Football fan, 105, given matchday birthday treat

A 105-year-old football fan has been able to cheer her favourite team to victory as part of a specially arranged birthday present.

Lifelong Portsmouth fan Joan Geary was taken by Cosham Court Nursing Home to watch Pompey's 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

The club gave her a free ticket to celebrate her birthday on 4 January.

The great-grandmother, whose room is full of Pompey memorabilia and merchandise, was "absolutely over the moon", the nursing home said.

Posting on Facebook, the home said: "For a long time, Joan believed she would never be able to come and watch Pompey again due to her physical health and no longer being able to walk.

"But thanks to the incredible support from Pompey in the Community, with just one phone call from the home manager, they made what Joan thought was impossible... possible.

"A day full of smiles, memories, and gratitude. Play up Pompey!"

Manager Charisma Williams added: "She even said to me, 'I will never ever forget that day.'"

Williams said the home was hoping to arrange a further visit to Fratton Park for the former season ticket-holder this season.

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