It lasted for just two seasons (1976–77 and 1977–78) and was competed for between the two sides from outside the top two divisions of the Football League to have progressed furthest in the FA Cup.
[3] The games were played at the end of the campaign, shortly after a league meeting between the sides at Vale Park, which was to host the first leg.
Goals from Neil Griffiths and Ken Beamish gave Vale a 2–0 victory that left them as firm favourites to win the trophy.
The story of the 1977–78 season was Blyth Spartans' run in the FA Cup, as they reached the fifth round and came within seconds of knocking out Wrexham, who then beat the non-leaguers in a replay.
With Third Division champions Wrexham having players away on international duty, Blyth took advantage and claimed a 2–1 win in North Wales thanks to goals from Terry Johnson and Dave Varty.