The large number of clubs entering the tournament from lower down (levels 5 through 10) in the English football pyramid meant that the competition started with six rounds of preliminary (2) and qualifying (4) knockouts for these non-League teams.
A total of 396 clubs took part in this stage of the competition, including the 45 winners from the extra preliminary round, 237 clubs from levels 8–10, who get a bye in the extra preliminary round and 114 entering at this stage from the five divisions at level 7 of English football.
Also, Gretna, who switched to the Scottish league system were excluded from the FA Cup.
A total of 198 clubs took part in this stage of the competition, all having progressed from the preliminary round.
Also, Great Harwood Town, Horden Colliery Welfare and Rossington Main from level 9 divisions were still in the competition.