Monday's defeat at Boston was not a particularly memorable day for most Southend United fans, but Dave Worton was an exception.

After clocking countless miles, Worton ticked York Street off his list to complete a trip to each of this season's 92 League grounds.

"I was really, really pleased," he said after 14 years' ground-hopping. "And a little relieved!"

Boston marked the occasion by presenting him with a signed football and highlighted his achievement in the matchday programme.

But why would anyone embark on such a mission?

"When I started following Southend they were going through the divisions, which helped me out," said Worton.

"I was getting so many grounds in that it dawned on me it was a possiblity to complete the set and I started to go for it seriously about four years ago."

His footballing highlight came at Bury's Gigg Lane when Ian Benjamin's goal earned Blues promotion to the old Second Division for the first time.

But he admits there have been times when he has asked himself if it was worth the effort. Not least when he watched three back-to-back goalless draws -- at Bournemouth, Reading and Hull -- as a neutral this season.

"In all it was more than five hours without a goal and I did ask myself 'why?' at that point," he said.

"It's been a great experience, though, and one of the big plus points is that I've got to see a lot of the country."

Published Wednesday, April 23, 2003

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