Sunderland began their EFL Trophy campaign with a win at Lincoln City in their opening Group F fixture.
Dan Neil put the Black Cats in front at Sincil Bank with less than two minutes on the clock, before substitute Stephen Wearne came off the bench to add the second goal on his debut with 20 minutes remaining.
Lincoln pulled a goal back in injury time through Lewis Montsma, but it came too late for them to try snatch an equaliser.
Here's how James Hunter rated the Sunderland players.
Lee Burge 8
Made a string of fine saves to keep Sunderland's noses in front
Kenton Richardson 7
This was his senior debut but you wouldn't have known it - he looked instantly at home in the right-back role
Ollie Younger 7
Cool and composed on the ball at the heart of defence
Frederik Alves 7
Didn't put a foot wrong alongside Younger
Denver Hume 6
Looked a little rusty on his return after five months out with a hamstring problem, but that was understandable
Dan Neil 9
Scored the first goal, was heavily involved in the second, and was outstanding all evening
Harrison Sohna 7
Impressed on his senior debut alongside Neil in midfield
Aiden O'Brien 7
Provided the assists for both goals and was a handful throughout
Alex Pritchard 6
Did OK overall, although his attempts at goal from set-pieces were poor
Ellis Taylor 6
A solid performer wide on the right, and forced the keeper into a save early in the second half
Will Harris 7
A promising debut, he gave Lincoln's centre-backs a tough evening
Subs
Stephen Wearne 7
For Taylor 62mins. Marked his senior debut with a goal within 10 minutes of coming on as a sub
Luke O'Nien N/A
For Harris 75mins.
Elliot Embleton N/A
For O'Nien 81mins.
Not used: Carney, Almond, Newall, Kachosa
