Sunderland and Newcastle pundits go head-to-head in Tyne-Wear derby clash

Sunderland radio summariser Gary Bennett and his Newcastle opposite number John Anderson go head-to-head in an early Tyne-Wear derby tonight.

By The Newsroom

Published 16th Mar 2016, 10:39 BST

Updated 16th Mar 2016, 10:41 BST

The pair of BBC Newcastle pundits will captain teams in a charity five-a-side match for Sport Relief ahead of Sunday’s big clash.

Bennett and fellow Sunderland legend Marco Gabbiadini will be joined by journalists - including the Echo’s own Chris Young - and fans to make up the Black Cats team, while Anderson and Steve Howey will be among the Magpies contingent.

The match kicks off at The Soccerdome at Royal Quays in North Shields around 6.30pm and will be broadcast live on Radio Newcastle, with the station’s Newcastle and Sunderland commentators Mick Lowes and Nick Barnes.

“My players have all been training hard for this game,” said Bennett.

“We have been working on some set pieces and practising penalties in case it’s a draw. I’m confident our players can do the business and come back with a win.”