Back up at 7:30 am for a hearty breakfast in preparation for a full day travelling to London and back to watch the Fulham vs Norwich City Championship League Match at Craven Cottage, Fulham's home field. The bus ride to and back went exceptionally smoothly with very little traffic.
Immediately upon arrival the kids got a packed lunch and walked to the park directly next to the stadium to eat. Just as we arrived, the rain started falling. Luckily, the tree cover in the park provided some cover and the rain squall only lasted about fifteen minutes.
After lunch, to stay dry, the kids piled into the Club pro shop. Jackets, sweatshirts and hats were snatched up. But the most popular souvenir per club is the team scarf. Every team is unique with color and logo causing a lot of kids to collect one for every stadium visited.
By now we are all excited to get into the game and line up out front of the stadium.
Craven Cottage has been Fulham FC home ground since 1896 holding a capacity of 25,700 fans. The stadium sits right on the bank of the River Thames. We sat on the Putney end of the stadium which generally seats the visitors, though it also houses the neutral area down in front of the Cottage. It is nicknamed "little Switzerland" and Craven Cottage is currently the only ground in the UK to have one. Our seats are directly under the Cottage which house the changing rooms and the balcony where players and family sit.
Our seats filled most of the neutral zone seating lower corner giving us a great view of the Players walking on and off the pitch before, at half time and after the game. It also gave kids direct access for autographs, selfless and high fives after the game.
It is an exciting season opener with Fulham dominating the first half. They scored first on an own goal by Norwich's Martin in the 25th minute. Following half time, Norwich began to take control of the game creating opportunities without being able to score. A rare Fulham chance saw the ball strike the post. Just as it looked like Fulham would take the points on the season opener, they were caught on the the break and Nelson Oliveira broke clear in the 88th minute and shot under the advantage ing goalkeeper to equalize.
The kids were riveted to their seats the entire game transfixed by the action on the fields, the chanting from both the home and away fans and just soaking up the atmosphere of the stadium.
For most, it is their first professional soccer experience and Craven Cottage never disappoints. It is a smaller more intimate stadium really making everyone feel part if the action.
Another highlight is being able to try the meat pies. Every stadiums are unique and different. Today the choices were steak pie, chicken balti pie or vegetarian pie. They are delicious and can't be missed. Flaky crusts stuffed with meats and vegetables:
After the excitement of the game, we trudged in a long line back to the bus for the ride home. Directly to dinner and then relaxing in the Players Lounge before lights out ended a long excursion day.
Tomorrow we are back at it bright and early for the Seven Sisters in the morning and Brighton & Hove Albion vs Athletico Madrid tomorrow night.
No comments:
Post a Comment