A brace from Charlie Wyke and a Chris Maguire handed the Black Cats victory after they had fallen behind to a long-range Lewis Alessandra effort.
But who were the star performers against the Cumbrians, and who has work to do ahead of the League One restart on September 12? Scroll down and click through the pages as Phil Smith dishes out his merit marks:
17. Grant Leadbitter
Got his side into the lead with a glorious pass over the top that completely caught out the Carlisle defence. A moment of real quality. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
18. George Dobson
Full of running but will know he has real competition from the impressive Scowen in the coming weeks. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
19. Chris Maguire
Influential from the moment he entered the game and was unlucky not to register more than his one goal. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
20. Dan Neil
Missed one good chance and was unfortunate to hit the post with another, but this was another very exciting cameo. The attacking midfielder showed verve and confidence in the final third that hinted at a promising future. 7 Photo: Frank Reid