DARLINGTON will host the north-easts big three clubs in pre-season after Sunderland and Middlesbrough followed Newcastle in confirming friendlies with Quakers.

The Black Cats will visit the Northern Echo Darlington Arena on Thursday, July 16 (kick-off 7.30pm), two days before arch-rivals Newcastle head down the A1.

And Middlesbrough today confirmed they will play at Darlington on Wednesday, July 29 for a 7.30pm kick-off.

The announcement sets up a mouth-watering set of games for Quakers supporters to get an early glimpse of Colin Todd's squad.