Black Cats ready for an opening friendly double

GATESHEAD manager Alun Armstrong believes today's friendly with a Sunderland XI (12.30pm kickoff) will provide a 'great opportunity' for his players as they continue their preparations for the new National League season.

- By MARK CARRUTHERS

Armstrong's managerial reign got underway with a 4-0 win at Northern Premier League neighbours Hebburn Town on Tuesday - and the Heed will return to the same venue today to face a Black Cats development side.

Concerns over the state of the International Stadium pitch forced a hasty rearrangement of the fixture as it was switched to Hebburn Sports Ground. Sunderland have confirmed they will send now a younger side to face Gateshead, with a senior side going to South Shields at 4pm.