Drivers in Southampton could face delays today as the city prepares for Southampton's Championship meeting with Derby County at St Mary's Stadium. Kick-off is at 3pm, and Southampton City Council has warned that traffic is likely to increase as supporters travel to and from the ground.
A council spokesperson said the roads will become busier before and after the match with supporters making their way to and from St Mary's Stadium. The warning comes on a day when Southampton are trying to strengthen their play-off hopes and keep pace in the chase for a top-six finish.
The match matters because Tonda Eckert's side arrived at it after moving into the top-six with a 5-1 win over Wrexham on Tuesday. Saints were also hoping to keep their unbeaten streak going to 16 games, a run that has put extra weight on this afternoon's home fixture.
That is what makes today's test against Derby more than another league match. Southampton are trying to turn a strong run into something lasting, and St Mary's will be the stage for that effort. For drivers, though, the immediate impact is simpler: the council expects the roads around the stadium to be busier before and after the game.