Ellborg, who was sold by Malmö FF just over a month ago, got the chance after Sunderland's first-choice goalkeeper, Robin Roefs, was injured.
In the second half, he had a goal ruled out for offside, but shortly afterwards, in the 70th minute, Habib Diarra scored the only goal of the match from a penalty kick.
Melker Ellborg's debut in the English top flight coincides with the national football team having a minor goalkeeper crisis ahead of the World Cup playoff against Ukraine on March 26. Viktor Johansson (Stoke) and Jacob Widell Zetterström (Derby) are both currently out, due to injury and illness respectively.
