Darlington have snapped up two Sunderland youngsters on-loan.

Central defender Johnny Burn (pictured) and attacking midfielder Nathan Thomas have both joined the Black Cats' north-east neighbours on work experience until January 2.

Darlington, managed by former Sunderland man Martin Gray, re-formed in the summer and now play in Division One of the Northern League.

They are seven points clear at the top of the table and face second-placed Spennymoor in a key clash this evening.