A Croydon florist decked out in red and blue is one of so many businesses and homes covered in team colours around South London ahead of Crystal Palace’s FA Cup final clash against Manchester City on Saturday (May 17). The windows of Sullivan’s Florist in Lower Addiscombe Road are decorated with homemade Palace shirts from throughout their 120-history, along with a replica FA Cup trophy as the centrepiece.
Similar examples have popped up in shopfronts across South London over the past week as fans nervously anticipate the big game. Sharon Sullivan, who owns the family-run florist, said it’s important to celebrate the good things that happen in the area.
“It’s put Croydon on the map for the right reasons,” she told MyLondon. “There’s a great hype for the final. People are buying red and blue ribbons for their cars from us, as well as decorations for their front doors.
“We know the bad reputation Croydon gets, so it would be amazing to see Palace win it. A parade through the streets would be incredible.”
READ MORE: The Croydon school urging all pupils to wear Crystal Palace shirts but ‘no other kits allowed’
Sharon’s family are travelling to Wembley from across England in hopes of seeing Palace celebrate their first ever FA Cup win. Sullivan’s Florist is well known in the area for its decorative window displays.
Other recent examples have included Remembrance Day and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. “Customers were asking if I’d do a Crystal Palace one if we reached the final,” she continued. “And of course I said yes.
“People are constantly pulling up in their cars to take photos. A couple of little boys came by earlier in their full Crystal Palace kits to take a photo outside. It’s great to see the reception we’ve got.”
Manchester City are odds-on favourites to win due to their recent success, but this has done nothing to quell the optimism currently taking root across South London. Sharon concluded: “I think we’re going to win 2-1. Palace will score first, City will equalise and then we’ll score the winner.”
Saturday will mark Crystal Palace’s third appearance in the FA Cup final. Lifelong fans have been sharing their memories of Selhurst Park and following club ahead of what could be the greatest moment in the club’s history.
Debbie Bentley-Ross, who secured last-minute Wembley tickets, said: “I have supported Crystal Palace since I was a little girl and my dad took a box for me to stand on and I held onto the handrails. I have many happy memories of watching Crystal Palace. Palace deserve to win the FA Cup Final this weekend.”
Fellow Eagle Ayana Williams remembers all the highs and lows throughout her 50 years as a fan after growing up opposite the ground. She said: I remember when we were kids, my brothers and I would wait for half-time for the big gates to open just by the Holmesdale entrance and us local kids were allowed in to watch the second half of the game from there. Our parents could never have afforded us to buy a ticket in those days, but the memories are still part of conversations.
“It was the best times – we always looked forward to the weekend home games. We love what Palace do for the community and we wish them all the best.”
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