After a nervy start the Black Cats held their own in an even first half, but fell behind on the stroke of half-time.
Carlton Morris opened the scoring when he converted Alfie Doughty’s low cross, yet Sunderland responded after the break.
Elliot Embleton scored the equalised 12 minutes from time when he converted Jack Clarke’s low cross.
Our Sunderland writer Phil Smith has dished out his player ratings from Kenilworth Road:
5. Dennis Cirkin - 6
Will be frustrated that Sunderland couldn’t stop the cross from his flank for the opener, which was right on the stroke of half time and against the run of play. Otherwise battled well and was invaluable in driving up the pitch. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
6. Corry Evans - 5
Brought some welcome composure after a poor start from his side, but had to be taken off as he tried to manage a yellow card. 5 Photo: Stu Forster
7. Dan Neil - 6
Started sluggishly and got away with one poor pass, but improved quickly and started some dangerous counters with excellent tackles. Didn’t have much of a say in the early stages of the second half before being brought off. 6 Photo: Martin Swinney
8. Amad - 7
Took him a while to get going and he can frustrate at times but he never tried to stop making something happen and that persistence eventually helped Sunderland get back on top in the second half. One outrageous late pass almost released Simms for a possible winner. 7 Photo: Frank Reid