1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):

I was looking forward to this game because both teams had something to play for. Southend have a chance to reach the play offs and Northampton needed three points to get out of the drop zone with 4 games left.

2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

The journey from Southend was an easy one as Northampton is well sign posted from the M1 and there is a large  car park near by for all fans to park. It was a struggle to get out as it has a small exit but once we were out we were on our way.

3. What you did before the game pub/chippy.... home fans friendly?

Before the game we headed over to a busy KFC which coped well under the pressure of 4 bus loads of hungry Southenders. There are numerous restaurants to choose from and Fridays offer alcoholic drinks.
 
Home fans didn’t seem too bothered by us. Mixed with us in the restaurants and around the stadium with no trouble. Sixfields Stadium allows fans to walk all the way around the stadium with no barriers and that’s what some home fans did, walked in front of us and inro the stands.

4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?

The ground from the outside looks quite impressive as you can only see the west stand but the other 3 stands are minimal. The away stand is not the best I’ve been to as it is low and difficult to see the other end of a small pitch, even at the back. Northampton allows some spillage of fans into the East Stand as the South Stand only holds 600 or so fans I believe.

5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..

The game was not the best footballing game as the pitch seemed slippery and bobbly which meant both teams mainly resorted to the hoof and run tactics. Southend took the lead in the first half but Northampton equalised soon after the break. Luckily Southend then scored two more to give the Shrimpers a bit more comfort but they somehow allowed Northampton another goal which built a pressured final 15 minutes.

Southend fans sang there hearts out, as we are beginning to get a name for, a fan brought a bag of balloons and they floated about the stand along with a large England flag with Southend badge and “bouncebackability” written on the red of the St.George going from side to side.

6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

Getting out of the ground was simple but, as said before, the car parks were cramped at the exits. Would allow an extra 20 minutes on the home journey as the round-about at the end of the car park doesn’t do it any favours.

7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

Great day out. Would do again next season depending on the league positioning of the two clubs. Cant complain about the result as we got the 3 points but would prefer better played football.