The Daily Echo has announced the winners of tickets for Southampton FC’s sold-out Championship playoff clash today.

Nathan Saunders and Frank Abraham won the Echo’s competition that offered two pairs of tickets to the semifinal today at St Mary's.

More than 600 people sent in messages of support for Russell Martin's men and entered the prize draw.

Speaking to the Echo after being told he was one of the lucky winners, Nathan, 37, said: “When I got the call I thought I had missed a direct debit payment.

“Then the guy told me he was from the Echo and I asked him ‘Are you going to give me some good news?’ and he asked me ‘Do you want some tickets to the Saints game?’. I am delighted.”

Nathan has offered the two tickets to friends.

Meanwhile, Frank Abraham, 64, said: “My wife had a missed call and I told her she should pick it up and while she was on the phone she pointed at the Echo that I was reading.

He added: "It was a big surprise.”