And the best part about weekday matches: being able to wake up at a normal hour. :]
Myself, Andrew and his dad Ken hit the road to Peterborough around 1530 for the 1945 kickoff.
Ken's redemption was ensuring all 3 tickets arrived with us! :D
I think Andrew's nerves were more than enough for the other two in the car.
But to be fair, Saints were inching closer and closer to a Premiership return.
If the match at Peterborough concludes my season, it has been a great run!
Ice hockey will take over the next two weekends and they're non-miss games.
I would first and foremost like to thank Andrew for including me in the Saints' season.
There's been a tremendous atmosphere each game, unrivaled by any other experience to date.
Second, to Ken, Andrew's dad, for getting myself (and Andrew) to and from each match.
I always have a great time, regardless of result and you've both taught me well!
I know for a fact I have become a master at falling asleep in the car.
So I really, really, cannot say enough how much Saints matches have meant to me!
I know you will see us thru at Middlesbrough and at home on the final day vs. Coventry.
Photo with Saints' manager, Nigel Adkins:
As the season's end nears closer, mobiles across stadiums continued to test 3G coverage.
The Saints' push for promotion continued in Peterborough this past Tuesday evening.
With only three games remaining in the campaign, every single point is even more important.
SFC entered Tuesday evening's match 3 points behind Reading & 3 points ahead of West Ham.
Reading was hosting Nottingham and West Ham was visiting 5 point-safe Bristol City.
London Road's visitors ramped up the atmosphere before kickoff. Of the 9 1/2 thousand in the stands, Saints supporters made up a third of that-- continuing the great traveling support. After the opening kickoff, Saints supporters didn't have to wait long to have something to cheer about. Just 5 minutes into the match, Jos Hooiveld got his head onto his 7th league goal at Southampton when Fox's corner found the defender inside the box. Hooiveld seemed shaken up following the play, but continued his fine form after waving off any medical attention.
The traveling fans only settled in for a moment following Hooiveld's goal as Lallana crossed a ball from left to right to Richard Chaplow who then laid the ball off to a streaking Billy Sharp. Billy Sharp strategically placed the ball to the bottom corner, extending Saints' lead to two.
Two quick strikes from Southampton made it difficult for the Posh to settle into their own game plan. Although the Posh pushed the tempo in the midfield following Sharp's 9th minute goal, they were unable to combine for any success in their own attacking third.
The Posh had a more productive end to the first half, but the Saints were fully in control where it mattered most, on the scoreline.
The match resumed along with the wind as it gusted throughout London Road. Luckily, the rain that hung around during warmups stayed at bay. The tempo of the Saints also picked up as they looked to impose their will on the last 45 minutes. The Posh, too, continued their form from the first half as they created opportunities that they were unable to connect on.
Just under the hour mark, the Saints picked a part their host's defense for a third goal and Sharp's second of the night. It was 6 minutes later that Jos made way for defender, Aaron Martin.
Chaplow continued his search for a goal against his former manager, Darren Ferguson. He sent efforts left and right, but was unable to find the back of the net. As Chaplow's tries went begging, the opponents looked for consolation and found it on the 86th minute from a corner. The Posh goal ruined Davis' bid for another clean sheet; Peterborough 1 - Southampton 3.
Guly came on to replace Sharp as Saints looked to close out the win. Both Guly and Lambert had chances to pad their starts in added time, but sent their chances array. When the final whistle signaled, the Saints found themselves one step closer to automatic promotion.
Southampton FC Starting XI: Kelvin Davis, Danny Butterfield, Jose Fonte, Jos Hooiveld, Daniel Fox, Richard Chaplow, Jack Cork, Dean Hammond, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Billy Sharp
Saints Subs: Steve de Ridder, Frazer Richardson, Dan Harding, Guly do Prado, Aaron Martin
Peterborough United Starting XI: Paul Jones, Craig Alcock, Gabriel Zakuani, Shaun Brisley, Tommy Rowe, Lee Frecklington, George Boyd, Joe Newell, Lee Tomlin, Tyrone Barnett, Paul Taylor
Posh Subs: Mark Little, David Ball, Grant McCann, Joe Lewis, Kgosi Ntlhe
Southampton (who sit on 85 points) visit Middlesbrough on Saturday. The team find themselves one positive result away from automatic promotion. Middlesbrough are on the outside looking in as they fight for a playoff spot (currently trailing Cardiff by 4 points). Reading sealed their promotion fate with a 1-0 victory against Nottingham, although they have not wrapped up the league title just yet. Reading host Crystal Palace for a tea-time kickoff on Saturday. Trailing-West Ham were only able to muster a 1-1 draw against Bristol City. West Ham are 5 points adrift from an automatic promotion spot and have a date away to Leicester City next Monday, the 23rd.
