Kevin Phillips proved there is one striker Clinton Morrison cannot outshoot with a clinical double that booked a fourth round FA Cup clash with Ipswich.
Sunderland's centre forward broke the Wearside club's post-war goal-scoring record in the process and took his tally to 14 for the season as the visitors triumphed in extra time.
Morrison, who was watched last night by Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy, opened the scoring for the First Division side.
But two flashes of Phillips' brilliance outshone the much-lauded Morrison as Palace failed to capitalise on their last-minute equaliser from Stephen Thomson. The replay was turned upside down by Niall Quinn's equaliser for the Sunderland on 72 minutes and Phillips' first a minute later.
Morrison, who qualifies for the Republic of Ireland via a grandmother, did not waste the chance to press his claims with his 17th goal of a flourishing campaign after 24 minutes.
Alex Rae's weak back header was seized upon and dispatched past Sorensen from 16 yards - the keeper getting a hand to the ball but failing to keep it out.
Sunderland replied with two goals within a minute. First Niall Quinn controlled Michael Gray's cross on his chest to swivel and guide a volley past the keeper. Then a long punt downfield sent Phillips racing clear to side-foot home.
But Palace were not to be denied and sent the match into extra time just a minute from the end. Thomson found himself unmarked to slide in at the back post score from Mullins' square pass.
Yet another classic finish from Phillips effectively sealed the epic encounter 12 minutes into the first added period, however. Neil Ruddock was outmanoeuvred as the striker controlled on his chest and smashed a volley past Kolinko. Sunderland substitute Danny Dichio was dismissed moments later - he only replaced Quinn at the start of extra time - for kicking the ball away, having been booked for a challenge on Dean Austin.
Cool composure from Kilbane then assured the home meeting with George Burley's Ipswich, calmly side-footing home after galloping clear.
Crystal Palace: Kolinko, Mullins, Harrison, Zhiyi (Ruddock 52), Austin, Smith (Black 76), Rodger, Thomson, Rubins, Morrison, Forssell (Freedman 70). Subs Not Used: Gregg, Pollock. Booked: Austin. Goals: Morrison 24, Thomson 89.
Sunderland: Sorensen, Williams, Gray, Thome, Varga, McCann, Hutchison, Rae, Schwarz (Kilbane 90), Quinn (Dichio 88), Phillips (Oster 105). Subs Not Used: Craddock, Thirlwell. Sent Off: Dichio (103). Booked: Phillips, Dichio. Goals: Quinn 72, Phillips 73, 102, Kilbane 113. Attendance: 15,454.
Referee: M Riley (Leeds).
