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1. Why you were looking
forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):
As
an Ipswich Town fan I had never been to Southampton. The FA cup is always
well supported by the Ipswich fans and I felt it was an ideal opportunity
to go to the game. Having beaten Blackpool away in the last round I was
slightly optimistic prior to the game.
2.
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car
parking?
As
I travelled to the game via the clubs coaches the journey was smooth. We
stopped at South Mimms service station and there was a friendly banter
with a few Saints fans. The coaches were parked at the back of the
Northam Stand – the away end.
Without any delays it was a great start to the day.
3. What
you did before the game pub/chippy.... home fans friendly?
Before
the game I bought a match programme, then had a decent Cornish pasty
inside the ground. The home fans were very friendly, making the whole
experience a lot easier. The stewards were fine and entrance to the ground
was quick and easy. The stewards did search through the bags upon entrance
through the turnstiles. There was no severe
delay.
4.
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then
other sides of the ground?
The
ground was certainly very smart and modern both on the outside and inside
of the stadium but in my opinion lacked character, it looked more like a
bowl than a football ground! St Marys is certainly very similar in
appearance to Middlesbrough’s’ stadium. The view from the away end was
excellent, positioned behind the goal. As it was a cup game extra
seats were provided to make the away end even larger.
5. Comment on
the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets
etc..
The
game itself was very frustrating from an Ipswich point of view. The
atmosphere was great with all Ipswich fans in full voice. Southampton fans
were surprisingly quieter than I thought they were going to be. Losing 2-1
was a little embarrassing... but losing 1-4 at home to Portsmouth in the
next round is worse! Toilets were clean; it makes a change from some
grounds! Pies were good according to those around us.
6.
Comment on getting away from the ground after the
game:
The
away fans were not held behind after the game which is always good for a
quick exit The coaches parked behind the back of the stand making which
guaranteed a fast exit. Although I heard Park and Ride was easy and cheap
as well I would recommend travelling to the ground by coach. More banter
was shared between the fans as the coaches departed!
7. Summary of
overall thoughts of the day out:
The
Southampton ground is very impressive and well worth visiting. On the
whole it was a very enjoyable day, pity about the result but in all
honesty Southampton did deserve the win. Everything was first class apart
from the result. I would certainly return if the sides were to meet
again. |
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