Young Cats in Shields for testimonial

Sunderland Under-23s head to Mariners Park tonight in a testimonial for South Shields club stalwart Stephen Ramsey.

Ramsey has spent more than 10 years at the club, making 311 appearances and scoring 85 times.

Sadly, Ramsey has not yet recovered from the broken leg he suffered in Shields’ Northern League victory at Sunderland RCA in March, so he will not be able to play a full part in proceedings tonight.

He will, though, lead the team out with children Lilly, nine, Daisy, five, and Alfie, three, with many of his family in attendance.

Ramsey said: “The testimonial is a massive honour for me and I’m so thankful that the club thinks enough of me to have organised it.

“I wish I was playing obviously, but I’m really looking forward to it.

“It means a massive amount to me.”

Tonight is Shields’ penultimate game of their pre-season schedule ahead of their Evo-Stik League debut at Trafford on August 12. Kick-off is at 7.30pm, with admission priced £6 (adults), £4 (students and over-65s) and £2 (under16s).

Sunderland’s Under23s have already played six matches as they build up to the new Premier League 2 season.

Their most recent outing came in a closed-doors clash with Huddersfield at the Academy of Light on Saturday, when midfielder Ethan Robson notched the only goal.