Alex Neil’s side took the lead with just two minutes on the clock when Bailey Wright headed home Alex Pritchard’s in-swinging free-kick.
After withstanding a spell of pressure, Sunderland doubled their advantage when Ross Stewart was awarded a penalty and converted from the spot.
The Black Cats defended admirably and added a third goal three minutes from time courtesy of another Stewart penalty.
Our chief SAFC writer Phil Smith has delivered his verdict on how each Black Cats player fared at the DW Stadium:
A message from the Football Clubs Editor
Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.
This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.
Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor
The Black Cats defended admirably and added a third goal three minutes from time courtesy of another Stewart penalty.