Although Crystal Palace have never won the FA Cup, they have reached the semi-finals on four occasions.

But did you know one of those appearances came in the very first running of the competition in 1871.

In the first round, a 0-0 draw against Hitchin saw both sides progress (go figure), and Palace beat Maidenhead 3-0 in the second round.

The third round tie against Wanderers ended goalless, and again both sides were allowed to into next round - how times have changed.

Palace’s semi-final was played at Kennington Oval against Royal Engineers, and following a 0-0 draw in the first match, Palace went down 3-0 in the replay.

Let’s hope history does not repeat itself.

Surrey Comet: