A SEA of purple scarves, shirts and even wigs swept over the stand as Shildon supporters celebrated an historic day on Sunday.

An army of loyal fans had travelled to support the Railwaymen in their match against the country's oldest club, Notts County.

More than 1,000 Shildon fans followed their team to the Meadow Lane stadium for the first round of the FA Cup- for the first time in 42 years.

Even after a 7-2 defeat, the fans proudly applauded the team and acknowledged the achievements of scoring twice in one of the world's most famous tournaments.

Bill Clarkson, 72, who has followed Shildon since 1946, and now attends matches with his daughter, Susan, and seven-year old grandson, Gareth, said: "It means everything to this club.

"We were always outsiders but when you've supported your home team so long, you just enjoy good times when they come along."

Bob Harker, also 72, said: "It was a special experience, regardless of the result, the players did us proud."

The buzz of cup glory around the town sparked enthusiasm in a new generation of fans, which club officials hope bodes well for the future.

Jeff Ridley, a club director, said: "It was a tremendous experience. The 120 fans who turn up for every game deserved a special day out and hopefully showed lots of youngsters that local cup football can be exciting."

Leading the chants from the stands was a group of teenage fans who travel to all away games to see Shildon play in the Northern League.

Sunnydale Comprehensive School pupils Michael Lumley and Carlos Henderson, both 15, said they would not swap their local side for the glamour of a Premiership club.

Michael said: "I've watched them since I was about six, it was just magic seeing them in the cup."

Carlos said: "The football we play has improved loads recently, we're aiming to make the cup again next year."

Brothers Des and Stuart Timmiss even gave up tickets to watch Newcastle United play Chelsea when Shildon's game was switched from Saturday to Sunday.

Des said: "This sort of game does not come along too often. Shildon in the cup will make history."

With Shildon's FA Cup dream over for another year, the fans went away with one of its terrace chants still ringing in their ears: Always look on the Bright Side of Life.