Goals from Tom Flanagan, Lynden Gooch and a Michael Bostwick own-goal handed the Black Cats a 3-1 triumph at the Stadium of Light, as they extended their unbeaten run to five games.
But who caught the eye? Scroll down and click through the pages to see how our chief Sunderland AFC writer, Phil Smith, rated the individual displays on show against Lincoln City:
1. Tom Flanagan
Registered his first goal of the season with a good header from an excellent Maguire corner. 7 Photo: Frank Reid
2. Alim Ozturk
One or two uncertain clearances but by and large got the job done and kept it simple when his side lost a touch of control towards the end. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
3. Jordan Willis
An excellent display. Did his job superbly in the first half and then did well when the arrival of John Akinde unsettled his side a touch in the second, with a couple of fine recovery runs and challenges. 8 Photo: FRANK REID
4. Luke O'Nien
Some good defensive interventions in the rare moments where his side looked a little troubled. Plenty of industry as usual and almost a brilliant headed goal in the second half. 7 Photo: COPYRIGHT (C) FRANK REID 20187