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
No. of Teams
First qualifying round
Saturday 3 October 1891
160
Second qualifying round
Saturday 24 October 1891
80
Third qualifying round
Saturday 14 November 1891
40
Fourth qualifying round
Saturday 5 December 1891
20
First round proper
Saturday 16 January 1892
32
Second round proper
Saturday 30 January 1892
16
Third round proper
Saturday 13 February 1892
8
Semifinals
Saturday 27 February 1892
4
Final
Saturday 19 March 1892
2
Qualifying rounds
Despite the Football League expanding from 12 teams to 14, this season's FA Cup qualifying rounds were still played out to a fourth round consisting of 10 ties. Winning through to the first round proper were Middlesbrough Ironopolis, Casuals, Blackpool, Newcastle East End, Small Heath, Sheffield United, Luton Town, Heanor Town, Old Westminsters and Crewe Alexandra. Of those, only Heanor Town and Blackpool would be appearing in the competition proper for the first time although the Seasiders' predecessor outfit Blackpool St John's had entered the FA Cup twice in the early 1880s. Newcastle East End also emulated their crosstown rivals Newcastle West End in winning through the Cup qualifying rounds once before the two clubs' amalgamation during the 1892 close-season.
The original semifinal matches were played on 27 February 1892. Aston Villa comfortably came through their tie with Sunderland 4–1 but West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest drew their match 1–1. The tie went to a replay, again played at Molineux,[1] but again finished 1–1. A second replay was needed to separate the teams, played in Derby[1] and this time West Bromwich Albion came through winners 6–2 to reach the final against Aston Villa.