A deeper Gelhardt corner almost led to a Hull second in the 24th minute only for Sunderland’s embarrassed goalkeeper to make a strong save with his fist to keep the ball from curling straight in.
Hull frustrated Sunderland, who have now won only one of their last four home league games, during the closing stages to seal a much-needed three points despite Patrick Roberts’ late effort flying just wide.
Patterson flapped Joe Gelhardt’s corner in the 18th minute into his own net, putting Hull on course for a fourth win from their last five away matches.
Patterson made a complete hash of his attempt to catch Gelhardt’s corner soon after and helped it into the net, possibly unsighted by his teammate Patrick Roberts’ attempted clearance at the near post.
Patterson made another superb save to stop Lincoln’s deflected cross from flying straight in moments before Sunderland’s Eliezer Mayenda wasted a chance to level.
