PETER REID'S popularity on Wearside has waned to an all-time low - but you would never have known at Ewood Park.

The 5,000 or so Sunderland die-hards who journeyed to greet the dawn of another Premiership season, gave under-pressure Reid some reason to be cheerful.

In the days when he could do no wrong in red-and-white eyes, his often-dour demeanour inspired a group of fans to record the ditty "Cheer up, Peter Reid!''

If the manager needed his spirits lifting - and he surely did after a summer of stinging criticism from disaffected followers - the response of the travelling contingent was the perfect pick-me-up.

Sunderland supporters were once again singing his name on Saturday, and skipper Michael Gray later revealed: "It's put a smile on the manager's face.

"The fans were outstanding. When we went forward they were superb. It's great for us to hear that. Away from home it's like having an extra player.

"When you look at the support, it's awesome. My god, they make themselves heard.''

Even more encouraging for Reid was the fact that the reaction wasn't merely born of blind faith on the part of the few.

It was prompted by a promising opening period from a Sunderland side who flattered to deceive, but in flashes played with fluency and purpose.

And Reid maintains that the fusion of the fans' passion and the best efforts of himself and his players, can ensure the Wearsiders are still "a force''.

Reid stressed: "The biggest thing about Sunderland Football Club is the support, which is fantastic.

"I'm doing my best - that's all I can do - and so are the players, and if we all stick together, we're a force.

"The fans were terrific here and the players responded.''

What Sunderland still lack, of course, is a cutting edge.

Until Reid delivers on his pledge to find Kevin Phillips the new strike partner he craves, the Black Cats' gameplan is always going to have its limitations.

It was clear from the outset, with Phillips effectively operating as a lone frontman, that the chief objective was to avoid defeat rather than fashion victory.

Anything more than a draw would have been manna from heaven for Reid after the frightening freefall of last season which left Sunderland perilously close to the relegation abyss.

The point came as a huge bonus to Reid, as did the performance of winger Thomas Butler.

Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Butler, who almost quit the Stadium of Light in the close season as a free agent before agreeing a new contract, revelled in the opportunity to showcase his talents on the same stage as his hero Damien Duff.

If Butler was the main source of Sunderland's best moves, then Duff - likewise deployed on the left flank - was Blackburn's mercurial sorcerer.

One of the stars of the Republic's heroic World Cup campaign, Duff assured Sunderland new boy Stephen Wright of a demanding debut.

The England Under-21 right-back, whose £3m move from Liverpool had been confirmed only two days earlier, was on tenterhooks from the first kick - almost literally.

Wright picked up what must be one of the quickest-ever bookings for a debutant when he dumped Duff on halfway with little more than 30 seconds on the clock.

Many referees would have done nothing more than issue a ticking-off for such an early offence, but not David Elleray.

Reid said: "I thought David Elleray had a terrific game, but I thought Stephen was a bit unfortunate to be booked so early on.

"Thomas Butler got clattered about four times in the first two minutes and there was no yellow card.

"Overall, though, Stephen showed what he is - a resolute defender who can get the ball down and pass it.

"I don't think he'll have a busier afternoon that the one he had here against Damien.''

Duff's menace grew as the game wore on, and with former Manchester United duo Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke reunited as Rovers' new spearhead, a goal for the home side always looked likely.

Sunderland experienced some narrow scrapes, notably when Duff managed to nick the ball past exposed keeper Thomas Sorensen before vigilant centre-back Joachim Bjorklund emerged to clear from in front of goal.

The Black Cats had chances themselves, though largely late on.

When Phillips' low shot at the near post was saved by Brad Friedel in the 73rd minute, it was Sunderland's first on-target attempt.

Claudio Reyna then forced a real save from United States teammate Friedel with a curling 20-yard free-kick.

But a lack of communication between Reyna and Phillips appeared to prove costly when the midfielder stretched to steer Butler's cross straight at Friedel just as the ball was about to drop nicely for Sunderland's master marksman.

Had Phillips been in the company of an accomplished front player in the same situation, the outcome might have been different.

The point has at least bought Reid some time. Now he needs to buy that striker.

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