It's been a mixed bag of results for Alex Neil's Sunderland this pre-season as they look forward to their Championship return. The Black Cats have won three of their seven pre-season friendlies, two of those coming against non-league opposition; Gateshead FC and Blyth Spartans.
It probably would have been a fourth, had the game against Rangers came to a conclusion in Portugal. Of course, results count for naught at this stage but the Wearsiders have performed well in patches.
The game against Poolies this evening will give Neil one final look at his side in a competitive setting before they take on Coventry City next weekend. For the hosts, it's been another summer of upheaval.
