Friendly with Heed switched to new venue

CONCERNS OVER STATE OF PITCH AT INTERNATIONAL STADIUM PROMPT RETHINK

- By MARK CARRUTHERS

GATESHEAD have confirmed Saturday's friendly with Sunderland has been switched to take place at Hebburn Town Sports Ground after concerns were raised over the state of the International Stadium pitch.

The Heed were set to host their first home friendly of the summer when the Black Cats headed to the south bank of the Tyne for what has become an annual friendly fixture in recent years.

However, after discussions with the Black Cats and an assessment on the playing surface at the International Stadium, the fixture will now take place at the home of Northern Premier League club Hebburn.

As a result, Sunderland have confirmed they will now send a development squad to face the Heed, with a first-team squad taking on National League North side South Shields just hours later.