Matches were scheduled to be played at the stadium of the team named first on the date specified for each round, which was always a Saturday. If scores were level after 90 minutes had been played, a replay would take place at the stadium of the second-named team later the same week. If the replayed match was drawn further replays would be held at neutral venues until a winner was determined. If scores were level after 90 minutes had been played in a replay, a 30-minute period of extra time would be played.
Calendar
The format of the FA Cup for the season had two preliminary rounds, six qualifying rounds, four proper rounds, and the semi-finals and final.
Round
Date
Extra preliminary round
Saturday 10 September 1921
Preliminary round
Saturday 24 September 1921
First round qualifying
Saturday 8 October 1921
Second round qualifying
Saturday 22 October 1921
Third round qualifying
Saturday 5 November 1921
Fourth round qualifying
Saturday 19 November 1921
Fifth round qualifying
Saturday 3 December 1921
Sixth round qualifying
Saturday 17 December 1921
First round proper
Saturday 7 January 1922
Second round proper
Saturday 28 January 1922
Third round proper
Saturday 18 February 1922
Fourth round proper
Saturday 4 March 1922
Semi-finals
Saturday 25 March 1922
Final
Saturday 29 April 1922
First round proper
12 qualifiers and 41 (out of 44) Division 1 & 2 clubs joined this round. Coventry City and Rotherham County of Division 2 were entered in the fifth qualifying round, while First Division side Birmingham had their entry rejected after they failed to submit the relevant paperwork.[1]
Of the Division 3S sides, Aberdare Athletic and Charlton Athletic were entered in the extra preliminary round (though the latter did not play), while nine sides entered the fifth qualifying round (Brentford, Bristol Rovers, Exeter City, Gllingham, Merthyr Town, Newport County, Northampton Town, Norwich City and Swansea Town). The eleven others were given byes to the first round proper. These were:
Of the Division 3N sides, Halifax Town and Wigan Borough took no part in the competition. Eight sides (Accrington Stanley, Ashington, Barrow, Chesterfield, Crewe Alexandra, Tranmere Rovers, Walsall and Wrexham) were entered in the fourth qualifying round with the rest joining in the fifth qualifying round.
32 matches were scheduled to be played on Saturday, 7 January 1922. Eleven matches were drawn and went to replays in the following midweek fixture, of which one went to another replay.
The 16 Second Round matches were played on Saturday, 28 January 1922. Five matches were drawn, with replays taking place in the following midweek fixture. One of these, the Bradford City–Notts County match, went to a second replay.
The eight Third Round matches were scheduled for Saturday, 18 February 1922. Four matches were drawn and went to replays in the following midweek fixture.
The semi-final matches were played on Saturday, 25 March 1922. The matches ended in victories for Preston North End and Huddersfield Town, who went on to meet in the final at Wembley.