Sunderland Under-23s suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Birmingham City in the Premier League 2 on Friday afternoon.
Leo Dos Reis’ second-half strike sealed the win for the hosts, despite late pressure from the Black Cats.
Captain Stephen Wearne started after playing 45 minutes in Monday’s game against Mansfield, while Ollie Younger, Benji Kimpioka and Ellis Taylor were also in from the off.
The Lads started on the front foot at Birmingham City’s academy and carved the better chances in the opening stages.
On the 15 minute mark, the lively Taylor cut in from the left and crossed for Harris, but it was inches too high.
The following attack, Harris did meet a cross following a free-flowing move down the left and it flashed just wide.
The Lads were penned in early in the second-half exchanges, and the Blues’ pressure soon paid off.
Jordan Graham’s dangerous cross from the right evaded everyone until it fell to Dos Reis at the back post, who took a touch and slotted home.
Sunderland did have chances late on to claw back an equaliser, and Taylor was once again the provider when his corner was headed wide by Younger 15 minutes from time.
Wearne squandered the biggest chance to salvage a point five minutes later, as his first-time strike was held by Neil Etheridge.
Next up for the Under-23s is Middlesbrough at home on Monday 20 September.
Sunderland U23s: Carney, Richardson, Younger, Almond, Newall (Dyce 70’), Taylor (Kelly 81’), Scott, Sohna (Kachosa 70’), Kimpioka, Wearne, Harris
Subs not used: McIntyre, Chapman