A quick trek across the North East awaits Newcastle United for their opening pre-season friendly, as Eddie Howe's side visit National League outfit Gateshead on Saturday lunchtime.

The hosts have already taken to the field twice in exhibition matches this summer, seeing off Hebburn Town 1-0 before coming out on the wrong end of a five-goal thriller with Sunderland.

Quickfire efforts from Connor Pani and Adam Campbell inside the opening 25 minutes put Gateshead two goals to the good, but Luke O'Nien reduced the arrears prior to the half-time whistle before Niall Huggins and Michael Spellman completed the Sunderland turnaround.

The Tynesiders have the luxury of a full week's worth of rest before player-coach Mike Williamson prepares for a reunion with his former club, where he netted a solitary goal in 169 appearances during their prolonged Premier League run between 2010 and 2016.

The 39-year-old led Gateshead to the National League North title in the 2021-22 season - earning the Manager of the Year award for his efforts - and consolidation in the fifth tier was achieved last term, as the Tynesiders placed 14th in the National League after having a point deducted for fielding an ineligible player.

That punishment did plunge Gateshead back into the relegation zone at the time, but Williamson turned their fortunes around with a stellar streak of Easter form, while they also made it all the way to the FA Trophy final before suffering Halifax Town-inflicted heartbreak.