After a goalless first-half at the Academy of Light, Josh Scott's thunderous effort sent the young Magpies ahead before Jewison Bennette's deflected effort levelled the clash, with the Costa Rica international fortunate to remain on the pitch before equalising after an altercation with United winger Amadou Diallo.

Newcastle's youngsters were then delivered a further blow in the final stages as Zak Johnson's powerful header proved the difference on Wearside.

Ben Dawson, appointed as the club's Under 21 Lead Player Development Coach on Thursday on a permanent basis after overseeing second-string fixtures following Elliott Dickman's departure last month, made three changes to the side which claimed a 1-1 draw in the Premier League Cup against their Bristol City counterparts last week.

Durham-born striker Ben Parkinson, who joined Newcastle's Academy at the age of seven, was handed his first start at under-21 level while Jordan Hackett and James Huntley were also named in the starting XI to face the Black Cats.

Scottish goalkeeper Jude Smith, who joined the Magpies last summer from Scottish League Two side East Fife, was forced into action in the opening stages after getting a strong hand to Luke O'Nien's audacious long-range lob.

Huntley, who signed his first professional contract with his boyhood club last summer, went close to sending the visitors ahead after combining neatly with Diallo before the midfielder's powerful drive was blocked by Johnson. 

Lewis Miley, who made his Magpies first-team debut against Al Hilal in Riyadh last month, produced a vital challenge to deny Chris Rigg after the 16-year-old, who also featured for United during a festive friendly against Rayo Vallecano at St. James' Park, blocked the Black Cats midfielder's close-range effort.

In the second-half, Newcastle got off to a flying start as Scott netted his fifth Premier League 2 goal of the season. After picking the ball up inside the box on the right-hand side, the Gateshead-born winger darted inside before rifling a fierce strike into the roof of the net.

Newcastle were later protesting for Bennette, who represented his country at the 2022 World Cup finals, to be dimissed after the 18-year-old appeared to grapple Diallo to the floor following a heated altercation but the South American youngster was handed a yellow card to the frustration of the United squad.

In the 64th minute, United found themselves on level terms as Bennette levelled the encounter as the Sunderland winger cut inside, following Tommy Watson's pass, before his curling effort deflected off Newcastle defender Harry Barclay before landing in the left-hand corner.

Diallo, who scored his first goal for United's second-string in last week's Premier League Cup visit of Bristol City, almost restored Newcastle's lead as the London-born winger, who joined the Magpies' Academy in October following a successful trial, advanced beyond a group of Sunderland defenders before his low shot was blocked by Sunderland goalkeeper Jacob Carney.

In the 87th minute, Newcastle fell behind as Caden Kelly's teasing corner was met by the head of Johnson, who rose high before directing the ball into the net inside the penalty area.

Newcastle surged forward for the hope of a late equaliser but were unable to break down the Black Cats defence, extending the young Magpies' winless Premier League 2 run to five matches.

Newcastle United Under-21s: Jude Smith (c), Nathan Carlyon, Jordan Hackett, Harry Barclay (Josh Stewart 69), Matt Bondswell, Jamie Miley, Lewis Miley, James Huntley (Rodrigo Vilca 82), Josh Scott, Amadou Diallo, Ben Parkinson (Michael Ndiweni 76).

Subs not used: Max Thompson, Kyle Crossley.