Sunderland stepped up their preparations for the new season with a 3-1 win over Hartlepool in a testimonial for Pools midfielder Ritchie Humphreys. The League One hosts took an early lead through a tidy finish from former Newcastle man Nolberto Solano, signed on a free transfer following his release by Hull at the end of last season, but Asamoah Gyan headed the Black Cats level shortly after the half-hour. Kieran Richardson set up the impressive Jack Colback, who moments earlier had seen penalty appeals waved away, to powerfully fire Sunderland ahead early in the second half and Sebastian Larsson made it 3-1 from Stephane Sessegnon's cross. Everton, however, were beaten 1-0 away to Bundesliga side Werder Bremen, Sandro Wagner heading the only goal 10 minutes before half-time. Leighton Baines twice went close from long range but the Toffees were unable to find a way past home keeper Sebastian Mielitz. Meanwhile, QPR enjoyed a 4-2 win over League Two newcomers Crawley at Broadfield Stadium. Kaspars Gorkss poked Rangers in front after Akos Buszaky's corner was not cleared and they doubled their advantage early in the second half when Heidar Helguson slotted home. Charlie Wassmer headed in Ben Smith's corner but Helguson grabbed his second after good work by Lee Cook and Buszaky. Cook then added the fourth before Wassmer scored again. A Newcastle XI featuring several first-team players won 3-1 at non-league neighbours Gateshead thanks to two goals from Sammy Ameobi. Ameobi's cross was turned into his own net by Heed defender James Curtis in between times as the Magpies bounced back following Kyle Nix's early penalty. And in Monaco, Fabian Barthez had an unhappy return as a guest in a Manchester United XI as they lost 8-2 to Marseille in a charity game. Cameroon defender Nicolas Nkoulou and Ivory Coast striker Jordan Ayew put Marseille 2-0 up but Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley made it 2-2 at half-time. In a one-sided second half, Benoit Cheyrou and Loic Remy scored twice apiece, Ayew also grabbed his second and Alou Diarra was on target as the Coupe de France holders completed their rout.
