Fixtures: South Shields FC v Sunderland AFC Thursday 11th July - KO 19:30 Sold out please log in to view this image A sell-out crowd of more than 3,000 will see South Shields and Sunderland AFC kick-off their pre-season programme on Thursday. There will be no further ticket sales and no cash turnstiles will be in operation. Supporters are advised that the turnstiles will open at 5.30pm and all supporters will be able to enter Mariners Park through turnstiles one, two, three or four. The club also wishes to make supporters aware that the Barbour Lounge and balcony have been reserved for Sunderland AFC officials and club guests for this game as part of the fixture agreement, although the Barbour Lounge bar will remain open for all supporters. Supporters are encouraged to use the marquee and the clubhouse bar, and are also advised that due to FA regulations, no alcohol can be consumed outside from 7pm onwards. Please arrive as early as possible as large queues are anticipated. Full coverage will be available on the club’s social media channels - @SunderlandAFC. Highlights will be available shortly after the full-time whistle. Tonight’s game will not be streamed live on SAFSEE. BBC Radio Newcastle’s Nick Barnes will be broadcasting live on safc.com from 7pm.
Any praise for SAFC in choosing this game as a friendly? Strikes me it's an interesting game with opposition who'll give everything and an easy 'away' trip. Surely the club deserve some credit ....
Shame Arca's retired it would have been great to see him up against the current team. Good to be getting the footy back on track, the women's World Cup was ok and I like a bit of tennis but Sunderland's where it's at.
Team news It's likely many players will have some game time tonight, with a strong chance of wholesale changes at half-time as the Black Cats' boss looks to get as many minutes under the belt for as many players as possible. Max Power and Aiden McGeady will both miss the game through injury, while Bryan Oviedo has yet to return to Wearside after playing for Costa Rica in the Gold Cup this summer. Donald Love's future at the club is over as he leaves on a free transfer, but we could see the two new signings Conor McLaughlin and Lee Burge. Tonight’s hosts, Shields, are also getting their pre-season campaign underway ahead of their second season in the Northern Premier League. Losing out on promotion in the Play-Off Final to Warrington Town, Lee Picton and Graham Fenton’s side will take heart from their impressive home form last term which saw them amass 48 points in 20 games to see them finish second. Top scorer Robert Briggs, who netted 20 times last season, will be keen to hit the ground running once again and so too will Lee Mason after his haul of 13 goals.
Pleased Benji's getting a game. Given a run in the team I think he could be better than Maja.Unfortunately I dont think he will get a run in the team whilst Grigg, Wyke and possibly another forward coming in.
Interesting to say the least. The result is immaterial - game time for as many as possible. There will be no anaysis from me after this game other than pats on backs for any young/new lads if they do well. Sept/Oct will be soon enough for me. Just want the lads to have the time to come together and hopefully begin to see some pattern from J. R. KTF