Jack Clarke earned Michael Beale a first win as Sunderland boss with a late goal at Hull City.
After a first half that failed to reach any great attacking heights, both sides created numerous chances in the second period.
Hull's Aaron Connolly squandered a huge chance immediately after the interval as he mis-hit a shot directly at goalkeeper Anthony Patterson.
Both Patterson and Hull keeper Matt Ingram made crucial saves with less than 25 minutes left and, just as the game seemed destined to end a goalless draw, Clarke found the back of the net for the 11th time this season to win it for the Black Cats.