DARLINGTON have rearranged their pre-season schedule with six games being struck from their list of friendly fixtures.

Their programme begins on Saturday with a doubleheader at Durham City, when the reserves play at 1pm followed by the first team at 3pm, followed by Sunderland’s visit to Heritage Park on Thursday July 9.

But friendlies at Seaham Red Star, Billingham Synthonia, Harrogate Town, Marske United, Northallerton Town and Redcar Athletic have all been cancelled.

As well as facing Sunderland for the second summer in succession, Quakers will also face York City at Heritage Park on July 14 and then travel to Gateshead three days later.

The Gateshead game will see new signing Phil Turnbull face his former Heed team-mates, while ex-Quakers goalkeeper Sam Russell has this summer moved to the International Stadium from Forest Green Rovers.

Darlington return for pre-season training this evening at East Durham College in Peterlee while their league season begins on Saturday, August 15. Their fixtures are announced on Friday, July 17.

Quakers’ summer schedule now reads:

Saturday, July 4 v Durham City (a), reserves 1.30pm, first team 3.30pm
Thursday, July 9 v Sunderland (h)
Saturday, July 11 v South Shields (a)
Saturday, July 11 v Brandon (a), reserves 2pm
Tuesday, July 14 v York City (h)
Tuesday, July 14 v Consett (a), reserves
Friday, July 17 v Gateshead (a)
Saturday, July 25 v Harrogate RA (a)
Saturday, August 1 v Whitby Town (a)
Tuesday, August 4 v Bishop Auckland (a)
Friday, August 7 v Spennymoor Town (a)

Games cancelled:
Wednesday, July 15 v Seaham Red Star (a)
Saturday, July 18 v Billingham Synthonia (a), reserves
Tuesday, July 21 v Harrogate Town (a)
Wednesday, July 22 v Marske United (a)
Tuesday, July 28 v Northallerton Town (a)
Saturday, July 25 v Redcar Athletic (a)