SOUTHPORT FC-FLEETWOOD
Live on Spanish TV tonight: Southport FC vs. Fleetwood Town
Terrestrial Spanish sports station Teledeporte will be beaming all the FA Cup action from Haig Avenue into 20 million Spanish homes.
Following last week's announcement that Spanish state controlled station Teledeporte (part of the RTVE network) will cover this and next season's FA Cup, the last outstanding game in the first round between Southport FC and Fleetwood Town is set to be beamed into 20 million Spanish homes this evening.
20 miles separates Southport from the city of Liverpool and from 1921 through to 1978 the club were a regular in the Football League system. The "Sandgrounders" currently play in the National League (formerly known as the Conference) and currently lie in 19th position.
Haydn Preece, Southport FC Commercial director, said: “The FA Cup is a magical competition and it’s absolutely fantastic to be part of it. Not only will the live coverage help to put the club on the map, but Southport town too. Our local supporters are the lifeblood of our club and we’re urging fans to really get behind the team by creating a great atmosphere".
Tonight's visitors Fleetwood Town play in League 1 and joined the Football League in the 2012/13 season. Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy is a former Fleetwood player moving to the then Championship outfit in May 2012 for a non-league record fee of one million pounds.
Ahead of tonight's cup fixture, Fleetwood chairman Andy Pilley claimed: “I've got lots of memories of going to Haig Avenue, some good and some bad. It's always a good welcome from Charlie and the boys.