A GAME against Sunderland’s first team is the pick of the matches in Darlington’s pre-season schedule, which was revealed today and features five home fixtures and includes dates with Motherwell, Middlesbrough and Leeds.

The Black Cats, now managed by Jack Ross and preparing for League One following back-to-back relegations, will visit Blackwell Meadows on Wednesday, July 11.

Sunderland last played Darlington in 2015, a well-attended game played at Heritage Park, and this summer the match will be the second of Quakers’ friendly fixtures.

First up is a match on Sunday, July 8 at home to Motherwell, who will include ex-Quakers strikers Ryan Bowman and Curtis Main. Main made his debut in senior football for Darlington ten years ago aged 15.

After the trip to PSV Eindhoven on July 14, Quakers travel to Shildon on Tuesday, July 17, before welcoming Boro and Leeds inside five days.

A Middlesbrough XI visit Blackwell on Saturday, July 21, followed by a Leeds United XI on Wednesday, July 25.

Sunday, July 29 sees Darlington stage the MarathonBet #NonLeagueChallenge Legends match, when a host of former Premier League players will feature, including Chris Waddle. Also involved in the match will be a number of Quakers legends, including Chris Senior and Robbie Painter.

Finally, Darlington conclude their preparations on Tuesday, July 31 at Northallerton Town.

Sunday, July 8: Motherwell (home) 2pm

Wednesday, July 11: Sunderland (home) 7.30pm

Saturday, July 14: Eindhoven (away) 1pm

Tuesday, July 17: Shildon (away) 7.30pm

Saturday, July 21: Middlesbrough XI (home) 1pm

Wednesday, July 25: Leeds XI (home) 7.30pm

Sunday, July 29: MarathonBet #NonLeagueChallenge Legends (home) 2pm

Tuesday, July 31: Northallerton Town (away) 7.30pm