ACCRINGTON Stanley’s big FA Cup match against Fulham today is not only a case of David v Goliath but also a clash of cultures. The two famous footballing names could not be based in more different parts of the country with the Premier League club travelling from posh West London. While some snobs may look down on East Lancashire, we reveal how Accrington scores heavily off the pitch.

YVONNE Haddock definitely knows where she would rather live having moved from Fulham in the 1970s: Hyndburn.

The 57-year-old beauty therapist said community spirit, the countryside and cheaper cost of living, make the borough the perfect home – and much better than Fulham.

Mrs Haddock said: “I moved to London for three years in the 70s and did not like it. I was much happier to move back to East Lancashire, which is where I was brought up.

“I now live in Clayton-le-Moors and love it. Here in Hyndburn we have nice little quiet communities where everyone knows each other. It is very different in London and Fulham. People often think Londeners are ignorant but it’s not the case, there’s just more of a fluid society there where you just don’t know who your neighbour is.

“Fulham was big and crowded. Here is more of a family place.

“They are very different places but I definitely know where I am happier. It’s wonderful here.”

She accepted that the two towns are worlds apart with Fulham know for its posh shops and quaint Thames-side location.

But she said: “Here we have great parks, the Howarth Art Gallery and the Coppice. It’s a great place to be.”

The match is expected to draw the biggest crowd in decades at the Crown Ground as fans aim to roar the Reds on to cup glory against their Premier League rivals today.

But the setting could not be more different from the quaint Craven Cottage by the River Thames just metres from posh King’s Road and Chelsea.

There are many similarities between the two sides on the pitch. Fulham returned to the Premier League in 2001 after years at the foot of the Football League. And Stanley are on the up having returned to the league in 2006 after famously going bust in the 1960s.

But off the pitch the clubs and towns are in a different league.

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: “We have a rich and proud history here and some of the best people in the world.

“From our manufacturing past and our wonderful communities this is a great area to live.

“Hopefully the game will be a great advert for Stanley and the borough as a whole.”

Michelle Valantean, 44, of Spring Hill, Accrington, said: “I have always lived here and I love it. People often look down their noses at Accy but it’s wonderful.”

He pointed to the town’s free parking scheme, which compares to a total lack of any council parking in Fulham.