Wanderers derby hopes against Blackburn Rovers were shattered in the first 23 minutes at Ewood Park.

In that time Rovers were 2-0 up but worse was to follow when Alan Thompson was sent off in the 23rd minute for a late tackle of Jeff Kenna.

The first goal was stabbed home in the third minute by Kevin Gallacher in only the third minute with Sutton grabbing a second in the 20th minute.

Wanderers did well to hold Rovers after that with their one man disadvantage but they were disappointed in the 56th minute when Dean Holdsworth's claims for a penalty were turned down.

Nathan Blake had the chance to pull a goal back but that would have only papered over the cracks and in the end Rovers grabbed a third in stoppage time through Jason Wilcox.