THE crew of a warship have been given the chance of sinking their Premiership heroes on the football field.

Sailors from HMS Newcastle are on the crest of a wave after their captain secured them a friendly match against Newcastle United.

The sailors will take on the struggling Magpies, who have seen any hopes of success this season scuppered, on Friday.

Newcastle's Chester-le-Street training ground will host the £245-a-week matelots in their battle against a squad which costs more than their ship.

The game was set up by skipper Steve Pearson, who says his boys have nothing to fear from £7.5m Carl Cort or £2.5m Lomano Lua-Lua.

Commander Pearson said: "I really think we can give United a run for their money.

"Some of our players almost made league football, and three of them are in the full navy squad.

"The match came about through a meeting with Bobby Robson when the ship visited the North-East. I went to say hello, we got talking and I floated the idea of our lads playing against one of his sides.

"Some of us might be getting on a bit but I think we'll win - my tip is a 3-2 victory."

HMS Newcastle, a Type 42 destroyer, cost £25m when it was built in 1978 - just £10m more than United paid for Alan Shearer.