The young Magpies got off to a flying start at the Academy of Light following Kyle Crossley's composed finish before Corry Evans' impressive long-range strike drew the Black Cats, fielding a number of first-team players, level.

However, Cathal Heffernan's header restored United's one-goal cushion before the half-time break before Crossley doubled the visitors' advantage and despite Joe Ryder's stoppage-time strike halving the deficit, Ben Dawson's side held firm to record maximum points on Wearside.

Ahead of the Tyne-Wear derby, Newcastle's youngsters were without a number of youngsters after being selected for international duty with their respective countries while the hosts named the likes of Bradley Dack, Corry Evans and Pierre Ekwah in their starting XI.

In the 5th minute, Newcastle broke the deadlock through Crossley. After Ellis Stanton managed to gain possession inside Sunderland's penalty area, the 19-year-old midfielder picked out Crossley who slammed the ball into the net.

Amadou Diallo, who made his Premier League debut for the Magpies against Chelsea in November 2023, almost doubled Newcastle's lead after collecting Crossley's pass, following strong work from Alfie Harrison to regain the ball, but his resulting effort flashed wide of the left-hand post.

In the 38th minute, Sunderland drew level courtesy of Evans' unstoppable drive, letting fly from distance before the ball flew into the top right-hand corner.

Newcastle were fortunate to remain on level terms minutes later Caden Kelly struck the crossbar, advancing beyond a group of United defenders before drilling the ball off the underside of the woodwork.

On the stroke of half-time, Heffernan netted his first goal at under-21 level for Newcastle. The Irish centre-back, who joined the Magpies last summer following his departure from AC Milan, rose high from Jamie Miley's corner before guiding a powerful header beyond Black Cats goalkeeper Nathan Bishop. 

In the 64th minute, Newcastle doubled their lead as Crossley netted his second of the afternoon. After Diallo advanced into a dangerous position, the rapid forward fired a low pass into the 19-year-old's path, who slotted his effort into the bottom left-hand corner.

Magpies goalkeeper Will Brown produced a strong stop to prevent Thomas Watson from halving the deficit, pushing away the Sunderland substitute's stinging drive from the edge of the penalty area.

With ten minutes of stoppage-time awarded, Ryder set up a nervy finale after scoring from close-range for the hosts, latching onto Oliver Bainbridge's low pass across the penalty area before tucking the ball home.

Newcastle's second-string, however, held on for a valuable three points as the young Magpies look to record back-to-back away wins ahead of Friday's trip to North east neighbours Middlesbrough (kick-off 7pm GMT). 

Newcastle United Under-21s: Will Brown, Rory Powell (Ben Parkinson 59), Ciaran Thompson, Cathal Heffernan (c), Dylan Charlton, Jamie Miley (Darren Palmer 79), Ellis Stanton, Alfie Harrison, Jordan Hackett (Harry Powell 83), Amadou Diallo, Kyle Crossley (Joe Brayson 83).

Subs not used: Aidan Harris.