After finishing ninth in the league at the end of the regular season, Newcastle now have a clean slate with seven mini-league matches - and the first came against their local rivals.

And, having already beaten them twice and drawn one in three previous meetings this term, United recorded another derby victory.

The Magpies took a 20th-minute lead through Mace Goodridge, who finished well after Owen Gallacher found him on the edge of the box.

Sunderland had a golden opportunity to equalise from the penalty spot - only for Nathan Harker to save Lee Donnelly's effort.

The Black Cats then hit the woodwork twice before half-time, but five minutes into the second period United gave themselves some breathing space.

Substitute Jack Robson picked the perfect moment to score his first goal at this level after a burst into the box.

And in the 69th minute, Mackenzie Heaney's shot was blocked but fell for Callum Smith, who curled home to make it 3-0.

Newcastle United Under-18s: Nathan Harker, Craig Spooner, Ben Kitchen, Mace Goodridge (Mo Sangare 67), Yannick Aziakonou, Isaac Gamblin, Owen Gallacher (Jack Robson 46), Daniel Lowther (Elias Sorensen 80), Kelland Watts, Mackenzie Heaney, Callum Smith

Sub not used: Otto Huuhtanen