FOR the second time in recent years I travelled down to Southampton on Saturday to meet up with three ex-colleagues (all Saints fans) before the game. After a few beers we all walked to the ground.

Given our position I travelled more in hope than expectation but with Rodriguez’s sad injury the week before thought we had a glimmer.

As before, our friends had purchased two tickets in the “home” end and, being a retired company director and 66 years of age, knew we would not cause any mischief.

Naturally delighted with the three points from a wonderful goal from a central defender and the usual blinding performance by the best goalkeeper in Britain on current form, we had a great night out enlivened by meeting a group of ladies on a hen night – but that’s another story.

We had a bet in the concourse before the game and backed Cardiff to win at 5/1 Two points which sort of spoiled the day: 1. Why did the stadium announcer not announce the Cardiff team? Just how discourteous to the tram and fans was that?

2. Why, after only ten minutes from the end of the game, was the bookie closed? I have had to retrieve our winnings online today. The cash will not reach my account until Friday.

They would have cleaned up from Saints fans backing their team but surely it is only courtesy to stay there for say 15 minutes after the final whistle?

Phil Taylor, Cardiff.