A DESPERATE plea has been issued by a family of Saints fans who flew in from Australia for today's game - only to find it was a sell out.

The Pibworth family arrived in the UK two days ago after a 22 hour flight from their native Perth with two tickets for this afternoon's third round clash with Ipswich Town at St Mary's.

They hoped to buy the rest of the tickets upon their arrival but were shocked to find the game was a sell out.

Now they are appealing for help from the Saints fan community for three more tickets to enable them to watch today's match.

James Pibworth, who is originally from Southampton, is with his wife Carla, and children George, seven, Loui, five, and Luca, four.

He said: "My family have travelled from Australia today and are desperate to go to the Saints game.

"My three boys aged seven, five and four stay up till midnight to watch their Saints in Australia every Saturday and as parents we have to put up with grumpy kids the next day as they are tired.

"We've come a long way and should have booked but didn't know the prices would be slashed and it would be a sell out for FA Cup 3rd round tie."

The family are currently at St Mary's Stadium wearing Saints shirts and are holding a cardboard poster appealing for help.

If you can help, please call the family on 07789 881337.