STEVEN FLETCHER'S third goal in two Premier League starts for Sunderland was not enough to secure all the points against Liverpool at the Stadium of Light.

After Fletcher had pounced to convert Craig Gardner's cross just before the half hour mark, Liverpool dominated possession but seemed incapable of finding the net.

But then Luis Suarez got two chances to turn Raheem Sterling's cross over the line 19 minutes from time to earn a share of the spoils for the Black Cats.

It was an afternoon when the Anfield club's supporters spent much of the game singing songs in support of the 96 fans that lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster.

And with the details of the independent panel's report on Hillsborough still fresh in the minds of Liverpool fans, Sunderland flew flags at half mast in support of all those affected.

And once the match had started it seemed like Liverpool could be the team to go ahead, only for them to waste a number of decent chances.

But Liverpool were unable to turn their greater share of the ball in to a goal and Fletcher raised hope of a first league win of the season for Sunderland.

Liverpool also went close numerous times after the restart and just as it looked as if it wasn't going to be their day Suarez arrived in the box to claim a point.

SUNDERLAND (4-2-3-1): Mignolet; Gardner, O'Shea, Cuellar (Bramble 46), Rose (Campbell 72); Colback, Cattermole; Larsson, Sessegnon, McClean; Fletcher (Saha 86). Subs (not used): Kilgallon, Ji, Meyler, Westwood (gk).

LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1) Reina; Kelly, Agger, Skrtel, Johnson; Gerrard, Allen; Sterling, Shelvey, Borini (Downing 64); Suarez. Subs: Jones (gk), Enrique, Sahin, Assaidi, Henderson, Carragher.