As I write this I get all the memories flooding back from the game V's Ipswich at the Goldstar ground Felixstow. It was the last 16 of the FA cup away of which many a Saints fan traveled via the official coach, car or any other transport.
The game started predictably cagey, as the two rivals aiming for top spot in the league.
The fans of both teams were numerous, there were shouts of 'blue army' and these were being met by some big calls of 'red army' from the roacous away contingent of Southampton fans. This made for a feisty atmosphere as Saints attempted to silence the crowd by gaining the upper hand early on.
Numourous chances came and went throughout the 90 minutes but neither side could gain an advantage, it could not be settled in normal time and this is where the grandstand finish was about to start.
The tie exploded into life. Substitute Anna Grey lifted the roof off the Goldstar Ground with a stunning strike that looked to have sealed the tie for Ipswich in the 110th minute and it looked like it was going to be one of those days.
With the clock running down and 120 minutes gone, the Saints gained a late corner.
Cue Kayla Rendall to come up from the back, all 22 players in the Ipswich goal area. Lucia Kendall swung the corner in from the right curlling away from the Ipswich Keeper for the ball to find Kayla who heads home the equaliser and take the game to penalties.
Full highlights can be viewed here.
Well the end result did not go our way with Ipswich securing the win on Pens, but it was a 'I was there' moment, as this was the start of a 14 game run, that took the Saints to the Playoff Final V's Wolves and a day of destiny.
Line ups for the game V's Ipswich
Photo's courtesy of Isabelle Field (Southampton FC)
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