The area around Selhurst Park offers a multitude of options pub wise, indeed the pre-match drink is normally the highlight of the trip bearing in mind our total lack of success on this ground. The pubs can be broadly split into three areas around the three stations that serve the ground. I reckon the majority of train travellers will be those Saddlers based in the South East and they are meeting in the Wetherspoons near Thornton Heath station so I’ll concentrate on the ones between Thornton Heath and the ground, the latter of which are also handy for car travellers parking up near the ground, and are the ones most frequented by away fans.

Heading away from Wetherspoons towards the ground (which I certainly would be if I was going), you will come across the Prince of Wales on the left hand side. Personally I would continue on to the Railway Telegraph which is an excellent Young’s pub. I don’t conform to the conventional wisdom that all London beer is dishwater, you can’t beat a good pint of Young’s “special”. This pub along with the Prince George, (heading closer to the ground) always have a good selection of real ales and are very welcoming. The Prince George is on the corner of Whitehorse Road and is a typical London style Corner pub, and one that is accessible for car travellers parked up near the ground. One can easily lurk in here until about 10 minutes to kick-off watching the big screen in an attempt to mentally block out the pain of inevitable defeat that awaits later in the day.

On the other side of the ground, basically on the approach to the home end there is another cavernous real ale corner bar called the Clifton Arms. I’ve only ever been in here after the match due to the door policy on away fans, (and that was against Franchise) . This is a shame because it’s an excellent boozer, with real ale again pride of place. The door policy is mainly to restrict the clientele to Palace season ticket holders only, which is fair enough given the proximity to the ground and the support they attract.
However, they inform it will be more relaxed tomorrow with a small crowd anticipated, but strictly no colours whatsoever or you will be refused. Probably one for anyone getting there early or meeting Palace supporting mates.

Walsall Player Manager Paul Merson was certainly pleased with the point, following the Saddlers’ 1 – 1 draw on Saturday.

“It was always going to be a tough game,” Merson said. “And that’s how it turned out.
We worked like Trojans when we had to defend in the second half, and we played some neat stuff when we were on top in the first.
When we scored, I just knew it would be Chris Westwood. When he goes up for corners, he goes up with the intention of scoring and from where I was, you could see him getting on the end of that one.”

‘Pools Manager Martin Scott certainly agreed about Chris Westwood.

“Chris Westwood scored a good goal against his old mates, but it was great to see him taking it calmly and not getting too excited about it. He’s a great professional and we all wish him well.”

Scott admitted that his team were off the pace in the first half and was glad they picked up in the second.

“The commitment was great, and we might even have won it. But our first-half performance was poor. We have to learn to start games at a faster pace.

This was more like a testimonial than a game with points at stake in the first half,” he added. “But we said a few things at half-time and things got a lot better.

The midfield was again the main talking point for the Saddlers, with changes having been made again, Osborn and Smith starting. Booster Cogburn summed up the performance of the midfield five and most fans seemed to agree with him!

“Smith: Steady if unspectacular. Strong in the tackle and neat with his passing. I’ve seen enough to suggest that he will prove to be a useful acquisition.

Osborn: Was very tidy again. Shame he couldn’t have been this player for the first part of last season.

Jorge: Hardly had much of a kick all game. He is no slouch but I suggest that Wrighty would cause more damage out on the right with his turn of speed, particularly in away games with the opposition full back looking to push on. Jorge is better at tracking back though maybe.

Taylor: Again tidy if unspectacular. Nothing very creative and Standing looked more dangerous when he replaced him.

Wrack: Not the player he was I’m afraid. Hardly ever gives the ball away but seems scared to take players on which leaves us wanting because we look to him to open things up. Perhaps he is being told to play more of a holding role, in which case I apologise to him, but either way we are not getting the best from him”.