SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
iGaming operator 12Bet, Stadium Sponsors of London football club Crystal Palace invited the Sports Betting Community team to an exclusive Selhurst Park Match Day Executive Hospitality, as the mighty Crystal Palace took on Fulham FC on Monday the 21st of October.
The Hospitality
Team SBC were pampered with first class service by the Crystal Palace hospitality staff in the pre match Eagles Executive Club Room.
The team dined pre kick-off, enjoying homemade fishcakes for starters, followed by fine steak frites with peppercorn sauce for main course. Dessert saw a delicious lemon tart served with a raspberry Coulis (that’s French for sauce igamers!)
SBC feels that If there ever was a Premiership football club version of ‘Come Dine With Me’, the Eagles would no doubt be at the top of the table!
Furthermore SBC Founder and fine wine enthusiast Rasmus Sojmark boldly stated that Crystal Palaces ‘Flying Eagle 2009 Merlot’ was the best football club branded wine he had ever tasted. With more than 10 years’ experience in the sports betting and sponsorship industry, Rasmus is a knowledgeable source in this niche field of wine making industry!
The Match
Full to their bellies the team quickly sat down to watch the Eagles take on Fulham FC. With both clubs having poor starts to their respective 2013/14 Premiership seasons, this London derby was sure to be a belter.
After only 7 minutes of play, Crystal Palace defender Adrian Mariappa opened the scoring with a fine header, putting home side 1-0 ahead, Selhurst Park was roaring as Palace were playing neat pass and move football.
Crystal Palace egged on by their passionate support had the better of the opening minutes, having a couple of half chances to increase their lead over Fulham
However 20 minutes into the game, a long clearing ball from Fulham right back Sascha Riether was chested and controlled by Pajtim Kasami, who then swung full throttle and managed to connected a sweet volley, the ball rocketed to the top corner of the goal. Had the SBC Team just witnessed the goal of the season?
Applying pressure to Fulham, Crystal Palace tried to regain their home lead. Palace would go onto have the better of the first half. With one minute remaining in the half, the Eagles conceded a corner. Palace defender Damien Delaney managed to clear the corner, however his headed clearance fell to Fulham defensive midfielder to Steve Sidwell, who rocketed a shot into the top right hand corner another great Fulham goal – Palace would go into the break a goal down.
Spirited by the brave first half performance of the Eagles and a marvellous English cheese board with spiced chutney and crackers, the SBC team took to the second half, cheering on the home side.
Again Palace took the initiative, trying to cut the visitors lead. The young home team pressed in the opening minute of the second half. However Fulham’s first attack of the half saw Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz deflected cross being controlled by striker Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian spun a hit the ball low into Palaces goal, 1 -3 read the scoreboard this was not looking like the Eagles night.
Palaces night did not get any better as five minutes later Swiss Defender Philippe Senderos would give Fulham a three goal advantage via a corner kick.
Palace would show grit and determination in front of their home supporters. Attacking till the very last minute, the 1-4 home loss did not reflect the team’s admirable performance, but as we all know football is a very cruel sport!
Match Day End Notes
The SBC team had a great night thanks to 12Bet and Crystal Palace. The service on offer was simply immense and of the highest standard.
We would like to thank 12Bet CEO Rory Anderson for inviting us as guests to Selhurst Park to cover their Sponsorship of Crystal Palace, we hope that both parties have a long and fruitful partnership.
Finally we would also like to thank Crystal Palace FC hospitality for their exceptional work and service, and offer them the best of luck this Premiership season.
Come on Eagles!
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