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:
13. Patrick Roberts (sub) - 6
Looked sharp after his recent hamstring problem and went very close to scoring with one terrific effort from the edge of the area. 6 Photo: Martin Swinney
14. Edouard Michut (sub) - 6
Definitely his best Sunderland showing yet, tidy on the ball and not afraid to get stuck in. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
15. Ellis Simms (sub) - 6
Immediately made a difference in offering a focal point. One or two half chances just couldn’t produce a goal. How welcome to see a striker battling in central areas and spinning into the channels all the same. 6 Photo: Martin Swinney