of Light crowd favourite Julio Arca made a popular return when he came on for John Oster on the hour.

And the Black Cats were desperately unfortunate not to go ahead midway through the second half when McCann recycled Arca's left-wing corner and the ball dropped to Craddock inside the penalty area.

But the defender's shot came back off the foot of the post with Friedel stranded.

Sunderland: Sorensen, McCartney, Craddock, Babb, Williams, Oster (Arca 60), Thirlwell, McCann, Proctor (Stewart 77), Flo, Phillips.
Subs not used: Macho, Bjorklund, Kyle.

Booked: Williams.

Blackburn: Friedel, Neill (Mahon 74), Todd, Taylor, Johansson, Thompson (Gillespie 57), Flitcroft, Tugay, Duff (Jansen 79), Cole, Yorke.
Subs not used: Kelly, Ostenstad.

Booked: Tugay, Todd, Thompson.

Attendance: 36,529

Referee: M Riley (W Yorkshire).