There was much build-up, much anticipation, but as is so often the case there was no follow through.

It was the big occasion - the first time the Video Assistant Referee was used in English football as Brighton & Hove Albion took on Crystal Palace in the third round of the FA Cup.

But while it was the first time it was launched in this country, we are still waiting for it to be used to its fullest for the first time.

Despite there being a fierce rivalry between the two sides, this M23 derby failed to live up to the billing on the pitch. The stadium was nowhere, an atmosphere duly lacking and with 12 changes between the two sides, there was a distinct lack of intensity.

As such, the VAR was not called for, until the bitter end, and even then, there was no real controversy, despite what certain players would have you believe.

Because there wasn't much going on, we got to know all about the VAR, learning things you would not ordinarily be interested in, like the fact that Neil Swarbrick - he was the VAR - was watching it in Uxbridge.

Everyone was so excited by it. Take BT Sport commentator Ian Darke for example telling the viewing public when Dale Stephens opened the scoring for the Seagulls that the VAR would "just take a look at this to make sure everything's all right".

Stephens took the ball from Ezequiel Schelotto, on the right, outside the box, skipped past a half-hearted Yohan Cabaye tackle, drove into the box and fired a shot that Wayne Hennessey really ought to have saved - there was nothing to check. But we thought we should have a chat about it anyway.

The video screen on the side of the pitch at the Amex

The most controversial incident, until the final moment, and we are really clutching at straws here, was a tackle from behind by James McArthur on Jose Izquierdo.

The Colombian was breaking over halfway for Brighton and easily went past the Scot with his pace and McArthur, chasing back, put his studs, probably accidentally, down the back of Izquierdo's leg.

Slowed down it looked a little bit nasty, although in real time there was little to it. Again BT got into the hows and whys by bringing former referee Graham Poll, their pundit, into play.

"Looking at it that is a definite yellow card," he said. "But the VAR wouldn't have been able to do anything about that, it's only for red cards."

There we go then. Thanks for that.

Bakary Sako pulled the scores level for the visitors before Glenn Murray was brought on against his former club to win it for Brighton.

BT Sport tried to make us believe there needed to be some VAR interference as Murray bundled it home and looked as if it could have brushed his arm on the way in. It didn't though and controversy and suspense was avoided. Shame.

The Palace players, Cabaye and Hennessey at least, were less than impressed at the final whistle. But really, there was nothing to be angry about.

Glenn Murray of Brighton and Hove Albion celebrates as he scores their second goal with team mates during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace

Everyone was hoping for some VAR action and we've been left wanting more, any, if you will.

There's no doubt that things have gone wrong with VAR in other countries in the past and we wait to see if we will suffer the same fate in England with teething problems that Palace manager Roy Hodgson expects.

Penalties, red cards, offsides and mistaken identities - that's what it's for. I can't help but think when we finally do see it in action, we'll once again be left wanting more. Why can't this be changed, why can't that be changed? Where do you stop?