A first-half own goal from Luke Offord proved enough for the Black Cats, who dominated the contest from start to finish.
But who caught the eye during a strong display on home soil?
Our chief football writer, Phil Smith, has dished out his player ratings – which you can see by scrolling down and clicking through the pages:
1. Lee Burge
Another clean sheet secured and another game in which he was barely tested by the opposition. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
2. Conor McLaughlin
There were one or two ambitious passes that went astray in the opening exchanges, but went about his defensive work with little fuss in what was a steady display. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
3. Bailey Wright
Ought to have scored his first Sunderland goal with a close-range header in the second half, but he is in the side to defend and it was another night in which he did that well. Mikael Mandron gave him a good contest but he came out on top. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
4. Luke O’Nien
Another commanding display on the left of the back three. Won his headers, gave nothing up and chose his moments to break forward well. 8 Photo: Frank Reid