A handful of Crystal Palace supporters started to make their way towards the concourses of Selhurst Park before this fifth-round tie had barely begun.
As persistent rain fell over south London, a gutter burst and a small waterfall formed atop the Main Stand. Very soon, a small pocket of seats were completely sodden.
Unfortunately the floodgates held firm rather longer. And so everyone here – including those who had run for cover – had to sit through nearly 50 more minutes of stodgy – no, dreadful – FA Cup action.
MATCH FACTS
CRYSTAL PALACE (4-3-3): Butland 6; Clyne 5, Andersen 6, Guehi 6, Adaramola 6 (Schlupp 65, 6.