The 1949–50 FA Cup was the 69th season of the world's oldest footballcup competition, the Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup. Arsenal won the competition for the third time, beating Liverpool 2–0 in the final at Wembley, through two goals from Reg Lewis.
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. Some matches, however, might be rescheduled for other days if there were clashes with games for other competitions or the weather was inclement. 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 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
Round
Date
Extra preliminary round
Saturday 3 September 1949
Preliminary round
Saturday 17 September 1949
First round qualifying
Saturday 1 October 1949
Second round qualifying
Saturday 15 October 1949
Third round qualifying
Saturday 29 October 1949
Fourth round qualifying
Saturday 12 November 1949
First round proper
Saturday 26 November 1949
Second round proper
Saturday 10 December 1949
Third round proper
Saturday 7 January 1950
Fourth round proper
Saturday 28 January 1950
Fifth round proper
Saturday 11 February 1950
Sixth round proper
Saturday 4 March 1950
Semi-finals
Saturday 18 March 1950
Final
Saturday 29 April 1950
Qualifying rounds
Most participating clubs that were not members of the Football League competed in the qualifying rounds to secure one of 25 places available in the first round.
Those appearing in the competition proper for the first time were Fleetwood, Mossley, Nuneaton Borough, Wealdstone, Tilbury and Hastings United, while Goole Town had not featured at this stage since 1914–15. Mossley was also the most successful team from the extra preliminary round, progressing to the second round proper by defeating Ashton United, Altrincham, Northwich Victoria, Buxton, Droylsden, Runcorn and Witton Albion.
The matches were played on Saturday, 10 December 1949. Six matches were drawn, with replays taking place later the same week. One of these replays went to a second replay.
The matches were scheduled for Saturday, 7 January 1950. Nine matches were drawn and went to replays, with one of these going to a second replay. Weymouth, Yeovil Town and Nuneaton Borough were the last non-league clubs left in the competition.
The matches were scheduled for Saturday, 28 January 1950. Six games were drawn and went to replays, which were all played in the following midweek match.
The semi-final matches were intended to be played on Saturday, 18 March 1950, although the Liverpool–Everton fixture was not played until the week after. The London derby clash of Arsenal–Chelsea went to a replay, with Arsenal eventually winning their tie to meet Liverpool in the final at Wembley.
The 1950 FA Cup Final was contested by Arsenal and Liverpool at Wembley. Arsenal won 2–0, with both goals scored by Reg Lewis. Future legendary Liverpool manager Bob Paisley was famously dropped for the final, even after scoring the winning goal against rivalsEverton in the semi-final.[1]
