In this edition of ‘Classic Palace Clash’ where we delve into the archives and reminisce over a fixture against upcoming opponents, we look back at a trip to West London which may have been my most enjoyable away day experience of all time, despite only earning a 2-2 draw on the final day of the 2013/14 season.
Fulham: Stockdale, Amorebieta, Hangeland, Heitinga, Zverotic, Sidwell, Parker, Richardson, Kacaniklic, Rodallega, Woodrow
Subs: Joronen, Williams, Tunnicliffe, Kasami, David, Dejagah, Mitroglou
Crystal Palace: Hennessey, Mariappa, Delaney, Dann, Ward, Ledley, Jedinak, Bolasie, Ince, Gayle, Chamakh
Subs: Speroni, Gabbidon, Dikgacoi, O’Keefe, Puncheon, Murray, Jerome
Palace’s record at Craven Cottage in the Premier League makes good reading for Eagles fans, with the club having lost only once at the historic West London ground in eight matches. That defeat came on 1 January 2005. Since then, it is the visitors who have predominantly prevailed in this fixture, with four wins coming in 2018, 2020 and twice in 2025.
Of course, the Quarter Final of our FA Cup winning campaign is rightfully highlighted as our greatest ever victory over the Cottagers, proving to be a massive moment on our journey to lifting the trophy at Wembley against Manchester City.
However, the fixture that stands out most in my mind at Fulham was not a victory, but rather a 2-2 draw on the final day of the 2013/14 season.
It has always resonated with me as one of the most celebratory and relaxing away day experiences of my life, as a Dwight Gayle brace secured a point to conclude the campaign under the guidance of Tony Pulis against our already relegated hosts.
The story of the famous 2013/14 season is well known among Palace supporters. Pulis arrived in November 2013 to turn around our fortunes and complete a miracle that even the most ardent Eagle would not have seen coming.
Palace have endured difficult starts in many top-flight campaigns, yet Ian Holloway was only able to secure one victory in our opening eight matches as a newly promoted side. The squad that had won the Play Off Final against Watford in May of that year had undergone significant change, perhaps too much and too quickly.
The sole victory came at home to Paolo Di Canio’s Sunderland, with Stuart O’Keefe capping off a 3-1 win. However, a 4-1 defeat in the reverse fixture against Fulham on 21 October spelled the end of Holloway’s spell at the club. Keith Millen then presided over two more defeats, both 2-0 losses against Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion.
Rumours of Pulis’ arrival began to swirl around Selhurst Park and, in the meantime, Millen’s Eagles managed to earn a point at home to Everton before Barry Bannan’s only goal for the club secured all three points away at Hull City.
Despite that result, Palace still sat 19th and appeared to be in a desperate situation as the club with the smallest budget in the Premier League. Therefore, if you had told a Palace fan at that point in time that the team would comfortably secure survival in 11th place, having beaten the likes of José Mourinho’s Chelsea and embarked on an incredible five-match winning run in April, they would have been astounded.
A 1-0 victory against West Ham United at Upton Park on 19 April, courtesy of a Mile Jedinak penalty, secured our place in the top flight for another season and set up what would become an immensely satisfying trio of fixtures to conclude this historic campaign.
The first was a 2-0 defeat to eventual champions Manchester City before the infamous ‘Crystanbul’ fixture against Liverpool, where we ended the Reds’ title hopes. Having trailed 3-0, Dwight Gayle inspired a remarkable comeback under the Monday night lights at Selhurst Park. The adrenaline rush following that match has arguably never been replicated at home since, and it left just one match remaining; a trip to West London.
That game may have been forgotten in the annals of history because of the euphoria generated against Liverpool. Yet, as the red-and-blue army made the short journey to Putney Bridge via the banks of the River Thames, spirits simply could not have been higher, while the opposite was true for our hosts.
Fulham’s relegation had been confirmed after a 4-1 defeat at Stoke City the previous week, bringing an end to their 13-year stay in the Premier League. Consequently, the mood of the two fanbases could hardly have been more different as kick-off approached.
Pulis rested key figures such as Julian Speroni and Jason Puncheon to give others, including January signings Wayne Hennessey and Tom Ince, an opportunity to impress. Nevertheless, the side still looked strong and dependable, with the usually regimented Eagles adopting a more free-flowing style of football that cast caution aside.
The usually neutral Riverside Stand was draped in red and blue as Palace supporters sang throughout the ninety minutes. There was a sense of gallows humour to the occasion, with cheers greeting almost every goal, including those scored by the home side, because the result genuinely seemed irrelevant. Fancy dress was even worn to mark the novelty of the day, while the players performed with a freedom and joy that reflected the mood in the stands.
The last time Palace had played the final match of a top-flight season under similar circumstances was another London derby away from home. That encounter against Charlton Athletic had been filled with immense pressure, as Palace needed victory to avoid relegation. Of course, the Eagles could only muster a 2-2 draw, and their fate was sealed. Nine years later, the same score-line would be recorded west of the river, but this time it came without any of the anxiety that had defined that painful afternoon at The Valley.
The match itself was an end-to-end spectacle, with little need for tactical nuance or caution. Palace dictated much of the play, and an in-form Gayle diverted Joel Ward’s effort beyond David Stockdale to give the visitors the lead before the half-hour mark.
Palace continued to press forward, with Ince picking out Scott Dann in the area. His powerful header was pushed away by Stockdale, while Hennessey was required to make two important saves at the other end before half-time.
The hosts eventually drew level after the break, with Cauley Woodrow curling home an equaliser. Yet Palace remained on the front foot. Gayle once again demonstrated his quality during a rich vein of form, producing a superb free-kick that sailed over the wall before dipping beneath the crossbar to restore the Eagles’ lead.
In truth, the match should have been settled shortly afterwards. Glenn Murray struck the bar, and the rebound fell kindly for Gayle, but he could not convert the chance to complete his hat-trick.
The three points appeared secure, but in the fourth minute of added time Chris David struck a powerful effort from distance that flew beyond Hennessey, ensuring Felix Magath’s side avoided a 25th league defeat of the campaign.
Yet the concession of a last-minute equaliser meant nothing to Palace, who had already achieved their primary objective of survival. The final whistle was still greeted with triumphant cheers as an iconic Eagles side were serenaded by the travelling support. Rarely has a late sucker punch felt so inconsequential as a memorable campaign came to an end.
In fact, it was a campaign and a miraculous recovery led by Pulis that altered the trajectory of Crystal Palace Football Club. Had survival not been achieved, relegation to the Championship could have triggered a prolonged period of instability and uncertainty. Instead, the class of 2014 ensured that such a scenario never materialised, even if Pulis departed under bizarre circumstances that summer.
Therefore, that day in May at Craven Cottage will always remain ingrained in the minds of those who were fortunate enough to witness it. Not only did it provide the opportunity to celebrate a remarkable campaign, but it also delivered an entertaining game of football played in a uniquely carefree atmosphere.
As for our trip to west London on Saturday, the spirit of that afternoon twelve years ago needs to be harnessed by Pierre Sage’s side. Freedom and expression must be evident on the pitch, free from the shackles and trepidation that often accompany high-pressure encounters between struggling Premier League teams.
A 2-2 draw might even provide us with the solid foundation and springboard from which we can build during the remainder of the season.
