THE first friendly of Darlington’s pre-season has been announced with Gateshead providing the opposition on Saturday, July 27 (3pm).

The game will take place at the International Stadium, where the pitch has been relaid following a series of problems.

The Heed, who finished 17th in the Conference, had to complete the season by playing at other venues: Blyth, Boston, Carlisle United, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.

Quakers, who averaged around 1,300 at home games this season, have been inundated with requests to provide pre-season opposition.

A match at Durham City is due to be arranged as part of the deal which saw Darlington bring in Amar and Arjun Purewal from New Ferens Park a year ago.