Goals from Chris Maguire, Will Grigg and Josh Scowen were enough to hand the Black Cats victory in what was their first outing since March.
But who caught the eye during the clash at the International Stadium, and who has work to do before September 12?
Scroll down and click through the pages to see Phil Smith's merit marks:
5. Denver Hume
There were moments where his end product let him down but for the most part he was by far Sunderland’s most threatening and incisive player. It was his driving run down the left that drew a foul and allowed Maguire to score the opener from a free-kick. 7 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
6. Luke O'Nien
Made a number of good runs forward and was involved in some decent exchanges with Maguire. Rarely tested defensively in a quiet first outing. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
7. Grant Leadbitter
Eased his way back into action after a long absence from competitive action. A couple of typically ambitious cross-field passes just missed their target. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
8. George Dobson
Tried to get the tempo up and move the ball quickly during what was a mostly sedate opening half. One or two errors in possession, one of which ultimately proved costly. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2020