The Black Cats showed plenty of spirit after going down to ten men just 17 minutes into the contest when Patrick Almond was shown red for a late challenge.
They were punished by two excellent finishes from Newcastle striker Dylan Stephenson, one coming shortly after the red and one near stoppage time in the second half.
Sunderland by and large defended resolutely, and impressed with some of their second-half play in trying circumstances.
Cieran Dunne in particular caused significant problems for the home side, going close to a stunning equaliser as the game entered the last ten minutes.
He had also forced a good save from Dan Langley earlier in the half, but in the end Sunderland just lacked the numbers to turn some good openings into clear chances.
So how to the players perform?
We run you through...
Sunderland by and large defended resolutely, and impressed with some of their second-half play in trying circumstances.