But while there was no biblical foreboding of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse galloping into Selhurst Park to deliver the last judgement, Boro did contribute to their own destruction.
The Teessiders dominated their basement battle with their fellow strugglers from south London but failed to capitalise on their overwhelming possession.
Over 1,300 Boro supporters made the trip to London and saw decent chances fall to Leroy Lita, Kris Boyd and Julio Arca in the first half hour.
And if the travelling faithful were thinking it may not be their day after watching those opportunities go begging, they were proved correct when a James Vaughan shot took a wicked deflection off Jonathan Grounds to spin viciously past a helpless Jason Steele and give the Eagles the lead, and ultimately victory.
It was a cruel way to bring an end to Middlesbrough's sixgame unbeaten run. The Eagles hardly warranted their victory but if Boro can't put struggling sides to the sword then maybe they get what they deserve.
We had a few chances in the first half to score and win the game but we didn't take them, said a disconsolate Julio Arca.
Usually when we take our chances we tend to be stronger but it did not happen.
Then we conceded and it changed the game.
The goal came from one of our mistakes and then we tried really hard to get the goal back but it didn't happen.
It was frustrating but we have to carry on going because we have another important game next week. If we win that one the picture will change totally again.
Arca was the game's stand out player and, on Saturday's performance, deserves to play in the Premier League.
His ball retention and slick passing was aesthetically pleasing, while his display was nearly rewarded with a goal. Unfortunately he hit the post from 20 yards.
This looks to be Arca's last season at Boro because the club can't afford to pay his wages when his contract runs out at the end of the current campaign. And he admitted he would be leaving the club with a heavy heart.
I don't know what is going to happen, said Arca when asked about his future. I will just have to try to play as much as I can and do my best for the club. When the time comes I will have to make that decision but if I play well for the team I will have more options.
Nicky Bailey was just as impressive in the middle of the park and the midfielder provided the industry to Arca's flair.
I enjoy playing with Julio, he is a top player, said Bailey.
You know when you give it to him he can keep it, give it back and pass it well.
It is enjoyable playing in there with him but we both can improve as a pairing.
While you can see both Arca and Bailey growing stronger and gaining a better understanding as the season progresses, it is difficult to say the same about Boro's front two.
Lita may be infuriating and inconsistent but at least he put some effort and gusto into his performance. The same can't be said about his strike partner, Boyd.
The Middlesbrough manager recently said if his team provide opportunities for the Scot then he will score. The former Rangers frontman had one half chance on Saturday, so maybe it is harsh to criticise.
But surely he has to do more than mooch around the goal area
The very least a striker should do is to make the opposition back four work for their wages when chances aren't falling for him. This was the example shown by his replacement, Scott McDonald.
The Australia international was having a hard time of it himself but at least he dropped in the hole, showed he was available and put a shift in.
Boyd's impotency up front is an expensive luxury Boro can't afford if they are to survive the Championship this term. The club need him scoring and putting in some more effort otherwise they'll be playing in football's third tier next season.
And never mind any horsemen of the apocalypse providing judgement, Arca delivered what could be a prophetic epitaph on Boyd and Boro should they fail to learn from their shortcomings.
He said: We have to adapt as quickly as possible because this league does not feel sorry for you.
Match facts Goals:
1-0: Vaughan (36, the striker's shot from just outside the box takes a wicked deflection off Grounds to wrong foot Steele)
Bookings: Pitman (36, foul), Easter (68, ungentlemanly conduct), Zaha (90, ungentlemanly conduct)
Referee: Roger East (Wiltshire) The match official had an exceptional game. Allowed play to flow and was reluctant to get his cards out 9
Attendance: 14,060
Entertainment: ***
CRYSTAL PALACE (4-4-2):
Speroni 6; Clyne 5, Gardner 5, McCarthy 6, Marrow 5; Zaha 7, Wright 5, Parsons 5, Ambrose 5 (Scannell 62, 5); VAUGHAN 7 (Iversen 77), Easter 5 (Counago 70, 5).
Subs (not used):
Price, Davis, Garvan, Barrett
MIDDLESBROUGH (4-4-2):
7 Steele: Helpless for the goal and made a fine save to prevent Ambrose increasing the lead;
6 McMahon: Sound defensively and worked the opposition full back hard while getting forward
5 Bates: The skipper's injury will provide a blow to Boro's relegation fight
5 Hines: It's a shame his costly slip allowed Palace to take the lead as he coped reasonably well against a slippery front pairing
6 Bennett: Defended well and helped out going forward in the first half, although wasn't as effective after the break;
5 Franks: Lively enough but withdrawn half time
7 ARCA: The game's stand out player
7 Bailey: Yet another unselfish display from the midfield schemer
5 Taylor: Confident on the ball but was frustrated he couldn't influence the contest;
5 Lita: Full of busy but infuriatingly inconsistent
4 Boyd: Clairvoyant Gypsy Rose Lee couldn't predict his performances
Subs:
Grounds (for Bates 22): Settled in well for the skipper 6
Park (for Franks 46): Was busy in his second half cameo but couldn't carve out the opening Boro craved 5
McDonald (for Boyd 60): Was willing but unable to influence the proceedings 5
(not used): Coyne, Ripley, Haas, Smallwood, Halliday
MAN OF THE MATCH
JULIA Arca dictated the pace of the match throughout with his cunning and skill and unfortunate not to open the scoring with a 25-yard effort.
Source: Northern Echo
Source: Northern Echo