It's South Coast Derby time again, but not as we know and like it, after a break of a couple years due to our drop down to the Championship we once again travel across the New Forest to take on Bournemouth and for those lucky enough to get a ticket here is the lowdown.
Saints go west on Monday evening to take on the Cherries at what is now called the Vitality Stadium but we still call Dean Court.
Despite the fact that Portsmouth are very much our Auld Enemy and all that we really care about, they still like to think of us as some kind of rivals and refer to us as Scummers, we have no such name calling for them and indeed many Saints supporters were delighted when they managed to reach the top flight for the first time in their history, although the attitude of their supporters has soured that view a little.
With the Vitality Stadium only holding 11,329 we have received only 1,200 tickets, the eligibility started at 18 away games and only got as far as 16 for what is the most measly away allocation in the Premier division, although with many Saints supporters living in the Bournemouth area there are likely to be a fair amount of Saints fans in home areas.
Last season saw an uplift in Bournemouth's support with the average home attendance hitting 11,000 for only the 11th time in their history and so far this season that is holding up.
The Stadium
The Vitality Stadium is on the same spot as the old Dean Court although the pitch is in a different direction so that what was behind the goal at the old Dean Court is now on the side at the Vitality, you get my drift.
It was opened in exactly the same year as St Mary's, 2001 and built by the same people, but is only a third of the size.
It is essentially a three sided ground in that only three stands were originally built, when we visited in 2008 behind one goal was a small open temporary stand that boosted the capacity to the 10,008 mark that attended that game.
Now it has the temporary but more robust Ted MacDougall stand behind one goal honouring their greatest player a man who also played for Saints and played a vital part in our promotion season of 77/78.
This means the capacity is now officially 11,329 slightly below the record attendance of 11, 772 in a friendly against Real Madrid.
The Away Section
This is still situated in the corner of one of the side stands, the East Stand, the views here are unblocked by pylons but with the stand only having around 16 rows most fans will be fairly low down in their view of the pitch.
The concourse underneath is spacious and see's the usual selection of pies and burgers and it should be noted there is little choice nearby outside the stadium.
Alcohol is available in the ground normally with cans of Lager or bitter on sale.
Getting There
By Car
It is a short drive from the Western edges of Southampton and can be reached from the M27 junction 3 in around 30 minutes, just follow signs to Bournemouth and the ground is just off the A338 on the left as you come into Bournemouth.
SAT NAV: BH7 7AF
There is a good sized car park at the ground but please note it is a pay at the meter car park with a charge of 50p per hour, make sure you put enough money in to cover the time in the game as they do check and give out tickets.
Otherwise its street parking and it might be easier to park in the area around Pokesdown Station.
By Train
You have a choice of two stations, Bournemouth central served by all trains from Southampton and Pokesdown which is nearer but served only by slower trains, it should be noted that after the game the Police are likely to escort Saints supporters on the train directly back to Pokesdown rather than Bournemouth central.
There is a train at 22.15 from Pokesdown and there is also another at 23.15 leaving Bournemouth Station 2 minutes earlier, with the game kicking off at 20.00, it should finish at around 22.00 making it tight to get back for the 22.15 especially if there is a police escort back to the station. However the 23.15 should be easily made.
Bournemouth central s a 25-30 minute walk from the ground and Pokesdown around 15 minutes.
Pubs Etc.
Pokesdown Station has a number of pubs by it and also more options for eating etc, the Sir Percy Florence Shelley was a Weatherspoons outlet that was popular with away fans, but that shut down a few years ago, although there are also several other pubs including Mello Mello and Baxters who admit those wearing away colours in the same road as the Station.
The Bell Inn opposite Pokesdown Station also lets in away fans and at our last visit was seemingly the designated pub for Saints fans.
Otherwise it is a case of having a drink near Bournemouth Station around a 1.5 mile walk to the ground.
There are few pubs near the stadium, The Queens Park Hotel is strictly home fans only so not worth even trying.
Do remember though that a small minority of Bournemouth's support do have a chip on their shoulder about Saints and have tried to stir up some sort of rivalry given that the Cherries are one of those few teams who have no real local rivals of their own.
This being the case be wary in certain situations.
Capacity:
11,329 (all seated)
Club Nickname:
The Cherries
Year Opened:
1910
Pitch Size:
115 x 71 yards
Address:
Dean Court, Kings Park, Bournemouth, BH7 7AF
Phone: 0844 576 1910