THE HEAT will be on for the second leg at St Mary's - but Russell Martin hopes it isn't so.
A sweltering, sticky afternoon in the West Midlands ended with honours even after a cagey affair.
But Saints midfielder Flynn Downes complained afterwards he could "hardly breathe" for the first half hour - and his boss is hoping for a cooler night in the decider this Friday.
Martin said: "I don't think you can underestimate the effect of the heat - it was hot out there, when you have tension, your legs feel heavy and the sun's out.
"When both sets of players came over for the drinks break, they were feeling it.
"I was sweating just watching it on the sidelines. But I don't recall too many semifinals or finals that aren't played in that. I played in one like it.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MISSION: POSSIBLE
Walter's got the Tigers roaring again thanks to winning run
Pass the ball not the buck
UNITED STARS SHOULD KEEP RUUD OPINIONS TO THEMSELVES
MUCH BATTER
Crawley's fit and ready to let rip on return
Boffs don't know glass from elbow
SPOONS TIM BEER FURY
Rooms with a woooo!
'HAUNTED' HOUSE BACK ON MARKET
PHONE MESSAGING DOING HEADS PING
146 alerts a day getting in way of working
KEY JOBS FOR CAR THIEVES..
Crooks car firm 'insiders'
£200k owl found
31-YEAR HUNT FOR BIRD OVER
Crutches Nick: I can't quickstep
KNOWLES OUT WITH KNEE INJURY
SuperCONic
SCAMMERS SELL FAKE TICKETS TO BAND'S U.S GIGS