Alex Neil’s side left it very, very late on Saturday but Nathan Broadhead’s strike gave the Black Cats a very welcome three points on home turf.
It was a win that lifted not just spirits on Wearside, but one that took Sunderland back into the playoff places.
31,619 people were in attendance at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, but where does that attendance rank across the whole country?
An almost full round of Premier League and Championship fixtures took place with many of the country's biggest sides in action.
Here, we take a look at which stadiums saw the highest attendances this weekend and where the attendance figure for Sunderland’s win against Gillingham ranks among the country’s elite:
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. Sunderland players celebrating Nathan Broadhead’s goal. Safc 1-0 Gtfc Efl1 Stadium of Light 02-04-2022. Picture by FRANK REID
Where does Sunderland's attendance against Gillingham rank compared to attendances across the country this weekend? (Picture by FRANK REID) Photo: Frank Reid
. Portman Road - 26,515
26,515 people witnessed Ipswich’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of Cambridge United on Saturday. An own goal from Dominic Thompson ten minutes into the second-half did the damage. Photo: Paul Harding
5. Amex Stadium - 31,245
31,245 people were in attendance for the 0-0 draw between Brighton and Norwich City on Saturday. Photo: Mike Hewitt
6. Stadium of Light - 31,619
Nathan Broadhead’s late winner against Gillingham was witnessed by 31,619 spectators at the Stadium of Light on Saturday as Sunderland moved back into the League One playoff places. Photo: FRANK REID 2022
7. Elland Road - 36,580
36,580 watched on as Leeds and Southampton shared the points in west Yorkshire. James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick cancelled out Jack Harrison’s opener for Jesse Marsch’s side. Photo: Stu Forster
8. Stamford Bridge - 39,061
39,061 people witnessed one of the most surprising results of the season so far as Brentford ran-out 4-1 winners away at Chelsea. After a stunning Antonio Rudiger opener, the Bees scored four unanswered goals to shock Stamford Bridge. Photo: Ryan Pierse