Sunderland survived Lee Cattermole's sending off to beat MK Dons 2-0 and progress to the Capital One Cup fourth round this evening.
The Black Cats captain was dismissed just past the half-hour mark for a two-footed lunge on Adam Chicksen - his seventh career red card.
However, Martin O'Neill's visitors recovered to take a 54th-minute lead through Craig Gardner's unstoppable 25-yard free kick.
The League One outfit's numerical advantage resulted in plenty of possession, but they rarely tested visiting stopper Keiren Westwood, only registering one shot on target throughout the contest.
Republic of Ireland international James McClean secured Sunderland's hard-fought passage to the fourth round, finishing a fine run with a left-foot shot from a tight angle.
