A NEW chapter in the North-East's rich sporting history will begin this afternoon when thousands of fans witness the first match at Darlington Football Club's new stadium.

Final preparations were being made at the multi-million pound Reynolds Arena last night, ahead of the Quakers' historic clash with Kidderminster Harriers.

Club chairman George Reynolds is expecting more than 10,000 supporters to turn up for the long-awaited match - the Quakers' first league game since they left Feethams, their home of 120 years, in May.

He said last night: "Everything's going absolutely phenomenal. The tickets are selling well, the shirts are selling like wildfire and we're ready to go.

"We're excited, the fans are excited and it's going to be great. We're opening the ticket office at 9am, so anyone who hasn't got one can get down early."

Darlington Borough Council has issued a temporary safety certificate allowing a maximum of 11,510 people to watch the match.

Business chiefs were yesterday hoping that the 27,500-seater Neasham Road venue could also signal an economic renaissance for a key part of the region.

They are hoping that, with the leisure facilities, restaurant, conference suite and other features, the Reynolds Arena can replicate the success of Hull City's new Kingston Communications Stadium. The club's £45m multi-purpose home has created nearly 1,000 jobs, and has become a sports and leisure centre of national repute.

A spokesman for regeneration agency One NorthEast said last night: "We hope that on-field success for the club is reflected in the economic benefits to the community and businesses in the area."

Fans will be hoping the players rise to tomorrow's occasion on the pitch. Excitement has been building throughout the week, particularly in the wake of Tuesday night's heroic Carling Cup win over First Division Bradford City.