However, despite Dick Advocaat naming a strong line-up at the Keepmoat Stadium, some poor defending saw the Black Cats slip to their third pre-season defeat.
Tonight will be another indication of how far along his squad are in their pre-season preparations and the Sunderland faithful are certain to be tuning in to find out.
Advocaat introduced Younes Kaboul as one of four changes and as the hour approached Sunderland finally found a way through, but Danny Graham could not convert Lens’ cross.