Between The Lines 2, The Irreverent PREM Poetry Of ITFC - Match 4 - “Timing”
Written by The_Flashing_Smile on Sunday, 13th Sep 2026 16:41

I live in Crystal Palace, a mere 20-minute walk from Selhurst Park. But this was the first time I’d managed to secure an away ticket since living here, and it didn’t disappoint.

I, weirdly, caught the bus into Norwood Junction and then a train to London Bridge to meet up with a few mates for drinks beforehand. So actually travelling away from the stadium. Nevertheless, I seemed to find my timing worked out perfectly for everything. From that first bus in the morning to happening upon a delicious, authentic jerk chicken stall, to taking my seat as the match kicked off.

Town, too, were pretty good with the timing of their goals (and points against a probable divisional rival). So a theme was born.

A side note: I’ve recently recorded the feature 'My Town Top Ten' for BBC Radio Suffolk, in which I selected Selhurst Park as my favourite away ground. Some might find that an unusual choice - there are certainly better grounds out there, and almost every view seems to be restricted - but I chose it because outside of Norwich and Ipswich it’s the ground I’ve been to most, it’s a proper old football stadium that always had a great atmosphere, and I’ve seen some great games, great wins and had some good nights out there afterwards as well. I can now add this game to my argument!

Crystal Palace 2:3 Ipswich Town, 12/09/2026

Timing

Timing is arriving
with a second left to spare
at the bus stop and looking up
and the 410 is there.
Timing is arriving like the train at platform three,
actually late for everyone else,
but perfect timing just for me.
Timing’s picking jerk chicken from a stall with time to scoff,
and taking your seat at Selhurst Park
to catch the match just kicking off.
Timing’s running and burying a Leif cross across the line,
then Leif heading a lead, heading nicely into half time.
Fine, the timing’s not great when the Eagles equalise.
But this time hatched a seesaw match,
a studs catch, and a red surprise.
Then time for one last bombing run, belief in Leif is climbing.
90th minute - bar - and Flemming condemning them
with perfect timing.

Poems of all of last season's games (and some bonus ones) available in one handy coffee table book here.

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armchaircritic59 added 17:04 - Sep 13 And that's a poem covering the first Town victory for 25 years in an away PL game when going behind, something of a milestone. I would say let's hope for a few more, but I'm not sure I'd want us to go behind away from home on a very regular occurrence in this league!
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