1882

Royal Engineer's hold on the baton was brief, as in the fourth round of the Cup on 21.1.82 they were beaten by Old Foresters, 2-1. Team 13 were  former pupils of Forest School, Snaresbrook, London. 
The following month Old Foresters drew 0-0 with Marlow before losing the replay 1-0 on 18th February 1882, making the  Buckinghamshire outfit team 14. 
In the semi finals on 4th March 1882 Marlow were beaten 5-0 by Old Etonians, As team 15 they held the baton for the second time when they met Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup Final.

1882 Final

Almost a turning point in the history of football. Blackburn Rovers were the first team from the north of England to reach the Cup Final. There was no professionalism in those days, but it is likely that Blackburn Rovers operated a professional set up.
The Oval hosted a crowd of 6000. Referee was Mr J.C Clegg of Sheffield, (who had played for England in the first international match and was later known as The Napoleon of Football for his work at the FA).
 Kinnaird appeared in his 9th final. 
Etonians won 1-0 though who the scorer of the goal was is uncertain. Famously, Kinnaird performed a handstand in front of the pavilion.


In the 1882-83 FA Cup Old Etonians met Old Foresters in the first round. They progressed after a 3-1 win in the replay on 18.11.82, the first match having been a 1-1 draw.
On 2nd December they beat Brentwood 2-0 in the second round and then on 16th December beat Rochester 7-0.