THOUSANDS of Cardiff City fans have been making their way home via Harrow town centre this evening.

Despite their team's defeat in today's FA Cup Final, many praised Wembley Stadium and the atmosphere at the game.

Speaking to the Harrow Times in the town centre, Ashley Jones, 39, of Pontypridd, said: "Apart from the result it was fantastic. They scored a lucky goal.

"We came down on the coach this morning and made our way to Wembley.

"The atmosphere was great. It seemed like we out-sang them at the game, but then I was in the middle of the Cardiff fans.

"We're off to the pub now for a bit, but then it's back on the coach."

Police maintained a significant, but low-key presence in the town centre, with a mobile CCTV unit in place close to Harrow-on-the-Hill station.

Officers also asked traders to take folding signs into their shops as a precautionary measure.

Debbie Fowler, assistant manager at Goldlovers jewellers in St Ann's Road, said: "We were advised to take our sign in, as the fans are expected to go past, but generally you don't get any trouble.

"When they came past this morning they were in very good spirits. They were all singing."

Despite some fans opting to stay the night in London, there was little sign of trouble.

Keith Palmer, 59, of Cardiff, said: "It has been a fantastic day.

"We were delighted to get to the final and of course it would have been good to win.

"It's been a fantastic atmosphere so far, let's hope it stays that way.

"I have not heard that there's been any trouble so far."

Cardiff City lost one-nil to Portsmouth.