Yesterday my team Southampton, played our arch rivals Portsmouth. The game was a hard fought 2 2 draw, a result which helped neither team.
We thought we had the game won when we took a 2 1 lead in the 89th minute, only for them to score an qualiser in the 93rd minute.
This shot is of the crowd around us celebrating what they thought must be the winning goal.
Our paths may diverge this summer. They look like they are headed for relegation and maybe even oblivion as they could easily go out of business.
We are in the chase for promotion to the Premier League. We are top of the league still, but only just and we play second at home next friday, a game I fear that we will not win.
I wish Pompey the best in their struggles, and Saints the strength and luck to get over the finishing line and win promotion. Though the animosity between the two cities runs deep, no-one wants to see you go bust. Well, I don't!!!
There is nothing like a English football game! My hubby supports Grimsby (who really aren't doing great, though they perked up mis-season for awhile) and there really isn't anything like a hotly contested game!
@runningbk Funny that, they were very quiet from where I was, and we seemed very noisy. I think the only winners yesterday were Reading.
We have a tough run in, and Pompey are doomed. Really can't see them staying up when you look at all the fixtures. That said I think we need to up our game to even finish 2nd!
I find the whole concept of segregating fans of opposing teams facinating. Here, regardless of the football code, you just sit anywhere. There is normally a mix of fans of both teams and generally it makes for amusing banter, and it's only when someone is too drunk or obnoxious there is any trouble. But then securityusually gets involved and they are turfed out...
You could do that in some grounds in England, but not in a game between Southampton and Portsmouth as they have a strong loathing of each other. I believe rugby is different again and not sure they segregate. @seanoneill, the Saints v Reading could be a good one. I'm personally hoping Reading and Southampton go up and West Ham get relagated.
@asutherland1964 It i sjust a bit different over here Andrew. The Portsmouth fans had all to come by coach from Portsmouth, in convoy. They were parked up in a fenced in area, and bussed out again in teh same way. Last time the police took a more relaxed view on this game there were close on 100 arrests and more than 10 poeple were jailed for their crimes!! I find it rather pathetic that grown men hate each other because of the town they are from, but then I did stand through the whole match and sing some of the rather rude songs about our friends from down the M27.
@runningbk I will second that Mike. Sneaking feeling that Reading will win at St Mary's on friday, and that it will be a fight to the line between us and the Hammers. FIngers crossed for Saints win at Palace today, and that the Hammers lose to Brum. Then for one night only I will be a Brighton fan tomorrow!!! Squeaky bum time!!
We have a tough run in, and Pompey are doomed. Really can't see them staying up when you look at all the fixtures. That said I think we need to up our game to even finish 2nd!
@seanoneill, the Saints v Reading could be a good one. I'm personally hoping Reading and Southampton go up and West Ham get relagated.