Joe White's emphatic strike, the midfielder's third league goal in as many matches, opened the scoring for Newcastle's youngsters in the Tyne-Wear derby at St. James' Park shortly after the half-hour mark.

The young Magpies, though, were reduced to ten men in the closing stages as Jay Turner-Cooke received two yellow cards in quick succession before Sunderland goalkeeper Bass dramatically levelled in the fourth minute of stoppage-time, despite strong claims for handball from the hosts inside a crowded penalty area.

Elliott Dickman made two changes from the starting eleven which claimed a 3-2 home win against Southampton's second-string last week as Scottish goalkeeper Jude Smith, who joined the Magpies from East Fife last summer, began in-between the sticks while Turner-Cooke, who joined Newcastle's youth set-up from Sunderland in January 2021, replaced James Huntley.

Newcastle's youngsters were aiming to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League 2 to six matches as well as record a third consecutive victory in Division Two.

Isaac Westendorf, who netted his first goal of the season at under-21 level against Southampton, was unable to convert in the opening stages, racing onto Jamie Miley's pass and holding off Sunderland defender Zak Johnson but elected for a shot rather than picking out Josh Scott on the right flank, seeing his shot blocked by Ben Compton.

In front of 2,511 spectators, Niall Brookwell went close to netting from the resulting corner, latching onto White's in-swinging corner but the centre-back's close-range shot was saved by Bass. 

Josh Scott went close to notching his fourth goal at second-string level as the Gateshead-born winger cut inside from the right flank before his low strike was turned around the far post by Bass. 

In the 32nd minute, Newcastle took the lead through White's terrific finish. After exchanging a short corner with Dylan Stephenson, the latter directed a neat backheel into White's path, who drilled the ball into the net. 

Smith produced an important stop to maintain United's one-goal advantage as the Scottish shot-stopper pushed away Nathan Newall's fierce volley after the Sunderland left-back latched onto a teasing cross towards the back post.

In the second-half, White went narrowly close to doubling Newcastle's advantage as the Carlisle-born midfielder, who made his Magpies first-team debut in July 2021, picked the ball up from distance before unleashing a powerful drive which flew inches over the crossbar.

Shooting towards the Gallowgate End, Stephenson almost registered his sixth league goal of the 2022/23 campaign as the Blyth-born forward darted in from the left wing before his curling effort was pushed over the bar by Bass.

Smith was on hand to preserve Newcastle's lead after a brave block to deny Harry Gardiner before Ellis Taylor's rebound from the edge of the box deflected past the left-hand post.

Newcastle were dealt a difficult blow as Turner-Cooke was sent off, with the South Shields-born youngster - already booked - barging into Bass although the goalkeeper looked to have made contact with White in the build-up, sparking ill-tempered scenes.

Sunderland went close to netting a late equaliser as Crompton rose inside the box but his header clipped the foot of the post.

However, in the fourth minute of stoppage-time, Newcastle's ten men conceded in chaotic fashion. As Bass ran up from his own goal for a corner kick, the Sunderland 'keeper's initial header clipped the post before the loose ball ricocheted off the Black Cats shot-stopper, with United's youngsters claiming the goalkeeper handled the ball but the goal, incredibly, stood.

Newcastle substitute Michael Ndiweni almost snatched an unlikely win in the dying seconds as the Throckley-born striker controlled a high ball into the box before his resulting shot deflected wide of the target.

Newcastle United Under-21s: Jude Smith, Harry Barclay, Niall Brookwell, Alex Murphy (c), Matt Bondswell, Jamie Miley (James Huntley 75), Jay Turner-Cooke, Josh Scott (Amadou Diallo 70), Dylan Stephenson, Joe White, Isaac Westendorf (Michael Ndiweni 85).

Subs not used: Charlie Wiggett, Will Brown.