Sunderland secured some respite for under-fire boss Phil Parkinson as they ended their nine-match winless run with victory at Doncaster.
Goals from Lynden Gooch and Chris Maguire secured a well-deserved win for the Black Cats, who were much the better side throughout.
Sunderland took the lead on six minutes when the Doncaster defence failed to react to a quick free-kick, allowing Gooch to curl in superbly from the edge of the box.
The visitors were dictating a frenetic pace and could easily have added to their score with Charlie Wyke drawing a trio of fine saves from Doncaster keeper Seny Dieng.
Doncaster struck against the run of play to equalise on 40 minutes when Jon Taylor surged onto a low ball from Kieran Sadlier to power a shot past Jon McLaughlin.
Sunderland started the second half brighter and went back in front on 61 minutes when Maguire - who had earlier hit the bar from a free-kick - lashed in from 15 yards.
Report supplied by PA Media
