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...
9. Josh Hawkes
Sublime. Was at the heart of everything good Sunderland did and deservedly ended the game with a goal and an assist to his name. 9 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
10. Dan Neil
Not as influential as we know he can be but still a key cog in the side, moving the ball on well and finding plenty of pockets of space. 7 Photo: FRANK REID 2020
11. Will Harris
Was at times a lonely figure up top, particularly in the first half, but pressed well and did his job. 6 Photo: Pete Norton
12. Cieran Dunne (for Dyce 90)
Helped Sunderland see out victory in injury time. N/A. Photo: FRANK REID 2020