Crystal Palace to face Grimsby Town in FA Cup third round at Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace will face Grimsby Town in the third round of the FA Cup at Selhurst Park.

With Premier League relegation looking far less a threat to Roy Hodgson’s side this season, Eagles fans will be desperate for a Cup run to bring some joy after a tough campaign last time out.

Palace have faced the Mariners on 40 previous occasions, but the last meeting was 15 years ago.

They have met just once before in the FA Cup, which was their first ever meeting, as Grimsby ran out 1-0 winners in 1908.

Hopes were ended at the hands of rivals Brighton in the third round last time out and, while fans would relish another tie with Chris Hughton’s side, they will want to improve on fourth and third round finishes since making the final in 2016.

Then manager Alan Pardew’s dancing was perhaps the highlight at Wembley two years ago as Juan Mata and then, in extra time, Jesse Lingard ensured Manchester United came from behind to win following Jason Puncheon’s opener counted for little.

That was the second time the Eagles had finished runners up, both times to United with the Red Devils beating them in a replay in 1990.

It all begins, though, with the third round tie which will be played between December 4-7.