Sunderland U23s were narrowly defeated by Wolves U23s in the Premier League 2 Division 2 at Eppleton CW.
Harrison Sohna broke the deadlock with the Lads taking the lead in the 14th minute.
A double from Chem Campbell in the 24th and 57th minute meant Wolves came away with the three points.
Both sides were well matched at the start of the game, and Sohna found the breakthrough early on after he capitalised on a defensive error, and coolly slotted his chance past Louie Moulden.
Wolves almost replied swiftly with an equaliser, but Jacob Carney pulled off a brilliant stop to deny the away side a goal.
Campbell found the equaliser after Luke Cundle played a free-kick in low, and the striker had time to pick his spot and score their first goal.
The first half was end-to-end with chances falling to both Tyrese Dyce and Wolves’ Chiquinho, but the sides went into half-time level.
After having an earlier goal ruled out for offside, Wolves scored again as Campbell latched onto a rebound from a cross to net the second the away side.
Chances were limited for the Black Cats in the second half, with Nicky Gyimah having a header caught by the goalkeeper, and Sohna had a chance right at the death, but his shot was blocked.
The young Lads have a week to recover and prepare as they play Nottingham Forest U23s at home again next Monday.
Sunderland AFC: Carney, Kachosa, Newall, Xhemajli (Fieldson 64’), Johnson, Sohna, Scott, Kelly, Gyimah (Trialist 70’), Dyce, Kimpioka.
Subs not used: Richardson, Gardiner, Trialist.