Trialist Nana fired the youngsters into a two-goal lead before the Reds were pegged back.
Head of Academy Coaching, Mark Burton, said, "It was a very good open game, two sides wanting to play the right way. They (Sunderland) started well and failed to convert a couple of chances but we took control with some good interplays.”
The Under 18s kick off their league campaign in the 'Under 18s Professional Development League Two North' against Nottingham Forest on the Oakwell Academy Complex this Saturday at 11am.
Reds v Sunderland: Chadderton (Mackay 60), Gooda, Freeman, Moore, Holgate, Smith, Biggins, Alexander-Salmon, Maris, Pilkington, Nana.
