1872

The odd number of teams in the FA Cup was always going to produce some headscratching. Even with an array of byes and walkovers Crystal Palace now joined 4 other teams in the quarter finals. Queen's Park were, again, given a bye, which meant that there would be 3 teams in the semi finals! However, fortune intervened.

On 20th January 1872 Crystal Palace drew 0-0 with Wanderers, and to produce the 4 teams necessary for a semi final stage, the replay was passed over and both teams advanced. This was the second time that Crystal Palace had benefited from this.

17.2.72 saw Crystal Palace draw 0-0 with Royal Engineers in front of a 2,000 crowd at The Oval.
The replay on 9.3.72 saw them lose 3-0. Royal Engineers thus become team 3.

1872 Final

The first ever FA Cup final was played on 16th March 1872 at Kennington Oval between Royal Engineers and Wanderers. The officials were: Referee: Alfred Stair (Upton Park), assistants  J.H Giffard and K Kirkpatrick. 
A crowd of 2000 saw Wanderers win 1-0. Wanderers fielded 10 Englishmen and an Irishman and were captained by the competition's originator, Charlie Alcock. Their goal was scored by Monty Betts in the 15th minute. 
Engineers were made up of 9 Englishmen and 2 Scots. The side included Capt. Francis Marindin and  Lieut. Henry Renny-Tailyour.
In winning the first FA Cup final Wanderers become team 4 on our list.