IT’S Derby Day – the countdown is on to today’s Saints versus Pompey FA Cup clash.
A sell out 32,000 fans will be in Southampton’s St Marys Stadium for the fifth round game between two of football’s biggest rivals.
With Portsmouth facing possible winding up action in the courts this could even be the last derby game between the two cities.
More than 4,000 fans from Premiership Pompey are currently making the 17 mile trip along the M27 to the home of their rivals – two divisions below them in League One.
Saints will be looking for revenge after a 4-1 thrashing the last time the two sides met almost five years ago.
For all the latest on the match including views and reaction log on to dailyecho.co.uk and for even more see tonight’s Pink
Extra police have been drafted in for the game, which kicks off at 12.30pm.
More than 260 officers are on patrol for the match.
Mounted police have also been brought in from Thames Valley to control the crowds outside the stadium.
Meanwhile pubs in the city centre will close for several hours on police advice.
About 50 Hampshire officers, British Transport Police, and four police horses were escorting fans using trains to the game.
When they arrived at Central Station at about 11.20am the Pompey fans let off four fire crackers.
After the game away fans will be escorted to the station for a special train service back to Portsmouth after the game.
Head of the operation Chief Supt Matthew Greening promised to come down hard on troublemakers. He said: “We all hope no one spoils the day but anyone who does break the law can expect to be dealt with appropriately and effectively.
“We won’t tolerate behaviour which interferes with the enjoyment of the majority who want to watch a sporting event.”
For the first time police will use a huge metal barrier to help control the two sets of fans outside the ground.
Chief Supt Greening added: "It's about ensuring fans leaving the Northam stand area are directed in the right direction for them to leave the stadium quickly and safely for example to get back to visiting coaches in a safe and easy way .
“We often do the same thing at matches using police vans across the north car park but we now have this new and effective piece of equipment to do the job."
For all the latest on the match including views and reaction log on to dailyecho.co.uk and for even more see tonight’s Pink
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