Ross Stewart scored on his debut to boost Sunderland's promotion chances in a 2-0 win over Accrington Stanley.
However, his 62nd-minute looping header gave the Black Cats the lead before Charlie Wyke made it safe in the 86th minute.
The win took the Sunderland's run to 10 games unbeaten in all competitions and moved them up to third place, after winning the Papa John's Trophy on Sunday.
There was not a lot in it in the first half, although Stanley's Toby Savin was the busier goalkeeper.
He had to push away Jack Diamond's strike and also superbly tipped over a header from his own player Dion Charles.