The Black Cats boss made eight changes to his side following the weekend’s 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic in League One, as seveval younger members of the squad received an opportunity to impress against the League Two side.
Goals from Josh Hawkes and Aiden O’Brien, from the penalty spot, saw the visitors progress before Port Vale striker Jamie Proctor pulled one back for the hosts midway through the second half.
Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson was forced to make a late save to deny Proctor as the hosts piled on the pressure in the closing stages of the match.
Our chief Sunderland AFC writer Phil Smith has delivered his verdict on how each player fared for the Black Cats at Vale Park.
Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson was forced to make a late save to deny Proctor as the hosts piled on the pressure in the closing stages of the match.