There is something very exciting about our Good Friday fixture at home to Brentford. Social media has given a lot of subtle hints to suggest that supporters of both clubs are very up for this one. I’ll be honest, I didn’t realise how intense a game between Fulham and Brentford could be until this season. When Fulham were consigned to relegation last year I remember thinking that our biggest game this season would be against QPR but when Bobby Zamora broke all our hearts in the dying seconds of the play-off final last year I was gutted that we wouldn’t have a big, west London derby to play. It was only in the aftermath of the League Cup tie with Brentford in August that I realised that this was every bit as feisty (or perhaps more?) as playing against the team from Loftus Road. I have seen a lot of the hash tag ‘#beesupfulhamdown’ this season and it is clear that the Brentford fans are absolutely loving the Fulham predicament at the minute. They even use it when talking about general results that have nothing to do with Fulham. There is no doubt about it, we have had a very rough season and it is clear to me now that I was naive to think that Fulham would go straight back up this season.
Brentford, on the other hand, have had a season that many wouldn’t have believed possible. They were predicted to be at the bottom end of the table rather than keeping pace with the play-off hopefuls. Fair play to them, they have played some very good stuff this season.
However, regardless of the difficulties we have faced this season, all form goes out the window when it comes to a derby game. Let’s not be arrogant, Fulham fans. This game means a lot to us. Fulham have lost a fair bit of pride over the past two seasons so we can’t play-down the importance of ensuring that we have the local bragging rights! The stage is set for Friday. One victory a piece in the cup and league so far and a twitter battle between both clubs has been raging over the past week or so. Craven Cottage will be bouncing on Friday, and I cannot wait to make my Hammersmith End debut to watch.
Let’s end the ‘#beesupfulhamdown’ and silence the noisy neighbours.
#COYW
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