The cup was won by Sheffield United, who defeated Derby County 4–1 in the final of the competition, played at Crystal Palace in London.

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.

Of those sides, only Grimsby Town, Small Heath and Glossop North End progressed to the FA Cup proper along with non-league sides Jarrow, South Shore, Heanor Town, Kettering, Bristol City, New Brompton and Tottenham Hotspur.

Jarrow, Bristol City and New Brompton were featuring in the first round for the first time, but, in a further reflection of the growing stature of the Southern League, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur were the only non-league clubs to progress beyond this stage.

Derby's lead was maintained until midway through the second half, until Sheffield struck back with three goals in ten minutes from Walter Bennett, Billy Beer and John Almond.

Fred Priest scored the fourth and final goal in the eighty-ninth minute, to cap a good victory for the Yorkshire side.