Second half goals from Josh Hawkes and Oliver Younger were enough for the young Black Cats after a tepid first half.
Hawkes opened the scoring with a well-placed effort from the edge of the box before he turned provider for Younger, who glanced home a header from a teasing free-kick.
Sunderland are potentially now just 90 minutes away from a place in Premier League 2 Division 1, capping a remarkable turnaround after the side finished with just a single point to their name last season.
But who caught the eye at the bet365 Stadium?
Our man Mark Donnelly was at the game and has dished out his player ratings from the clash – with some high marks on show after a superb away showing from Elliott Dickman’s men...
1. Anthony Patterson
In truth the Sunderland stopper was scarcely tested, but showed safe hands to keep Stoke at bay on the rare occasions they did threaten. 6 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
2. Kenton Richardson
Did well to limit the experienced James McClean to only real effort on goal and was a threat going forward, particularly in the first half. 7 Photo: FRANK REID
3. Tyrese Dyce
Some shaky moments defensively but played a key part in the opening goal as he stopped a Stoke break before embarking on a driving run. Looked more comfortable going forward and improved as the game went on. 7 Photo: Pete Norton
4. Patrick Almond
Another who looks to have a bright future in the game, Almond was imperious at the back against a lively forward line and made a crucial clearance at 2-0 to stop Stoke finding a route back into the game. 8 Photo: Frank Reid