A couple of weeks ago in this column, after the Swansea game, I was annoyed that Palace had been left until last on Match of the Day.

We propped up the running order again on Saturday night - but this time you won’t see me making the same complaints.

Oh, it was more than justified.

I felt like a masochist as I stayed up to watch the smattering of “highlights” from the 1-1 draw - wasn’t it enough that any sensation had only just returned to my hands and feet?

And I felt like a sadist during the day, as I’d taken my 15-year-old sister to her second ever Palace game, made her endure those conditions and that poor excuse for a Premier League match.

Apart from Yannick Bolasie’s performance in the first half and a few James McArthur chances scattered throughout, with the same two players combining for the goal, there wasn’t much to get excited by whatsoever.

James McArthur talks goals, and Palace fans

Your Local Guardian:

Hihglight: James McArthur celebrates putting Palace ahead over Stoke City       SP89019

Wilfried Zaha was abject, running nowhere fast and offering very little.

Stoke’s quick-fire equaliser came thanks to some lackadaisical marking and embarrassing defending yet players like Bojan looked a different class at the same time.

The draw was probably all either side deserved and from quite early on it looked as though both managers were fairly happy to stick rather than twist.

One of the most troubling aspects from a Palace perspective was, once again, our endless stream of terrible corners.

During the Tony Pulis era they were amongst our most formidable weapons.

On the other hand, one thing I really must highlight – because he gets enough abuse in this column and from everywhere else – was Brede Hangeland’s performance.

If I had to find a positive from that dour draw, it would be our Norwegian. Without a doubt he was my man of the match – at least in the first half.

You might argue Stoke’s style of play suited the big centre back, they gave him a lot of space at times, but he was impressive in a variety of ways other than planting his head on the ball and competing with Peter Crouch.

Time and again he showed the most composure of anyone in our back four.

On several occasions he buccaneered forward with the ball at his feet before playing progressive, controlled and accurate passes.

Your Local Guardian:

Skipper: Mile Jedinak

Big Brede almost got himself an assist as he calmly knocked the ball to McArthur on the edge of the box, only a fine sprawling save from Asmir Begović kept it out.

Of course, a point against Stoke isn’t the worst thing to happen at Selhurst Park this season.

It was just so uninspiring.

My sister still seemed to enjoy the game, though I’m sure the Lower Holmesdale’s ambience and the deluge of colourful language might be her enduring memories.

I’ll certainly remember the chips at half time more fondly than the football.