suewhistle

Sorry Tim, I think you are off the mark with this one. We needed to take advantage of our early pressure, that was the issue, not the counter-attacks from an inevitably pacy Premiership team.

Oh yes, another thought. I saw the pictures of the Pompey fans celebrating at the end and thought "aw, bless" in complete sympathy at the **** they are in and how oblivious you can be for a few minutes after a win against your local rivals. But I still chuckled.

Sod! I haven't read any comments as I'm just in from an Italian sports bar where I watched the whole match and amused the locals at being a middle aged lady getting decidely worked-up! Although I'm hacked-off at losing I'm not disappointed at how we lost, or in our performance. I was explaining in the the bar that we were the third division team with the 30k+ crowds, and that wasn't the only time this season. Even the commentators on Italian TV were impressed at the atmosphere, the crowd, our performance and the magic of the FA cup which I think that game has done a lot to restore after the pathetic crowds of some of the previous rounds. So a younger Perry would have cut out that pass etc, etc, but I do hope nobody is in too wrist-slitting a mood after that game. The locals here are very familiar with contro-piede (counter attack on the break), but I hope they were as impressed as I was that we never, until the final whistle, gave up trying. Frankly I'm far more disappointed that I'm not in the squad for my women's team for tomorrow's away game.

I'm going to try a local snooker bar, that type often have a couple of screens. Depends what else is on whether they'll put on your choice.. My next check!..

No idea as I'm up in the mountains. Try one of the usual sports pubs. Do you live there (in which case do your own research!) or visiting, in which case I'll have a look on'tnet for you?

OK. just done more searching.. In Italia sembre di essere sul: sab, 13/02 h.13:00 SKY Calcio 2. I'll be checking with the local sports bar....

Now I'm in Italy but I'm sure all overseas Saints - a mighty horde - will want to know which local channels we'll be on on Saturday. How about here as a summary. Also useful for fans who've badly planned their hols abroad...!

Give the invitation to Ron..

In fairness to him, that seems to apply to every one of them!

Actually, there wouldn't be any arguments. It would be my choice of CDs or nothing.;-)

I go the Mt Blanc or St Bernard route: I'm guessing you're nearer the Brennero? Besides we'd only argue!:-)

..and i just fancy driving across Switzerland and France with me car bedecked in red and white ribbons!

Hmm, I wonder if I can swap some of my lessons at the local primary. I'm toying with driving from the Italian Alps: it's only a day's drive and I can call in favours for a ticket (or do some swoppsies)! Hmm.

but not so much now.... I;ve got some _very_ nice Italian Metodo classico

You're obviously paying too much attention to the game! I _am_ in Italy. Tasted at a local festa recently and bought a mixed case. I paid as much as €5 a bottle! anyway, as you can see I'm nervous...

Nah, Italian, from Piemonte. Very lightly sparkling, like Barbera vivace - a fresh, slight *****le on the tongue. Very refreshing and it started out as a pre-dinner appetizer and is ending up as a tranquilizer....

Oh well, might as well finish this bottle of this Chardonnay vivace. Only €3 a bottle and the beer can wait for the final (if we make it)...

Oooh, I'm almost beginning to relax...

oooh, how much? i could drive through the Mt Blanc tunnel from Italeee.. Assuming we win tonight of course... or do I save up for the FA cup and play-off finals (cough, cough). I'd better start a marketing drive to teach more English lessons...

If we win we could shout "Amateurs, amateurs"... Certainly applies to their management, and most months (at least for a week or two until their money arrives), their players..

Is there anybody going to be listening on the radio and be able to post on here... pleeeasse.

"shifting more than 26,000 tickets" for MKD. Over 28,000 now! I've said it before, but the Italians can't get over the size of the crowds we are getting in the 3rd division. It's hard on individuals' finances but the club's must be better than expected.

I'm sure they're not, but as the police liaison officer in the Saints end said at the Alan Knight testimonial: "An awful lot of the old trouble-makers have come out of the woodwork today"..

Looks like they're on the way to The Coal Exchange pub just round the corner from there..