Fans come from far and wide to cheer on Ronald Koeman’s men, but not many go to the lengths Matthew Carroll did on Saturday to see Southampton take on Newcastle United.

The 18 year-old lives in Los Altos, California, and travelled over 5,300 miles to see goals from Shane Long, Graziano Pellè and Victor Wanyama seal a 3-1 win against the Magpies at St Mary’s.

Here, Matthew tells the tale of how he ended up on the south coast:

I have always lived in America, but my dad is originally from Southampton, so it was a natural fit for me to support the club – and I have done my whole life.

I’ve never been to a proper match before, despite wanting to go for many years. I’ll be starting my first year of university in September, so I was starting to feel like I was running out of time to go.

I decided to take two days off from school to come and support the team. My dad, Ken, was also at the game, leaving America a day later and returning from England the day after myself.

Being at the match was a much better experience than watching it on my television or going to an MLS match. I was sat in the fourth row near the halfway line.

I’ve never experienced fans be so passionate about their team and sing so loudly!

My trip was a bit rushed – I spent just three nights in England – but I had such an amazing time coming to the match. Unfortunately I mixed up my school schedule so I had to be back for class on Monday!

I was really pleased when I found out the game I could attend was against Newcastle United, because I felt it was a match that we could win given our previous record against them.

I’ll admit I was a little nervous that I would have come all this way just to watch Southampton get crushed – but Shane Long helped with those nerves very quickly.

As for my man of the match, José Fonte and Virgil van Dijk were solid and Shane was a constant threat, but if I had to choose one I’d give it to Fonte.

I hope to be back sometime next season! The experience was so amazing that I can’t see myself staying away for too long. I’d go to every match if I could.

Hopefully see you again soon, Saints, but for now I’ll be cheering the team on from California!