Review by Norwich City fan Callum

Why did you choose to go to this game and why were you looking forward to it?

This seemed like a nice away day for just after Christmas, and Palace fans have a bit of a reputation which I was curious to see for myself.

How did you travel to the game and how easy was it?

Got the train for this one (reluctantly)! Went to London Bridge and then there is a direct train to Norwood Junction, and from there the ground is a very short walk. Easy to get away, there wasn’t even a crazy number of fans at the station.

If you got the train, how easy did you find it to make your way to the stadium from the station?

It was alright, had to use my phone for Google maps as I didn’t see signposts, and the ground is sort of nestled in between the houses so you can’t really see it from a distance.

Where did you eat on your away day and was it good value?

We went to a BBQ restaurant in central London called Bodean’s. Probably not somewhere common for away fans, or particularly convenient, but if you have a long change at London Bridge it was very good.

What did you think of the food and drink available inside the ground?

The concourse here is very weird, and there isn’t much shelter so if it is raining I might avoid leaving my seat at half time, however we just got drinks which from what I remember were typical football prices.

What did you think of the away end and your view of the game?

I was right on the edge so it wasn’t too great but could see all of the pitch, which is more than my friend who was sat near the back could say! Most of it is fine but because it is an older ground there are some thin pillars and at the back the restricted view seats are apparently very bad.

What was the atmosphere like during the match?

I was a little bit disappointed, maybe it was because Palace walked all over us, but apart from a few loud fans in the middle behind the goal further from the away fans it wasn’t as loud as I had expected. Atmosphere in the away end turned very sour as we were 3-0 down by half time!

How friendly were the home fans out of 10?

7/10 – no issues but didn’t really talk to any of them.

How easy did you find it to get away from the stadium after the game?

Pretty good for a London game, I think we were on the first train away from the station that football fans were able to make so not too much congestion at all.

How much did you spend in total on this away day? Was it good value for money?

£60ish, fairly reasonable for a London game. Railcards really help for the away games.

Would you recommend this away day to other fans?

It is a nice old fashioned ground, nothing much nearby but London games are always nice.

Review by Everton fan Murph

Why did you choose to go to this game and why were you looking forward to it?

I travel to as many Everton away games south of Birmingham as I can as I’m based down here. Palace is the nearest. I thought we’d win…

How did you travel to the game and how easy was it?

By train – very easy although I made the mistake of being in the wrong carriage so couldn’t alight at Norwood Junction due to the short platform! Doh!

If you got the train, how easy did you find it to make your way to the stadium from the station?

Once there it was easy and the away pub was on the way!

Which pubs did you go to before the game and what was the atmosphere like?

The Prince George – the atmosphere was great in expectation of a wonderful win for the blues…I should’ve stayed in there.

Where did you eat on your away day and was it good value?

Home made Scouse pie! Excellent value – I made it myself!

What did you think of the food and drink available inside the ground?

The beer inside the stadium was wet and cold and did the job as an anaesthetic to the dour display by Benitez boys! Grrr!

What did you think of the away end and your view of the game?

We had good seats for a change here. The guys at the back get a bad deal but our seats were half way down and good.

What was the atmosphere like during the match?

Palace fans always provide a great atmosphere – they’re the best I’ve experienced at their own ground. Our end was good to start with but gradually disintegrated as the team lost its way – again. Unlike at Brentford though the players got a decent reception at the end – the ire was reserved for Benitez. He’s killing us.

How friendly were the home fans out of 10?

10/10 – I know a lot of Palace fans and they’re good footy fans.

How easy did you find it to get away from the stadium after the game?

Easy, but spoiled my day by ranting at fellow blues fans on the Northbound platform. I really should learn to keep my thoughts to myself when I’ve had a few!

How much did you spend in total on this away day? Was it good value for money?

£30 ticket, £20 train, hundreds on the ale.. (probably around £40 in truth)

Would you recommend this away day to other fans?

Yes – Palace is a great day out ruined by a game of football (from my point of view). I’ve been Palace games as a neutral as a guest of a mate and it’s a great atmosphere.

Is there anything else you want to tell us about your day?

We should have had a penalty but didn’t deserve anything from the game.