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 332 clubs took part in this stage of the competition, including the 171 winners from the extra preliminary round, 38 clubs from Levels 9-10, who get a bye in the extra preliminary round and 123 entering at this stage from the six leagues at Level 8 of English football.
A total of 232 clubs took part in this stage of the competition, including the 166 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 160 clubs took part in this stage of the competition, including the 116 winners from the first qualifying round and 44 Level 6 clubs, from Conference North and Conference South, entering at this stage.
Dinnington Town and Rainworth Miners Welfare from Level 10 of English football were the lowest-ranked clubs to qualify for this round of the competition.