01/02/14 - Fulham 0 - 3 Southampton

So the first trip of 2014 and my first Premier League game this season began down in London at Craven Cottage for Fulham vs. Southampton. I was looking forward to this one as I got to see the English youth of the visitors. There are some great players coming through for the Saints at the minute and with the World Cup coming up it would be good to see some of that talent.

Due to various people not being able to make it (again) it ended up being two of us. I decided to travel down in the car alone and was going to meet one of my fellow Full 92'ers there. Mark had been with us to Dagenham so he knew the score. I'd sorted his train from Clacton out and met him at Putney station. We parked about a mile from the ground and then walked to the match together.

I do like a trip to London and picked a nice day for it as the sun was out and despite it being cold it was a decent day. Craven Cottage is situated in a park right next to the River Thames and as we walked through we joined the rest of the football fans walking towards the ground. It was a good atmosphere with Home and Away fans all mixed in together and it didn't seem like there would be any trouble at all. Just the sort of atmosphere you want! So the big question is....as a Premier League ground, how does the Cottage measure up?

Personally I really liked it. It is an old fashioned ground with 4 separate stands rather than the newer "stadium" style grounds. Situated next to housing estates, but in a park and next to the capital city's river. What more could you ask for? The best thing is that even when you're actually in the ground, you can still walk around the outside of the stands, which makes you feel like you're outside. Does that make sense?

There is a relatively low fence which backs on to the river. A great view while you're getting your half time food and drinks. It's hard to describe unless you can actually see it. Don't worry I've got plenty of photos on Facebook and the website.....I suggest taking a peek!

As for the atmosphere, again I really liked it. It was loud, noisy (due to the "clappers") and friendly. I didn't really get the feeling of any hostility around, it seemed quite friendly in all corners. Even the away fans were happy! Especially as their team kicked butt after a 15 minute session of scoring in the second half seeing all 3 England international prospects bagging a goal! Unfortunately for the home support, this left them bottom of the league and in serious trouble!

Without going into too much more detail, this is probably my favourite ground so far. Love the setting, the layout, the atmosphere and the match wasn't too bad either. Mark agreed with me, we saw some brilliant play and great goals. Yet another successful day on a Full 92 trip!