Sunderland Under-23s lost 2-1 to Newcastle United U23s on Monday evening in the Premier League 2.
Tyrese Dyce put Elliott Dickman’s side ahead in the first half, but the visitors responded after the break and goals from Jay Turner-Cooke and Adam Wilson secured the points.
Arbenit Xhemajli once again featured from the off, as he continues on the road to recovery, while Kenton Richardson captained the side in the absence of Stephen Wearne.
There was little in the way of chances in the early exchanges, with neither side able to test Jacob Carney or Dan Langley between the sticks.
The Lads’ best chance came when Joe Ryder drove through midfield and fired narrowly wide of the post.
Sunderland’s possession paid off five minutes from the interval, as Xhemajli flicked on Ellis Taylor’s corner to Dyce, who took a touch and prodded home.
After the break, it was the visitors who raced out of the stalls, and they equalised when Joe White’s shot deflected off Turner-Cooke and into the net.
They then had the advantage moments later when Wilson drilled a shot past Carney.
Dickman rang the changes on 70 minutes, as Xhemajli was replaced after gaining more vital minutes in a move which saw Dyce move to striker, but they were unable to test Langley as the Magpies held on.
Next up for the Under-23s is a trip to Aston Villa on Friday in the PL2.
Sunderland: Carney, Richardson, Almond, Xhemajli (Jessup 70’), Dyce, Kachosa, Scott, Sohna, Newall, Taylor, Ryder (Kelly 70’)
Subs not used: McIntyre, Johnson, Middlesmas