The not-so-Beautiful South
10/07/02 | Words and pictures by Alex Walker

The opening day of the season seemed like the perfect excuse for a day trip to Portsmouth. Unfortunately, all didn't go to plan.

Inside the minibus having just left Nottingham
Inside the minibus having just left Nottingham

A burning car awaits us at the service station
A burning car awaits us at the service station

The minibus crew take a break
The minibus crew take a break

After four hours of travelling, we arrive in Portsmouth
After four hours of travelling, we arrive in Portsmouth

Pompey fans stand at the entrace to Fratton Park
Pompey fans stand at the entrace to Fratton Park

The team bus arrives at Fratton Park
The team bus arrives at Fratton Park

At last! A pub!
At last! A pub!

The pre-match excitement builds up
The pre-match excitement builds up

The entrance to the terraced away stand
The entrance to the away stand

Malcolm (Gillingham Kent Red) and Ross
Malcolm (Gillingham Kent Red) and Ross

Fans waiting for the match to start
Fans waiting for the match to start

Fratton Park
Fratton Park

Fratton Park
Fratton Park

Fratton Park
Fratton Park

The Pompey players celebrate their first goal
The Pompey players celebrate their first goal

Old heads: captains Merson and Walker
Old heads: captains Merson and Walker

Pompey fans celebrate again
Pompey fans celebrate again

Forest fans enjoy the sunshine at half-time
Forest fans enjoy the sunshine at half-time

Riccy Scimeca takes the corner for Forest
Riccy Scimeca takes the corner for Forest

Forest fans watch on as the Reds attack
Forest fans watch on as the Reds attack

Louis-Jean runs with the ball
Louis-Jean runs with the ball

The linesman suffers from back problems
The linesman suffers from back problems

Full-time and the players leave the pitch having lost the game
Full-time and the players leave the pitch having lost the game

Forest fans were kept behind for 20 minutes after the game over safety fears
Forest fans were kept behind for 20 minutes after the game over safety fears

Our despondant crew return to the minibus for the long journey home
Our despondant crew return to the minibus for the long journey home

© All pictures are copyright of LTLF 2002