The 1881 FA Cup final was contested by Old Carthusians and Old Etonians at the Kennington Oval.

[2] The final was played at the Kennington Oval on 9 April 1881; this was the Old Carthusians first appearance in the final and the Old Etonians, on their fourth appearance, were expected to win comfortably.

[1] The Carthusians were eventually bailed by the winners... the game from first to last was of a very fast character.

The winning team was in first-rate condition, and each member seemed to thoroughly understand the other's play.

This all the more creditable, as although plenty of good players yearly leave Charterhouse, the Old Carthusians is a club of comparatively recent growth.