The Black Cats took a first-half lead when Alex Pritchard converted an excellent free-kick, yet the visitors couldn’t make their advantage count.
Second-half goals from Cheltenham’s Elliot Bonds and Alfie May turned the game on its head.
Sunderland right-back Trai Hume made his debut for the club, while Jay Matete and Jack Clarke were handed their first starts.
Our chief SAFC writer Phil Smith has delivered his verdict on how each player fared at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium:
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9. Jack Clarke - 5
Superb through the first half hour, a constant threat every time he picked up the ball on the left flank and drove infield. Unable to produce anything after the break as Sunderland struggled to get any time on the ball in dangerous areas. 5 Photo: FRANK REID PHOTOGRAPHER 2022
10. Alex Pritchard - 6
Took his free kick superbly and looked bright through the first half, but unable to get on the ball in dangerous areas through the second. 6 Photo: JPI Media
11. Leon Dajaku - 5
Bright through the first half, pressing well and going close to making it 2-0 with an excellent header from inside the box. Had very little impact on the second half, but he was far from alone in that. 5 Photo: JPI Media
12. Ross Stewart - 5
Battled hard but looks a little leggy for the first time this season, and wasn’t able to make much of the few chances he did have. 5 Photo: JPI Media