Mick McCarthy replaced Kevin Kilbane with Sean Thornton in the 71st minute and within two minutes the Black Cats midfielder had pulled a goal back with a superb 25-yard free-kick.
Just three minutes later the scores were level when Thornton bagged his second, heading home a John Oster cross from close range.
Sunderland: Poom, Wright, Williams, Björklund, McCartney, Oster, Whitley (Thirlwell 63), McAteer, Kilbane (Thornton 71), Kyle, Stewart (Proctor 57). Subs: Clark, Butler.