Supersub McCarthy strikes to see off Sunderland

BENNI McCarthy stepped off the bench to steer Blackburn into the fifth round of the FA Cup last night.

The South African striker struck deep in extra-time to break Sunderland’s spirit and set up a home meeting with Coventry a week on Saturday.

McCarthy headed home with three minutes remaining following a free-kick from Carlos Villanueva.

It was a dramatic end to a game that seemed to be heading for a penalty shoot-out.

David Healy had opened the scoring for Sunderland in the seventh minute, the Northern Ireland striker, making only his third start, the first to react when Daryl Murphy’s shot spun off Ryan Nelsen.

Blackburn regrouped and drew level in the 37th minute. Aaron Mokoena sent a 25-yard thunderbolt into the corner, leaving Gordon stranded, after Villanueva’s effort had been blocked.

After the break, there was little to choose between the sides and Grant Leadbitter went close in the 58th minute following a surging run down the left from George McCartney.

Play switched down the other end and Roberts turned quickly in the penalty area, only for Gordon to block his effort.

Gordon then kept his side on level terms in the 73rd minute when he pushed over a superb free-kick from Villanueva that seemed goal-bound.

Then Khizanishvili sent a free header over the bar nine minutes later following Villanueva’s corner.

Sunderland hit back and Reid failed to take advantage in the 85th minute when Carlos Edwards played the ball to him at the back post but he got a poor first touch and the match went into extra-time, paving the way for the dramatic finish.

BLACKBURN: Robinson, Simpson, Khizanishvili, Nelsen (Ooijer, 87), Givet, Villanueva, Mokoena, Dunn (Tugay, 61), Treacy, Roque Santa Cruz (McCarthy, 72), Roberts.

SUNDERLAND: Gordon, Kay (Bardsley, 56), Ferdinand, Collins, McCartney (Luscombe, 106), Edwards, Leadbitter, Reid, Malbranque (Yorke, 76), Healy, Murphy.

Referee: Phil Dowd.