A congretation of nearly five thousand saw John and Marie Everitt's marriage blessed on the pitch of Roots Hall.

The couple walked out through the players tunnel to the centre circle at half-time during the last game of the season between Southend United and Hartlepool. Marie, 33, wore a traditional wedding dress while John, 33, wore the club shirt of the Blues.

John is a lifelong Southend supporter and despite moving to Norwich, where he met Norwich fan Marie three and a half years ago, he still travels back for all the home games.

They originally spoke of marrying during a match between Southend and Norwich and as that looked ever-doubtful as Southend dropped two divisions, they decided to go for it at the weekend.

Earlier in the day they were married at Southend register office before going onto Roots Hall and watching the game from the south stand. The Everitts later celebrated with friends and family in the players lounge and directors suite.

Picture, top: Packed congregation - in front of nearly 5,000 fans at Roots Hall Rev Bryan Imbush, of Hadleigh Church, performs the blessing for Marie Fenn and John Everitt.

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