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, five qualifying rounds, four proper rounds, and the semi-finals and final.
Round
Date
Extra preliminary round
Saturday 11 September 1909
Preliminary round
Saturday 18 September 1909
First round qualifying
Saturday 2 October 1909
Second round qualifying
Saturday 16 October 1909
Third round qualifying
Saturday 6 November 1909
Fourth round qualifying
Saturday 20 November 1909
Fifth round qualifying
Saturday 4 December 1909
First round proper
Saturday 15 January 1910
Second round proper
Saturday 5 February 1910
Third round proper
Saturday 19 February 1910
Fourth round proper
Saturday 5 March 1910
Semi-finals
Saturday 26 March 1910
Final
Saturday 23 April 1910
First round proper
39 of the 40 clubs from the First and Second divisions joined the 12 clubs who came through the qualifying rounds. Of the League sides, only Lincoln City were entered instead at the Fourth Qualifying Round, losing to Crewe Alexandra at that stage. Twelve non-league clubs won through to the first round proper.
Thirteen non-league sides were given byes to the first round to bring the total number of teams up to 64. These were:
32 matches were scheduled to be played on Saturday, 15 January 1910. Ten matches were drawn and went to replays in the following midweek fixture, of which one went to a second replay.
The 16 second-round matches were played on Saturday, 5 February 1910. Three matches were drawn, with the replays taking place in the following midweek fixture.
The eight third-round matches were scheduled for Saturday, 19 February 1910. There was one replay, between QPR and West Ham United, played in the following midweek fixture.