For former police sergeant Jen Banfield, match days meant early starts to trail football supporters in a bid to prevent any outbreaks of violence.
She spoke to the BBC about her past role as a Thames Valley Police spotter, giving an insight into police intelligence gathering on would-be troublemakers among Reading supporters.
Now retired, the lifelong Southampton fan also has a keen interest in the policing of Sunday's derby match against south coast rivals, Portsmouth.
With a history of clashes between the two sets of supporters, the teams meet for their first league match in 13 years on Sunday.