Labour of love for football fantics (From Barry And District News)

Labour of love for football fantics

MOST Cardiff City fans are getting excited by their team this season as they look to win promotion to the Premiership.

But few have had the reaction that Barry's Lisa Docherty had during a recent game at Ninian Park - she went into labour.

It was during City's game against Crewe that Lisa, of Walker Road, suddenly started her contractions.

Speaking to the News she said: "We were just watching the football and the contractions started every five minutes.

Then Chris Barker scored and the goal was disallowed and then the pain suddenly got worse.

"The stewards came to help us out and then we were sent to hospital."

Nineteen-year-old Lisa, who lives in Barry with partner Paul Battiscombe, gave birth seven hours later at Llandough hospital to Matthew James, who weighed in at seven pounds.

Partner Paul said: "We did miss the rest of the game but it was well worth it. Hopefully Matthew will be a City supporter when he grows up - we've already registered him as a junior Bluebird."

Lisa and the family, including baby Matthew, were back at Ninian Park two days later to say thank you to all the stewards and ambulancemen who helped them.

Then they stayed to watch City versus Wigan.

"Everyone was shocked because Matthew just sat there and watched the whole match." she said.

The couple also had the chance to meet Chris Barker, whose disallowed goal started Lisa's contractions.

She added: "Matthew was crying when we met him and as soon as Chris Barker picked him up he stopped. We couldn't believe it."

Bluebird Chris Barker said: "I wish I had that affect on the girls."

Lisa's mother Dawn Docherty said: "I'm really pleased for them both."

A Spokesman from the club added: "We are glad everything turned out all right."