Crystal Palace fans are still in disbelief following the Eagle’s giant killing exploits in the Carling Cup.

Substitute Glenn Murray’s extra-time winner against Premiership Title holders Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday November 30 sent Palace fans into raptures.

Crystal Place Fanzine Five Year Plan editor James Daly was at Old Trafford and soaked up the atmosphere.

He said: “Personally I didn’t think we’d get anything out of it, I mean they’re the Premiership champions, so it was incredible.

“Crystal Palace fans are great, even if we’d lost 4-0 we would have had a great time, but this was amazing.

“Afterwards, standing on the Old Trafford Concourse, it was almost, Did that really happen. I can tell you it was a messy night.”

Councillor Steve O’Connell, a lifelong Palace fan, was another of the 5,000 strong band of supporters who made their way to Old Trafford for the game.

Speaking after a long but joyous drive home and not much sleep, Coun O’Connell was still on a high from the result.

He said: “This is the best day of my life other than when I married my wife.

“The atmosphere was absolutely fantastic with 5,000 supporters.

“And the result was full deserved. We played them off the park.”

Coun Pat Ryan, member for Upper Norwood, was watching updates during a public meeting.

He said: “As soon as we came out we rushed into a pub to watch extra time. When they scored people were jubilant. At times when times are difficult it gives them something to help forget.

“They have done the hard work, beating another premiership side. We’ve got to beat a good Cardiff side now which won’t be easy but we’re really on a roll.

“What a boost for the town.”

The club has had a difficult period in recent years, narrowly avoiding relegation in 2010 after falling into administration at the start if the year.

A new consortium took over and installed former player Dougie Freedman as manager, resulting in a upturn in fortunes that sees the club sitting in 12th in The Championship.

Coun Gerry Ryan, a ward member for Selhurst and a season ticket holder at Selhurst Park, said: “The new consortium seems to have a steady hand on the tiller.

“January will be a very exciting month for the area. A lot of fans live around here, as well as coming from further afield and it will be huge for us.

“The semi-finals will be a big test but we have the possibility of making the final and then maybe even Europe.”

Palace dispatched Crawley Town, Premierleague outfit, Wigan, Middlesbrough and Southampton before seeing off Manchester United.

Chris Harvey, 27, a club member, watched the match at his brother’s in Putney.

He said: “The wonder goal from Darren Ambrose was goal of the season. I’ll definitely be at the home leg, Selhurst should be pumping, but with the games Mid-week it may be hard to get to Cardiff.

“I’m are very confident we can make the final.

“Under Dougie Freedman we look a completely different side. Only this time last year I think we were still under George Burley looking like we could go down so the turnaround is amazing.”

The semi-final games will be on the week starting January 9 2012 and January 23 2012.

The final is in Wembley on February 26.