THE small North-East football team at the heart of FA Cup fairytale has been presented with a new strip.

Shildon Football Club chairman Gordon Hampton wanted his Albany Northern League team to travel to Notts County for their first round clash with new strips and track-suits.

He said: "I wanted the lads to feel good in themselves and feel that they were properly dressed for the occasion.

"It is also an excellent way of commemorating the event because the shirts say Notts County versus Shildon with the date on and everything.

"They will be permanent mementos for the team.''

Mr Hampton said he was also spurred on to get the strip after going on to the Notts County website.

He said: "They referred to us as 'some outfit from up North' and that annoyed me a bit.

"I want them to see that this 'outfit from up North' has pride and that's partly why we have a spanking new kit.''

The purple tops have been made this week by Shildon company TSM Sportswear Ltd, of Byerley Road.

Company director Arthur Sayers said: "We got the order on Monday and we were only too happy to do it.

"We sponsor the team anyway and we have agreed to design a new away strip free of charge."

It will be the first time the club has had an away strip and Mr Sayers and manager Ray Gowan will design a white strip with purple running through it.

Mr Sayers said: "Purple has always been lucky for them and I hope it is this weekend.

"We would love them to win and get through to the next round.''