IT was be the first-ever match of the day at Saints' new stadium.

But it's not a return of the BBC's favourite football programme - today was all about Sarah Williams and Simon Richards.

The soccer-crazy couple - the first to tie the knot at Southampton Football Club's new home - were putting pen to paper on the most important contract of their lives in the boardroom of the Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium today.

Sarah 30, and Simon, 25, of Hedge End, admitted to feeling one or two pre-match nerves but could not wait for the big 2pm kick-off with more than 60 family and friends - followed by a night of partying with around 160 pals.

The marriage was sealing a fairytale romance that started with the couple's first date watching last year's Saints home clash with Aston Villa.

Agency worker Simon, whose recent stag weekend included a trip to see Saints' 1-1 draw with Charlton at The Valley, followed by a riotous night out in Covent Garden, said: "This is real fantasy football stuff for me. I love the Saints and Sarah is now just as passionate about football.

"Being the first couple to get married at the new ground is an amazing feeling.

"We saw a Saints advert in the Daily Echo inviting wedding bookings and I phoned and e-mailed constantly for many days before the club said we were pencilled in for April.

"I thought we would be getting married in July or August so it's been a very frantic time for our families.

"We are planning to go to the Caribbean later this year for our honeymoon.

"I don't know if there will be much football going on but I might have a kick-around on the beach."

Shirley Pinn, Southampton Football Club sales manager, said: "Simon and Sarah were chosen as the first couple to get married here as they were more persistent than anyone else in expressing their interest.

"They are a lovely couple and we are looking forward to welcoming them."