BISHOP Auckland FC will face Premier League opposition twice this summer after confirming a pre-season friendly against Sunderland.

The Two Blues will take on the Black Cats on Saturday, July 19 at West Auckland Town's Darlington Road ground, with a 3pm kick-off.

That is where Bishop Auckland will be playing their home games this season as they wait for work to begin on their proposed new stadium.

Newcastle United will also be playing against the Bishops, on Friday, July 11 at 7pm, also at Darlington Road.

In addition, Bishop Auckland will play friendlies at Durham City on Saturday, July 5, Crook Town on Wednesday, July 16 and Garforth Town on Saturday, August 2.

The club has been given some good news after learning that they will not be relegated to the Arngrove Northern League division two.

Durham City have successfully applied to join the UniBond League, which has given Bishops a reprieve subject to the decision being ratified by the Football Association in July.