Ian Cartwright's away guide to Southampton

I don't think many Charlton fans would have thought last week that Wednesday's match against Southampton would be the club's last route to Wembley this season.

Charlton travel to Southampton on Wednesday

After Sunday's ignominious exit from the FA Cup, however, it's the Johnstone's Paint Trophy or bust for the Addicks and cup glory this season.

It was always going to be Norwich City, Hereford United or Southampton in the southern quarter-final, wasn't it?

As it turns out, we will pit our wits against Alan Pardew's Saints earlier than we had anticipated. The game takes place on Wednesday, November 11th (7.45pm). The game is being shown live on Sky, but would you want to miss out on our possible path to Wembley?

Tickets are currently on general sale, with Southampton having announced reductions for all Charlton season-ticket holders.

Advance seats are available to season-ticket holders for £7.50 adults and £3 over 60s and U22s. Non-season ticket holders can purchase seats in advance for £10 adults and £5 over 60s and U22s - with all U16s able to gain admission to St Mary's free of charge.

Southampton have already confirmed that fans will be able to pay on the night, but prices will rise to £15 adults, £5 over 60s and U22s, and £2 U16s. Ambulant disabled tickets and wheelchair spaces are £5, which include a free helper.

Due to the complexity of the ticket prices, only coach bookings will be available to buy online. The return fare to St Mary's is £16.

We are situated in the Northam Stand behind the goal. St Mary's is an out-of-town new-build stadium but, as I have remarked previously, the Saints do seem to have transplanted the atmosphere from their previous home, The Dell, so it's far from totally bland and soulless like a few other new grounds.

The view is very good, and the climb is not too steep, but it is a fair way to the very back. The leg-room is fine too, although when we played there a couple of seasons ago your author was in the front row, where there is a bit of a gap to the playing surface - when Chris Iwelumo scored in the last minute I discovered this to my cost as there were no seats in front to cushion my celebratory leap. Ouch!

The concourses are very spacious and modern with lots of TVs, a bookies and plenty of bars, although the queuing system is a bit odd. Despite everything being behind the same counter, some tills only sell specific products.

Southampton tend to stop serving beer about 10 minutes before kick-off so make sure that you are in the right queue for this as well. The toilets are fine and the turnstiles are always fully staffed.

New stadium = not a lot of pubs. St Mary's is better than some, though. The Coopers Arms is near the coach drop-off point and, given that the game probably will not be a sell-out, should be OK for visiting fans.

A slightly further stroll away is Ocean Village, which has a large pub called the Leather Bottle and some other bar and even a cinema - at least it's not at the ground! Shamrock Quay is of a similar marina-type layout but is a bit pricey.

The train station is a way away in the town centre, but buses run from there on a regular basis with a bus ticket incorporated within your match ticket.

If driving, from the M3 take the A33 into Southampton. Continue on the A33 until you reach the junction with the A3024 Northam Road and turn left onto this road towards Northam. Then turn right onto the B3038, Britannia Road for the stadium.

There is not a lot of parking around. The best bet is probably Ocean Village if you get there early. Alternatively, the Saints run a free park and ride scheme for away fans which is situated just off Junction 8 of the M27 and is clearly signposted, just next to a large Tesco - it is open a couple of hours before kick-off and buses run extremely frequently thereafter. On the return, the buses are given right of way over other traffic, which makes for an easy getaway - definitely the recommended way to park the car.

Fans can get details on discounted group rail fares and other rail information here.