The 1939–40 FA Cup began on 2 September 1939, the day after Germany had invaded Poland.
The FA suspended the FA Cup on 7 September, until further notice;[1] on 21 September it was announced that all organised football was cancelled for the duration of the war, with only friendly and regional competitions permitted.
Alongside this, the Wartime League or regionalised competitions provided regular football for players and fans during the war.
[5] Of the teams involved, this was the only FA Cup appearance for Holiday's Sports, Cheadle and Esso.
Norwich Electricity Works withdrew before playing a game, in what would have otherwise been their only appearance.