Liverpool started the game the brighter with Ray Putterill firing over the bar after only five minutes and then Jordy Brouwer finding the back of the net with a header from a Stephen Darby cross after twenty minutes, only for the goal to be incorrectly ruled out for offside.
Sunderland began to take a grip of the game after that however, and they took the lead just after the half hour mark. Ronald Huth slipped to allow Roy O'Donovan to run at David Martin, round him and slot home what turned out the be the winner.
The Mackems had chances to increase their lead but a couple of poor misses and some good saves from Martin meant the Reds were always in the game.
Liverpool had chances for an equaliser and Emiliano Insua saw a fine shot come back off the bar with the keeper beaten while man of the match Jay Spearing had a fine effort saved.
The plus points for Liverpool on the night was the attendance, 3,403, and the performances of Spearing and Mikel San Jose.
