The Black Cats came from behind after Lincoln’s Anthony Scully opened the scoring but drew level through Charlie Wyke 15 minutes from time.
Our Sunderland writer Phil Smith has dished out his marks from the match – scroll down and flick through the pages of our picture gallery to see how each player fared:
5. Callum McFadzean - 5
Didn’t track his winger for the opening goal, frustrating given that his tenacity through the game was generally good. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
6. Grant Leadbitter - 6
Struggled to get up to the pace of the game for the most part and not as precise in possession as he can be, but did improve considerably late on. Too a brilliant, nerveless penalty to win it for his side. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
7. Josh Scowen - 5
Plenty of energy to begin with but looked leggy after the break having played so much football of late. Didn’t have much chance to affect the game in the final third. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
8. Dan Neil - 5
A few terrific touches showed his quality but didn’t quite have the same confidence in possession that we have seen in previous appearances. A steady showing. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2020