Norwich City have admitted that under-soil heating contributed to last Saturday's FA Cup blackout at Carrow Road.

Albion's third round tie was called off without a ball being kicked following a power failure.

A statement issued by the Canaries reveals: "Our subsequent investigations have indicated that mains power to the stadium was lost due to the overloading of the stadium's main circuit-breaker, which tripped out to prevent damage to the club's electrical systems.

"This unforeseen overloading was due to the unique set of circumstances on the day: the stadium under-soil heating running at full power prior to the game to cope with both the overnight frost and the freshly falling snow; the floodlights were on; all areas throughout the stadium were being heated at maximum power; all other electrical appliances around the ground were in use."

Although mains power was restored, the emergency back-up generator failed to respond.

The statement says: "Under the club's general safety certificate, issued by Norfolk County Council, the club cannot start a fixture without both mains power and a back-up power source being available to it.

"Following extensive consultation with the emergency services, match officials and the managers of both clubs, and following our electrical consultants' view that the emergency back-up generator could not be repaired on the day, the club's safety officer took the only option available to him to postpone the game."

Albion boss Steve Coppell is disappointed the tie did not go ahead. "I think we had a good chance to get through on Saturday," he said.

"They've been changing their style of play and we just felt we might catch them in between two stools.

"They will be playing another game now to determine which way they are going to go and that will either help us or hinder us."

At least Albion fans attending the rescheduled game next Tuesday will not be thirsty. The statement adds: "Norwich will be handing out refreshment vouchers to the value of £2 to every away supporter."

Fans unable to make the revised date have until tomorrow to claim a full refund from the ticket office in Queens Road, Brighton.

The Seagulls face a blank Saturday on January 25 if they fail to get past Norwich to clinch a home clash against Plymouth or Dagenham and Redbridge.

The prospect of rearranging to that date the Withdean League fixture against Wimbledon, postponed on New Year's Day, was destroyed by the Dons' victory at Rotherham in round three.

If the Norwich game is drawn then the replay will be staged at Withdean on Tuesday January 21 (7.45).

Meanwhile, Coppell could help his old club Brentford through to the fifth round. He sent a video of Albion's 1-0 home victory against Derby to the Bees ahead of their victory by the same score over John Gregory's side at Griffin Park last Saturday.

Brentford have drawn Grimsby or Burnley, two more of Albion's recent Withdean opponents, in round four so another tape will be on its way to South London.

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