Ross Stewart came off the bench to score on his debut shortly after half-time, while Charlie Wyke added a second four minutes from the end.
Our football writer Mark Donnelly has dished out his marks from the match – scroll down and flick through the pages of our picture gallery to see how each player fared:
13. Josh Scowen - 6
(for McGeady 69) Made one excellent late run to relieve the pressure after an Accrington free-kick and won the corner that led to the second goal.. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2019
14. Grant Leadbitter - N/A
(for Gooch 85) Little time to make an impact but helped see the game out. N/A. Photo: FRANK REID 2020
15. Chris Maguire - N/A
(for Wyke 88) No real time to make an impact. N/A Photo: Frank Reid
16. Callum McFadzean - N/A
(for Vokins 88) Helped Sunderland keep Accrington at bay late on. N/A Photo: FRANK REID 2019