David Moyes oversaw his second pre-season win since becoming Sunderland manager as his team claimed a 3-2 triumph over Dijon this evening.
It was a slow start to the match as neither side posed much of a threat, but Sunderland began to find their feet and had an opportunity to threaten from a free kick.
Moyes and his staff were not happy, though, as the set piece was won following a crunching tackle on Patrick van Aanholt by Jordan Loties, but the Sunderland player was left unscathed.
Wahbi Khazri aimed the ball towards the near post with his free kick, but it was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Baptiste Reynet.
The Black Cats opened the scoring in the 15th minute when youngster Joel Asoro showed strength by snatching the ball off Loties before sending it into the back of the net off the post.
An attacking move from the Black Cats began from the back when Jordan Pickford released Fabio Borini, who played in Jeremain Lens on the flank.
Jack Rodwell picked up the ball following an overlapping run before crossing to Borini, who caught it on the volley, but sent it wide.
Even if the former Liverpool forward had scored, it would have been ruled offside, but it was positive play from Sunderland, who prevented Dijon from creating space in the first half.
Jan Kirchhoff, who was playing his first pre-season game since recovering from injury, showed no signs of rustiness as he produced a handful of through-balls and pin-point passes.
After the break, the Black Cats had an injury concern when Van Aanholt limped off the pitch, and they were dealt more trouble when Dylan Bahamboula's shot nestled into the net, despite Pickford getting a hand to it.
Moyes's side responded just before the hour mark when Khazri latched on to the end of Asoro's pass and slotted the ball past the keeper to restore the lead.
Dijon managed to keep Sunderland on their toes, though, as Jeremie Bela netted a second equaliser for his team with a low strike into the back of the net.
The Premier League side continued to press and they were awarded with a penalty in the 75th minute when Duncan Watmore's pull-back into the box struck the hand of an opposing player. Borini managed to beat the keeper from the spot to give his team a third goal and another pre-season win.
Sunderland will face two more friendlies before taking on Manchester City in their opening league game of the season.
Danielle Joynson
