The Mackems created all the early chances and could have had a first half lead but for some good saves from Dean Bouzanis.
Liverpool did up their game after the break and almost took the lead when Pennant crossed for Ngog but the French striker's shot went narrowly over the bar.
Minutes later Sunderland took the lead. Graeme Kavanagh's powerful shot hit the post, Michael Chopra was first to the rebound and tapped home for 1-0.
Nabil El-Zhar levelled things for the Reds when he received the ball on the left wing, dribbled past a couple of defenders and beat the keeper.
Liverpool's hopes of rescuing a point were dashed seven minutes from time when subsitute Nathan Luscombe headed in the winner.