Gateshead FC will face Sunderland in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, July 26, after the fixture was officially updated by the Black Cats. The news was confirmed on the official Sunderland AFC website this week, finalising the summer schedule for both clubs.
This match provides a key test for Gateshead ahead of the new National League campaign. The Heed concluded the 2025 season in 18th place, securing 50 points from 46 matches with a record of 14 wins, 8 draws, and 24 losses. Their final game was a 3-1 defeat away to Altrincham on April 25, a result that contributed to a challenging end-of-season run. You can view the full schedule on our fixtures page.
What does the friendly mean for Gateshead?
Facing a League One side like Sunderland offers Gateshead a valuable opportunity to assess their squad against higher-level opposition. The game will be a crucial part of their preparations as they look to improve on last term's defensive record, which saw them concede 90 goals while scoring 54. Managerial staff will use the fixture to evaluate player fitness and tactical setups before the competitive action begins.
It represents a local clash with significant interest for fans of both clubs. The match is expected to draw a strong crowd, providing a good atmosphere for the players to perform in. For Gateshead, a positive performance could build momentum ahead of the new season.
How did Gateshead finish the last campaign?
The 2025 season presented difficulties for Gateshead, culminating in an 18th-place finish. Their goal difference of -36 highlighted the challenges they faced at both ends of the pitch. The team ended the season 58 points behind champions York City, underlining the gap to the top of the National League. Their recent form over the final five matches was one win and four losses, with the side losing their last four consecutive games.
| Metric | 2025 Season Detail |
|---|---|
| Final League Position | 18th in National League |
| Total Points | 50 |
| Goal Difference | -36 (54 scored, 90 conceded) |
| Points Behind Champions | 58 |
| Recent Form (Last 5) | LLLLW |
Analysing these statistics on our stats page shows areas where improvement will be targeted during pre-season. The heavy defeat to Altrincham in late April was a stark example of the issues that need addressing.
What comes next after the Sunderland friendly?
Following the July 26 fixture, Gateshead's focus will shift entirely to the start of the new National League season. The insights gained from playing Sunderland will inform final selection decisions and tactical plans. The club will be aiming to start the new campaign strongly and move up the standings from their previous 18th-place finish.
The friendly is a single component of a broader preparation period. The management will be looking for signs of resilience and attacking threat from a squad that found wins hard to come by at the end of last term. A solid performance against Sunderland could provide a much-needed confidence boost for the group.
