A 74th-minute goal from Jeremain Lens secured Sunderland a battling 1-0 friendly win over Hannover at the HDI Arena.
The Dutchman's first goal for the club was an eye-catching strike from just outside the box, but the visitors' victory owed as much to goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon, who saved a penalty in the 89th minute.
John O'Shea was harshly adjudged to have brought down Charlison Benschop in the box, but justice was served as Pantilimon pulled off a superb double save to preserve his side's hard-earned lead.
In a game of few chances, Jermain Defoe went close to giving Sunderland an early advantage with a snap-shot that found the side-netting, while the hosts' most threatening moment was provided by Edgar Prib, who saw his 24th-minute strike parried away by Pantilimon.
The result marked a positive response from the visitors to the disappointing midweek 2-0 defeat to Doncaster Rovers and boss Dick Advocaat will be heartened by impressive performances from Younes Kaboul, Sebastian Coates and midfielder Lens.
