A first-half double from forward Harry Gardiner gave the hosts a commanding lead in the Premier League 2, Division 2, fixture, before captain Ellis Taylor added a third after the break.
Visiting defender David Okagbue then put through his own net 11 minutes from time, before Stoke substitute Jacob Holland-Wilkinson netted a late consolation goal in stoppage-time.
January signings Joe Anderson, Pierre Ekwah and Isaac Lihadji all started for Graeme Murty’s side, along with summer arrivals Abdoullah Ba and Jewison Bennette.
Here’s how each Sunderland player fared at Eppleton CW:
January signings Joe Anderson, Pierre Ekwah and Isaac Lihadji all started for Graeme Murty’s side, along with summer arrivals Abdoullah Ba and Jewison Bennette.