THE small North-East town that is following the FA Cup dream has been given the yellow card by its county council.

Shildon Football Club has received a warning from Durham County Council for erecting signs on the side of the road advertising one of its FA Cup clashes.

Road signs advertising the team's battle against Frickley last month could be seen in nearby Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland, as well as in Shildon itself.

It was part of a successful marketing campaign by the club to attract fans to the Wednesday night match.

The club has been told not to do it again by Durham County Council's Highway Department, which says the signs were an offence under the Highways Act and could distract motorists.

The warning was followed by another letter from council chairman Alan Fenwick wishing the team good luck in its match against Notts County on Sunday.

A spokesman for the county council said last night: "There are rules and regulations in a game of football which I am sure that the club sticks to.

"There are also rules and regulations about signs along the highway which we all have to abide by.

"We are giving the club a yellow card - a friendly warning - respectfully asking them not to break rules by erecting signs on the highway.

"At the same time we'll all still be saying 'come on Shildon' when they play Notts County on Sunday."

Shildon FC chairman Gordon Hampton said that he would accept the decision.

He said: "We accept the yellow card and won't be making an appeal.

"We feel that the arbitration shown by Alan Fenwick between ourselves and the area traffic department shows that he is a true FIFA referee in the making.''

Chairman sports team colours in purple haze

PROUD football club chairman Gordon Hampton has dyed his hair purple and black to honour his team's dream FA Cup run.

It has been a hair-raising few weeks for the 50-year-old businessman as Shildon Football Club defied the odds to reach the first round of the FA Cup - a feat they have not achieved for 42 years.

It is a dream come true for the small County Durham town as the Railwaymen face a David versus Goliath battle against Notts County on Sunday.

As fans celebrated the sixth goal in Saturday's clash against Stocksbridge Park Steels, from Sheffield, Mr Hampton promised he would dye his hair to celebrate.

He said: "My step-daughter Mandy suggested it and before I could change my mind, it was arranged.''

Family friend Nigel Dowson, who runs Jigsaw hairdressers in Darlington, volunteered to take on the task at his Gladstone Street salon.

His daughter Leanne, 22, helped transform the chairman's white locks to a striking jet black and purple.

Mr Dowson said: "I did this because I was at the match on Saturday and had a brilliant day. I wanted to do something to show my support for the team and I wish them luck on the day."

Mr Hampton, who has also vowed not to cut his hair until the team are knocked out, said: "It's certainly very different. It was really nice of Nigel to do it. I will keep it like this until, or should I say if, we are knocked out of the FA Cup, then I will shave it off for charity.''