Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson saw his side slip to their third consecutive League One away defeat - the second under his management.
But the Black Cats failed to build on that positive momentum in a frustrating game.
Despite starting the first half well, Sunderland found themselves a goal down after 22 minutes when they failed to clear a low cross into the box and Jason Cummings was on hand to turn the ball past Lee Burge.
Chris Maguire hit the post for Sunderland as they pressed for an equaliser, while Will Grigg and Luke O'Nien went close as the Black Cats tried to get back into the game.
Here's how James Hunter has rated the Sunderland players.
LEE BURGE 6
No chance with the goal and went off with a thigh injury at half-time
LUKE O’NIEN 7
Cross for the goal came down his side, but at the other end he was denied by the post
JORDAN WILLIS 6
Up against Edwards and kept him pretty quiet
JOEL LYNCH 6
Strong at the back against the lively Cummings
DENVER HUME 7
Offered a threat down the left and most of Sunderland’s best moves have come through him
MAX POWER 6
Almost levelled late on, but the keeper tipped his effort onto the bar
GEORGE DOBSON 6
Put in plenty of hard graft but for little reward
DUNCAN WATMORE 6
A couple of decent runs, but not as effective as on Tuesday
CHRIS MAGUIRE 7
Rattled the post, brought a great save out of O’Leary, and looked a threat all game
AIDEN McGEADY 5
Missed a good early chance and his crossing was inconsistent at best
WILL GRIGG 5
A willing worker but nothing came off for him in front of goal
SUBS
JON McLAUGHLIN 6
For Burge 46mins. Barely had a shot to save
MARC McNULTY 6
For Watmore 60mins. Helped Sunderland step things up in the second half
BENJI KIMPIOKA 6
For Grigg 83mins. Offered energy in the latter stages
NOT USED: C McLaughlin, McGeouch, Flanagan, Leadbitter
Rate the players
Now it's your turn to rate the Sunderland players.
