Aiden McGeady’s first-half strike was cancelled out by Oliver Lee after the interval, with Phil Parkinson’s side now facing the prospect of a replay against the Gills in the coming weeks.
But who shone and who struggled for the Black Cats against their League One rivals? Phil Smith has dished out his player ratings, with some mixed marks. Scroll down and click through the pages to see how he rated the players:
5. Max Power
Started the game well and helped Sunderland take control of the midfield, but less effective in the second half as Gillingham pressed far better. 5 Photo: FRANK REID
6. Luke O'Nien
Looked far more threatening when moved into a central area midway through the second half and almost turned a low McNulty cross home. The right wing role he started in doesn’t seem to suit his talents. 5 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
7. Will Grigg
Another difficult afternoon for the striker. One clever early flick almost brought reward from his team but was very much a peripheral figure thereafter, withdrawn in the second half as Parkinson searched for a spark up front. 4 Photo: FRANK REID
8. Marc McNulty
A couple of errors in possession but brought far more energy to the frontline and will surely be handed a chance to start the next time Sunderland are in meaningful action. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2019