Goals from Ross Stewart and Elliot Embleton maintained Sunderland's 100 percent start to the season, as they beat MK Dons at Stadium MK.
Stewart gave the Black Cats the lead just before half-time, before Embleton added the second soon after the break.
MK Dons' on-loan Spurs man Troy Parrott pulled a goal back for the hosts just before the hour, and that made for a frantic finish.
It could have been more comfortable had Lynden Gooch converted from the penalty spot after Stewart had been fouled, but Dons keeper Andrew Fisher made the save.
Here's how James Hunter rated the Sunderland players.
Lee Burge 7
Made a couple of excellent saves to keep MK Dons at bay
Carl Winchester 6
Did OK at right-back
Tom Flanagan 6
Some vital blocks when Sunderland's defence was tested
Callum Doyle 6
Another good performance from the youngster
Dennis Cirkin 7
Showed a lot of promise on his debut, and will get better once he settles in
Corry Evans 7
Controlled the play in the middle of the park
Dan Neil 7
Back in his favoured midfield role, and produced the assist for Embleton
Lynden Gooch 6
Saw his penalty saved late on but thankfully it didn't cost his side
Elliot Embleton 6
Cool finish for the second goal, which ended up being the winner
Aiden McGeady 6
Not at his best, but the opening goal still came from his cross - albeit only because the keeper spilled it
Ross Stewart 7
Led the line well, scored, won a penalty, and could have had a second penalty
SUBS
Alex Pritchard 6
For Evans 61mins. Lively, and almost added a third goal
Bailey Wright 7
For Winchester 72mins. Stood firm when Sunderland needed to repel MK Dons' late pressure
Aiden O'Brien 6
For Cirkin 72mins. Did OK
Not used: Patterson, Taylor, Diamond, Hawkes
