A HUSBAND and wife who fell in love at a Southend United match in Morecambe and tied the knot with a Blues-themed wedding say they can’t wait to cheer their team on at tomorrow’s crucial match.

The happy couple Shane and Clare Chapman will join 2,400 fans to watch the club’s most important game in five years, where a win against Morecambe could see them promoted to League One.

The devoted Southend United fans first met at a game in the Lancashire town in 2011.

Shane Chapman, 52, of Sydney Road, Leigh said: “It’s quite funny really. I didn’t stalk her as such, I just knew she was there and knew all about her. I found out she quite fancied me too and the rest is history.”

Mrs Chapman said: “We are Southend United through and through. We’ve both supported them for over 20 years and our paths had never crossed.

“It’s a very special place for us and I’m looking forward to going back.”

Four years on the pair are happily married after a royal blue and white Southend Unitedthemed wedding.

Mrs Chapman said: “We got married at the Park Inn Palace and had the most wonderful wedding with a horse and carriage – the horse plumes were Southend United colours.

“On our cake we had footballs instead of flowers and we had the Southend United badge on our invitations.

“The bridesmaids wore royal blue and the ushers and the groomsmen had royal blue ties.

“Micky G, the half time announcer did the introduction to our first dance.”

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Come on you Blues – die hard Clare Chapman is hoping for promotion at tomorrow’s game in Morecombe

The dedicated couple even cut their honeymoon short to see Blues play both Mansfield and Hartlepool in the days after their wedding on April 2 this year.

So with all to play for, do the Chapman’s think Phil Brown’s men can deliver the goods?

Mr Chapman, 51, said: “We’ve got to go and try and win the game. I think if we could get away with a draw, then Mr Brown will go for a draw. I think we can do it though, I think we can win.”

Mrs Chapman, 52, said: “I’m keeping all my fingers and toes crossed for them to do the deed and get us up.

“We’ve made the play offs twice before and failed miserably, so I really hope we can do it. We’re going up in a coach and there will be 30 of us going up. I can’t wait.”

  • Are you going to the match? Do you have a tale to tell? Get in touch with our reporter Katie Mansfield to share your stories 01702 321148 or email katie.mansfield@nqe.com.