After a drab first half, Will Grigg’s late strike sealed victory for the Black Cats despite a concerning performance against their League Two opponents.
But who caught the eye ahead of next weekend’s return to competitive action, and who has work to do to convince Phil Parkinson they are deserving of a start?
Scroll down to see how Phil Smith rated the players against Harrogate:
13. Aiden O'Brien
Almost broke the deadlock with a very good effort from inside the box, timing his run well and turning Hume’s good cross onto the post. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
14. Will Grigg
Had very little sight of goal during his substitute cameo but took his goal superbly well, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
15. George Dobson
Little time to impress late on as he replaced Josh Scowen, who looked to have picked up a minor knock. N/A Photo: FRANK REID 2020
16. Dan Neil
Only had a short amount of time to impress but he did so again, producing a fine assist that allowed Grigg to net the winner. As Parkinson noted the other day, his weight of pass is almost always impressive and was so again here. 7 Photo: Frank Reid