It may not have ended at a rain-soaked Pride Park the way they had planned it ...

... but at least they had the much warmer climes of Australia to dream about.

Aussie-based Saints fan Matt Pearce, 28, flew over to England last week on a wing and a prayer in search of a ticket to Saints' play-off semi-final against Derby last night.

In exchange for a ticket, Matt was offering a month's stay at his Melbourne apartment.

Big-hearted Saints fan Michael Henbury, 48, who is Britain's smallest man at just 2ft 11in, came forward to offer Matt a ticket soon after his plea was published in the Daily Echo.

And the pair, who met for the first time outside St Mary's last Saturday, went through the full range of emotions last night.

Despite the heartbreaking defeat, the pair were still able to look forward to Michael's trip to Australia and building on their new found friendship.

Michael said: "During parts of the game I felt I was ten foot tall and then at the end of the game I was two foot.

"I went through every emotion. Penalties is the worst way to lose. It's horrible, but that's life.

He added: "I am sure me and Matt will be buddies forever - it would be nice if we could see a winning football team as well."

Matt, who travelled more than 10,000 miles in a 36-hour journey to meet Michael, said: "I have had a great time in England.

"It has not been quite the ending I would have hoped for but a great time nonetheless.

"Me and Michael have had a great day together.

"We had a long drive up and have got another one to go back, but we are thinking of Australia now in this rain. Michael will be coming up towards the end of next year."

For full coverage of last night's match see today's Daily Echo.