The large number of clubs entering the tournament from lower down (Levels 5 through 11) 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 364 clubs took part in this stage of the competition, including the 73 winners from the extra preliminary round, 203 clubs from Levels 9-11, who get a bye in the extra preliminary round and 88 entering at this stage from the four divisions at Level 8 of English football.
A total of 248 clubs took part in this stage of the competition, including the 182 winners from the Preliminary round and 66 entering at this stage from the top division of the three leagues at Level 7 of English football.
A total of 168 clubs took part in this stage of the competition, including the 124 winners from the first qualifying round and 44 Level 6 clubs, from Conference North and Conference South, entering at this stage.
Cammell Laird from Level 10 of English football were the lowest-ranked club to qualify for this round of the competition.