Phil Parkinson named a much-changed side for the visit to Priestfield, but his side were once again underwhelming and were undone in controversial circumstances at Priestfield as Connor Ogilvie netted late on.
But who emerged with credit from the 1-0 defeat? Scroll down and click through the pages to see how our Sunderland AFC writer, Phil Smith, rated the individual performances on display:
5. Tom Flanagan
Fortunate that an error did not lead to a goal in the first half, allowing Hanlan to get free before his cross was somehow turned onto the bar by Mikael Mandron. Looked uncertain throughout on his return to the side. 5 Photo: FRANK REID
6. Laurens De Bock
Steady defensively for the most part, offered little going forward after his surprise inclusion ahead of Denver Hume. 6 Photo: FRANK REID
7. Grant Leadbitter
Struggled to impose himself on the game in the first half. Improved after the break but created little with Sunderland favouring a very direct style. 5 Photo: FRANK REID
8. George Dobson
Showed really good energy and was comfortably one of his side’s biggest threats, trying to break forward into the final third whenever possible. 6 Photo: FRANK REID