Stokes, 18, was handed his debut after signing for the Black Cats this week in a £2m (€3.03m) deal from Arsenal.

And he took less than 15 minutes to make a significant contribution, showing great skill to reach the byline and produce a low cross which Connolly duly dispatched.

Connolly’s sixth goal in his last 11 appearances proved just enough for Roy Keane’s men and further enhanced their status as serious promotion contenders.

But they were forced to overcome an early scare as Sylvain Legwinski curled a delightful right-foot shot narrowly over Darren Ward’s crossbar.

It was the Black Cats’ turn to threaten five minutes later when Swedish winger Tobias Hysen saw his 25-yard strike repelled by Ipswich goalkeeper Lewis Price.

The breakthrough arrived in the 13th minute.

Stokes was the architect, showing a quick pair of heels to race to the right-hand byline and whip in a low, hard cross which left Connolly with the simplest of tasks to tap the ball home at the back post.

The 18-year-old Stokes chose to join the Wearside club over Celtic and Charlton because of Keane's charm and the club’s potential to return to the Premiership.

He could be playing in the top flight with the Black Cats next season if Keane’s players can maintain the level of consistency which they have found in recent weeks.

They looked strong against the visitors and a series of crosses from Carlos Edwards, who was handed his home debut along with Jonny Evans, threatened to extend their lead.

However, Ipswich defended stoutly and Richard Naylor should have headed them level five minutes before the break after connecting with Gavin Williams’ corner.

A blustery wind was not conducive to free-flowing football and both sides struggled to cope with the conditions.

But shortly before the hour mark Ipswich threatened to draw level when Legwinski drilled in a fierce shot which forced Ward into a smart stop.

Rookie Town striker Danny Haynes then came off the bench and almost made an instant impact when he hit a fierce shot which again required Ward to make a fine parry.

Trinidad and Tobago winger Edwards fired wide from 20 yards in the 70th minute as the Black Cats sought to claim a killer second goal.

They moved through the gears in the closing stages and Connolly saw a right-foot shot well parried by Price.

With two minutes remaining, Stokes was replaced by Stephen Elliott and left the field to a standing ovation.

Within seconds, Elliott collected possession and wasted no time in forcing Price into another astute save – but Connolly’s early strike was ultimately enough to secure the points.