THERE'S even more at stake than usual for supporters of Newcastle and Sunderland at a County Durham store this week.
Not only will Monday morning's mood be dictated by the derby result between the great rivals on Sunday, but a day earlier, 22 staff will be donning replica kits and staging their own pre-match game.
Manager of Chester-le-Street's Co-op store, John Laws, may be forced to give some of his staff the red card because he's the referee.
The staff/players have been sponsored to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care and are hoping generous customers will support them on the day.
Mr Laws, who has refereed in the Morpeth, Cramlington and Blyth Sunday leagues for four years, is hoping for a clean contest. To make sure everyone gets in the team spirit, John is fining anyone who comes to work in their uniform £5 - for charity of course.
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