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Mode
of Transport:
The train was used to reach Southampton, but
owing to engineering works on the coast line, we
were forced into traveling up to Clapham
Junction and then back down |
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Team:
Gustavo sent his first Albion line-up out in a
4-4-2 formation consisting of: Kuipers, Whing,
Tunnicliffe, Elphick, El-Abd; Bennett, Dicker,
Crofts, Cox; Murray, Forster |
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Kit:
Southampton were in their famous home uniforms
consisting of red and white striped jerseys,
black shorts and white socks. The Albion wore
their third choice kits of yellow and navy
striped shirts, yellow shorts and navy socks.
Michel Kuipers chose his emerald green jersey
coupled with black shorts and stockings |
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Gus
Poyet's Attire:
Mr Poyet bought a touch of class back to the
dugout, choosing to mimic the look that Mark
McGhee made famous via the use of suit jacket
and shirt, top button undone with no tie along
with suit trousers and shoes. |
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Weather:
A mildy fresh yet refreshing day in Southampton,
with the rain that had plagued the country in
the proceeding days vanishing |
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Stadium
Rating:
St Mary's is a standard issue new stadium,
identical to Leicester City with the exception
of red seats. However, there is something a
little different about it to most new grounds in
that the Saints fans are able to generate a
decent atmosphere inside, and the two giant
screens attatched the roof are a nice touch.
8/10 |
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Food
Rating:
Cutting partook in a chicken balti pie, which he
described as delightful. This should be taken
with a pinch of salt however bearing in mind
that merely moments before he had nearly been
denied entry by a policeman who believed him to
be drunk. Which, in fairness, he was. 7/10 |
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Entertainment:
Nothing on offer. 0/10 |
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Friendliness
of Locals:
The fans we met in the pubs surrounding the
ground and on the train home were extremely
friendly. However, being a 'local derby', 15
year old chav's who have watched too much
Football Factory were on the prowl attempting to
intimidate people which was as successful as
giving the kiss of life to a rasher of bacon.
6/10 |
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Standard
of Local Females:
A distinct lack of women in and around the city
centre, which came as a massive disappointment.
2/10 |
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Steward
Rating:
Given the horror stories of
our last visit to St Mary's, stewarding this
time was massively improved. The majority of
fans stood, stewards were helpful in their
manner and did not even attempt to check what
McCarthy was carrying under his blue and white
top hat, which was just as well as had they of
done so they would have discovered a childs baby
doll. 8/10 |
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Flag
Attention:
The Crocs flag was not taken to this game |
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Match
Report:
Gus Poyet got the perfect 42nd birthday present
and the perfect start to life in management as
the Albion pulled off an unlikely 3-1 away at
Southampton. A stunning first twenty minutes saw
Glenn Murray look interested and net twice.
Rickie Lambert pulled one back from the spot for
the Saints, but a valiant defensive effort was
rewarded when captain Andrew Crofts netted with
five minutes remaining to secure the victory
much to the delight of the 2700 traveling fans |
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Thought
of the Day:
If you had the chance to sleep with any
celebrity, would you take it. The line was drawn
at Heather Mills by all except McCarthy, who
decided he would remove her leg and make love to
her via the leg socket |