A brace from Charlie Wyke and a Chris Maguire handed the Black Cats victory after they had fallen behind to a long-range Lewis Alessandra effort.
But who were the star performers against the Cumbrians, and who has work to do ahead of the League One restart on September 12? Scroll down and click through the pages as Phil Smith dishes out his merit marks:
1. Remi Matthews
Distribution was good and he made one strong stop to prevent Carlisle doubling their lead on the hour mark, but it was a poor error that allowed Lewis Allesandra to open the scoring. Conditions were slippery but a weak effort was straight at him and should not have crossed the line. 5 Photo: Other
2. Morgan Feeney
Caught out on one or two occasions but generally composed enough on what was his first start for the club. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
3. Jordan Willis
Looked rusty in the opening stages after not really being tested on Saturday. Grew into his work and looked more and more at ease as the contest developed. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
4. Tom Flanagan
Perhaps understandably, he found it a little tougher in possession. Diamond didn’t quite seem on his wavelength as Hume so often does, meaning a number of moves didn’t get going. Comfortable enough in defence. 6 Photo: Frank Reid