Carlisle United fell to a 3-1 defeat at Sunderland as their hopes of progressing in the Checkatrade Trophy were dented.

The Black Cats broke the deadlock after three minutes when Benjamin Mbunga-Kimipoka headed in Aiden McGeady’s cross.

United equalised on the counter-attack through Ashley Nadesan’s fourth goal of the season but Sunderland led at the break as Ethan Robson restored their advantage.

Jack Ross’ men then extended their lead on the 63rd minute when captain George Honeyman coolly slotted into the bottom corner of United keeper Adam Collin’s net as they moved top of Northern Group A.

Despite an early chance for Liam McCarron, the hosts broke the deadlock with three minutes played when Mbunga-Kimipoka headed home a left-wing cross from Republic of Ireland's McGeady.

The Black Cats were in control of the game but ex-Magpie Macaulay Gillesphey came close to equalising on the 19th minute. His free-kick going inches over the bar.

But the Blues did level the scores with 21 minutes played when Nadesan slotted into the bottom corner of Robbin Ruiter's net after a quick counter-attack.

On the half-hour mark, Adam Matthews drove down the right for Sunderland but his effort was saved by the legs of United keeper Adam Collin.

Three minutes later, the Black Cats retook the lead with Robson drilling into the bottom corner.

Adam Campbell then went close after 35 minutes following good play by Tom Parkes and Gillesphey, with Campbell firing narrowly wide.

After a quiet start to the second period, Blues keeper Collin produced a superb save on the hour to deny Mbunga-Kimpoka after Reece James' delivery.

But three minutes later, the League One team did extend their lead with Honeyman slotting home after Matthews' ball through.

With Sunderland in control, they saw the game out with ease with youngsters Jack Egan and Sam Adewusi coming on for Carlisle for their first-team debuts.

McCarron also made his full Carlisle United debut in their Checkatrade Trophy Northern Group A match at Sunderland.

Appleby winger McCarron, 17, has made some first-team appearances off the bench this season but made his first senior start at the Stadium of Light.

But Hallam Hope wasn't in the squad, having been called into the Barbados squad. That means he also misses Saturday's game against Morecambe.

Anthony Gerrard was rested entirely from the Blues' squad, too.

Jack Sowerby was not given permission to play in the competition by Fleetwood but Fleetwood loanee Nadesan started up front.

Jamie Devitt and Richie Bennett were both still out through injury, while two former Newcastle players, Campbell and Gillesphey, both started for the Cumbrians.

Meanwhile, Sunderland boss Jack Ross named Jack Baldwin, Aiden McGeady and George Honeyman in his side. 

Carlisle United: Collin, Miller, Liddle (c), Parkes, Glendon (Adewusi 87), Gillesphey, Slater, Campbell, Yates, Nadesan (Egan 79), McCarron (Jones 56).

Carlisle unused subs: Gray, Etuhu, Brown.

Ref: Mr Ben Toner