Matches were scheduled to be played at the stadium of the team named first on the date specified for each round, which was always a Saturday. If scores were level after 90 minutes had been played, a replay would take place at the stadium of the second-named team later the same week. If the replayed match was drawn further replays would be held at neutral venues until a winner was determined. If scores were level after 90 minutes had been played in a replay, a 30-minute period of extra time would be played.
Calendar
The format of the FA Cup for the season had two preliminary rounds, five qualifying rounds, four proper rounds, and the semi-finals and final.
At the other end of the qualifying stages, the extra preliminary round had grown to include 44 teams this season. Most of these clubs were from the north of England or from the North Midlands, with only 10 of the sides based in towns or villages south of Birmingham. Elsecar Main, Atherton and Heanor United all reached the third qualifying round stage.
First round proper
39 of the 40 clubs from the First and Second divisions joined the 12 clubs who came through the qualifying rounds.
Thirteen Southern League sides were also given byes to the first round to bring the total number of teams up to 64. These were:
32 matches were scheduled to be played on Saturday, 15 January 1910. Ten matches were drawn and went to replays in the following midweek, of which one went to a second replay.
The 16 second-round matches were played on Saturday, 5 February 1910. Three matches were drawn, with the replays taking place in the following midweek fixture.
The eight third-round matches were scheduled for Saturday, 19 February 1910. There was one replay, between QPR and West Ham United, played in the following midweek fixture.
