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:
9. Lynden Gooch - 5
There were one or two good turns to beat his marker but on the whole it was a frustrating night. The application and energy was excellent but the consistency on the ball was just missing too often. 5 Photo: Frank Reid
10. Aiden McGeady - 7
Stood up once again when his side needed him. The biggest threat through the first half and excellent once his side had fallen behind. Yet another assist got his side back on level terms. 7 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
11. Charlie Wyke - 7
Came to life as his side got further up the pitch in the latter stages of the second half, and extended his scoring run with an absolutely superb, deft header. 7 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
12. Conor McLaughlin - 7
Had to take a yellow card for the team as Lincoln broke free but for the main did well and made a great challenge late on. 7 Photo: Frank Reid