SAM Allardyce admitted ‘that felt like a win’ after a heroic 10-man Blackburn Rovers got skipper Chris Samba off the hook at Ewood Park last night.

The giant defender was dismissed for a professional foul on the stroke of half time but some gutsy defending, and fine goal-keeping by Paul Robinson, left Sunderland frustrated and Rovers celebrating a goalless draw.

Darren Bent should have secured maximum points for the Black Cats but an off night for the England striker was matched by a spirited display from Allardyce’s men.

Robinson denied Bent in the first half and Asamoah Gyan after the break, while stand-in centre back pairing Gael Givet and Phil Jones defended resolutely.

Allardyce said: “We have got one team talk in mind and then Chris gets himself sent off and that goes out of the window.

"We had to reorganise very quickly and have a six minute discussion tactically. I am glad to say every player, including the subs, came out and delivered.

“We feel like it is almost a win when you have gone 48 minutes and limited the opposition to half chances.

"It is very pleasing to see the players commit themselves to that and try and play out when they could.

“We caused a few problems, obviously not too many. The game loses its glitter as a spectacle because we have to be very rigid and very solid and say ‘come on break us down’. That makes it difficult to watch as a spectacle.

“From a professional point of view, outstanding from the players.”

Samba’s dismissal was Rovers’ first of the season and only their second in the Premier League in the calendar year – with Allardyce admitting it could have been avoided.

The usually dependable captain was caught in possession deep in his own half and, when Danny Welbeck went down under minimal contact, referee Lee Probert was left with little choice but to brandish the red card.

“I have no complaints on the rule,” said Allardyce. “Chris got himself in a muddle and pulls Welbeck back. He got the red card I have no complaints about that.

“Chris is an immense talent. His ability on the floor is normally very, very good.

"This time he got himself mixed up and now we miss him for the trip to Anfield.

"Jonesy went back to his natural position and did an outstanding job there.

“Chris is disappointed. He is very down about the situation.

"He feels he has let himself and the lads down but it is one of those things. It happens in a season.”