EVERYONE knows May 17 is a big day for Southampton Football Club and their fans.

But in one Hampshire household they are hoping to be celebrating a double that Saturday night.

As the team takes to the field at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium for their first FA Cup final in 27 years, Saints-mad season ticket holders Gaby Moss and Steve Rush have more on their minds than the mouthwatering clash with Arsenal.

The couple, of Chapel Road, West End, are expecting their first child that very weekend.

It could mean Gaby, 23, will have to miss out on Saints' biggest day for a quarter of a century. But she is determined that partner Steve, also 23, will be travelling up to the Welsh capital.

Gaby, who works at the Hampshire Tennis and Health Club next to Hampshire's Rose Bowl cricket ground in West End, said: "I would love to go but I cannot see it. I think the excitement will be too much.

"I'll not stop Steve going. I want him to go. He'll just have to dash back after the game. Either way it is going to be a great weekend."

When Gaby fell pregnant nearly nine months ago, little did the couple realise that Saints would go all the way to Cardiff and the big day would clash with their own big day.

"I've been growing quite big lately so the baby might come a week early, which would be nice," said Gaby. "You never know. I've got so many friends and family who would be willing to step in to Steve's place if I do go into hospital that weekend.''

As for the Saints, Gaby thinks they can lift the FA Cup.

"I just cannot believe we are there and I think we've got every opportunity to beat Arsenal," she said.

"Just to get there is such an achievement. If we win and our baby is born it will be the perfect weekend."

Meanwhile anxious Steve, a barman at the Marriott Meon Valley Hotel and Country Club at Shedfield, will be listening out for his name on the stadium's public address system calling him to answer an urgent phone call.

Do you have anything special planned for May 17? Ring the newsdesk on 023 8042 4522.