West Ham United's U23s were left frustrated after Sunderland travelled down to east London to inflict the Hammers' second defeat in a row upon them at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.
Lee Connelly's first half cracker was the only goal in the Premier League 2 fixture, which was an even contest throughout.
Marcus Browne went closest for the hosts, smashing against the post with only injury time left to play, but it was eventually defeat for Terry Westley's men who are back in action in Dagenham next week when they take on London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.