The defending champions were Chelsea and they retained the trophy for the fifth year in a row after a 7–1 aggregate victory over Arsenal in the final.
[1][2][3] 272 teams took part in the Preliminary round.
The lowest level teams competing were from level 11 of the English football league system.
† Despite winning the match, Shrewsbury Town were subsequently disqualified after it was found that they had fielded an ineligible player.
Evesham United were therefore permitted to advance to the next round instead.