After a goalless first half, Newcastle took the lead when Joshua Scott opened the scoring with a strike into the top corner.
Sunderland reacted well, though, with Jewison Bennette scoring the equaliser before a Zak Johnson headed home a winner five minutes from time.
Luke O’Nien and new Sunderland signing Pierre Ekwah also featured for the young Black Cats.
Here’s how each player fared at the Academy of Light:
1. Jacob Carney - 6
Didn’t have many saves to make but held most of the efforts he had to deal with. Distribution could have been better at times. 6 Photo: Frank Reid
2. Callum Wilson - 6
Harshly booked in the first half but didn’t allow many attacks to materialise down his flank at right-back. Subbed after an hour. 6 Photo: National World
3. Luke O'Nien - 8
Swept up danger at the back and instructed his team-mates as he completed 90 minutes. 8 Photo: Frank Reid
4. Zak Johnson - 8
Had a few uncertain moments in the early stages but recovered well before scoring the decisive winner with a thumping header. 8 Photo: FRANK REID