The Black Cats came out on top of their clash with Accrington Stanley to move two points clear at the top of League One.
A wonderful left-footed drive from Dan Neil gave the Black Cats an opener after just 17 minutes only to be cancelled out by Michael Nottingham's near-post header on the half hour mark.
It was a gritty end to end encounter with both sides intent on maintaining their impressive start to the season.
Sunderland could, and probably should have been out of sight in the second-half, only to be denied by last ditch challenges form the Accrington back line and their keeper on a number of occasions.
Here's how James Hunter rated the Sunderland players.
RON-THORBEN HOFFMANN 4
Looked very unconvincing. It was his debut so he is still adapting, but he will have to improve on this - and improve fast
CARL WINCHESTER 7
Another fine game at right-back, capped with what turned out to be the winning goal
TOM FLANAGAN 6
Did OK, but picked up his fifth booking of the season so will sit out next weekend's trip to Fleetwood through suspension
CALLUM DOYLE 5
Uncharacteristically shaky at times
DENNIS CIRKIN 7
Strong at left-back, and made one brilliant block in the second half
LUKE O'NIEN 8
So impressive in midfield, he did all the dirty work winning challenges in the middle of the park
DAN NEIL 7
His stunning strike in the first half set Sunderland on their way to victory
AIDEN McGEADY 7
Always offered a threat, and produced a cute assist for Winchester
ELLIOT EMBLETON 5
Not at his best, although he did have a couple of chances
LYNDEN GOOCH 5
Like Embleton, this wasn't his best afternoon's work
ROSS STEWART 7
Very impressive up front, although he should have scored when one-on-one with the keeper
SUBS
ALEX PRITCHARD 6
For Gooch 69mins. Fresh legs and new ideas in the final 20 minutes
BAILEY WRIGHT 6
For Embleton 83mins. Did his usual job, coming on late in the game as Sunderland switched to a back three to see out the match
Not used: Burge, Huggins, Evans, Alves, Broadhead
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