A hugely entertaining half of football at St Mary's Stadium has seen Crystal Palace take a 3-2 lead into the break of their FA Cup tie with Southampton this afternoon.

Marouane Chamakh of Crystal Palace celebrates with Wilfried Zaha, Fraizer Campbell and Yaya Sanogo as he scores their first goal during the FA Cup Fourth Round match between Southampton and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on January 24, 2015 © Getty Images

There was a half-chance for Palace almost immediately from kick-off as Joel Ward's free-kick from the right was only cleared as far as Wilfried Zaha, but the winger fired over.

Southampton went in front through Graziano Pelle, who bundled in after he got on the end of James Ward-Prowse's corner.

The visitors levelled just two minutes later, however, as Marouane Chamakh poked home after Yaya Sanogo's shot was spilled.

It was an exciting opening period and the drama continued as the unfortunate Scott Dann put the ball into his own net to put Southampton back in front.

The home side might have tightened up for a spell given Chamakh's earlier goal, but they did not learn from their mistake and Sanogo grabbed another swift equaliser for Palace with a neat finish from inside the box.

Steven Davis came close with an effort from distance for the hosts, but Palace eventually edged in front for the first time when Chamakh rounded Fraser Forster and slotted in to cap a dramatic opening 45 minutes.