From controversial calls to squandered sights of goal, there was little for fans of the Black Cats to cheer about on a disappointing afternoon in Lincolnshire. Our photographer, Frank Reid, captured all the emotion from the trip to Sincil Bank – with some key shots from both on and off the field that you will only understand if you shared the agony of a rare defeat. Scroll down and click through the pages to see the photos:
13. Charlie Wyke misses out on an aerial ball
Michael Appleton accused Sunderland of being 'direct' following the game - with Charlie Wyke unable to make the most of the long balls directed to him Photo: FRANK REID
14. He was far from happy
The defeat was only Sunderland's second this season Photo: Frank Reid
15. Dylan McGeouch is dispossessed
Sunderland struggled to retain possession - with Lincoln then a threat on the counter-attack Photo: FRANK REID
16. Supporters faced a long journey home
The journey - although one of Sunderland's shorter trips this season - will have been made longer after a negative result Photo: Frank Reid