Town’s U18s exited the FA Youth Cup at the fourth round stage after Sunderland came from behind to beat the young Blues 3-1 after extra-time at the Stadium of Light.
Danish midfielder Victor Guldbrandsen (pictured) put the team coached by Gerard Nash and Alan Lee ahead in the 24th minute with a header but the Black Cats hit back through Jordan Blinco six minutes later.
The score remained 1-1 at the 90-minute mark but the home side went in front just before half-time of extra-time through Luke Molyneux. The Wearsiders sealed the win in the 107th minute when Dan Pybus made it 3-1.
Five minutes into the second-half of extra-time Town keeper Sam McDermid saved Ethan Robson’s penalty and then his rebound.
Sunderland, who defeated the Blues at the third round stage of the competition on penalties last year, face a local derby at home to Newcastle in the next round.
U18s: McDermid, Emmanuel, Kenlock, Guldbrandsen, Fowler (Daly), Smith, McLoughlin, Benyu, Ramadan (Ford), Blanchfield (Dozzell), Patterson. Subs: Hayes, Ellis.