SUNDERLAND’S Under-21s suffered defeat in their first Checkatrade Torphy game by losing 3-1 at Scunthorpe United.

A crowd of just 1,127 watched as Sunderland fell behind early to a Kevin van Ween header.

Scunthorpe doubled their lead in first half stoppage-time through Duane Holmes.

And even though the Black Cats – who had Adam Matthews, Lynden Gooch, Donald Love and Jack Rodwell in the side – pulled one back midway through the second half thanks to a Rees Greenwood stunner, they couldn't find an equaliser.

And Scunthorpe wrapped things up when Josh Morris added a third late on.

SUNDERLAND: Talbot, Love, Matthews, Beadling, Hume, Molyneux, Bale (Diamond 81), Rodwell, E Robson (Gamble 25), Greenwood, Gooch. Subs (not used): Woud, Storey, Wright, Taylor, Allan.

NEWCASTLE United secured a 2-1 victory over Crewe in their Checkatrade Trophy opener.

Peter Beardsley's Under-21s won their first of three group games courtesy of goals from

Liam Smith and Luke Charman in the fourth and 67 minutes.

Newcastle, with only Curtis Good named as an over-age player, couldn't add to their advantage and Jordan Bowery claimed a late consolation goal for an experienced Crewe team.

NEWCASTLE: Woolston, Sterry (O'Connor 72), Cameron, Hunter, Good, Gillesphey, Roberts (Sangare 66), Barlaser, Charman, L Smith, Fernandez (Smith 46). Subs (not used): Yarney, Bailey, Gallacher.