OPPONENTS of a football stadium development clearly believe they have scored by taking a cheeky shot at club chairman George Reynolds.

The anonymous critics of the 25,000-seat stadium proposed for Darlington Football Club have put up a sign suggesting Mr Reynolds has just scored an own goal.

The sign, at the Neasham Road site where the stadium is due to be built, despite vociferous protests from some residents, proclaims: Builders 1 Reynolds 0.

It refers to the recent parting of the ways between the football club and Taylor Woodrow, which was due to be the main contractor on the £15m development.

But the protestors may have scored an own goal when they hit their target, a 28ft billboard announcing the imminent construction of the stadium. For they have dropped an embarrassing clanger by spelling Mr Reynold's name without the y.

Nevertheless, the graffiti will be seen as levelling the field after supporters of the development pulled a similar stunt just over a week ago.

Then, a notice was put up with the message George Reynolds 1, Marcus Nimmo 0.

That was a reference to the fact that the Neasham Road Action Group, of which Mr Nimmo is a member, had just lost its fight to prevent the stadium from being built.

The group is still pressing for a judicial review, but the Quakers chairman, with the backing of Darlington Borough Council, has vowed it will still go-ahead.