As the snow fell in northern Wales, neither Wrexham or West Ham United could have anticipated the farcical FA Cup scenes set to follow.
The Hammers had made the 223-mile journey from Upton Park to The Racecourse for a third round tie.
But once the visitors, managed by Harry Redknapp, arrived at the venue, they’d have been forgiven for anticipating the game would be called off.
The entire pitch at The Racecourse had been covered in snow, prompting ground staff to work overtime.
Remarkably, the game went ahead as an impressive 9,747 fans rugged up and braved the elements to support their respective teams.
But a glance at the pitch made for a rather amusing sight.
The only areas of the field that had been cleared of snow were the 18-yard boxers, the centre circle, the halfway line and the touchlines.
Everywhere else was a picture of white as players struggled to negotiate the orange ball amidst the conditions.
Passes along the ground would force the ball to bobble, clearances were scuffed and shots on goal flew wayward.
Amongst the chaos at The Racecourse, two goals were scored that ultimately prompted a replay back at Upton Park.
Bryan Hughes got on the scoresheet for Wrexham, who were in the third tier at the time.
As for the Hammers, Portuguese forward Hugo Porfirio scored what proved to be one of only two goals during his temporary stint in east London.
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However, Porfirio won’t remember the match just for the goal.
“First time he’s (Porfirio) ever seen snow,” Redknapp said.
“He’s never seen snow until this period of snow we’ve had. He’s never seen snow in his life.”
So, what did Porfirio tell his former boss upon seeing snow for the first time?
“Well, he couldn’t believe English people were man enough to play football in that,” Redknapp said.
Not only that, but some players even donned short-sleeve shirts and shorts for the game.
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It is a look that seems unfathomable in today’s game, with players opting for gloves, snoods and base layers to stay warm in the cold winter conditions.
The replay between Wrexham and West Ham at Upton Park was played in much kinder conditions, but Redknapp may have wished for the snow to return.
Wrexham’s Kevin Russell scored what proved to be the decisive goal, as the Welsh side secured a massive upset over the Premier League side who boasted a young Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard in their starting team that day.
West Ham weren’t the only scalp Wrexham claimed in the FA Cup that season.
After a 4-2 win over Peterborough United in the fourth round, Wrexham beat second-tier Birmingham City 3-1 at St. Andrew’s to quality for the quarter finals.
Unfortunately the Welsh side did not progress any further, as they lost 1-0 to Chesterfield.
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However, Wrexham’s run to the FA Cup quarter finals during the 1996/97 season equalled their best-ever finish in the tournament.
Sadly the Hollywood-owned club will have to wait until next season to attempt another deep run in the tournament after they were knocked out in the first round by League Two side Harrogate Town.
Wrexham peppered their opponents with 21 shots and had 63 per cent possession but simply could not find a way through Harrogate as Jack Muldoon’s 24th-minute strike proved to be the difference.
