The FA Cup is not just one of the most renowned sporting trophies in the world but also of the most copied in terms of format. Since the first tournament in 1871-72 the knock out format has become one of the most recognized systems for deciding sporting champions. However, the competition did not get off to the most au####ious of starts. In the book “The FA Cup The Complete Story” by Guy Lloyd and Nick Holt the first competition is described as a shambles. There were numerous walkovers with Scottish club Queen’s Park making it all the way to the semi final without kicking a ball. After drawing the semi final 0-0 Queen’s Park had to withdraw as they couldn’t cover the cost of the replay against Wanderers. Wanderers went on to beat Royal Engineers 1-0 in the final.

Other oddities from the first final include:

• Players were distinguished by their cap or garters rather than by their jerseys.
• Throw-ins were taken one-handed.
• The only field markings were the touchlines.
• Teams changed ends each time a goal was scored.

Despite the problematic start the FA Cup prospered until the arrival of the Premiership in the early 1990’s. Since then the glamour of the event has been dealt numerous blows, often from the Premiership clubs treating it as an inconvenience – unless of course they had nothing better to play for!

However, anyone who saw last seasons FA Cup final between Liverpool and West Ham United can vouch for the fact that there is life in the old competition yet - and not only in the late stages of the competition. It is the magnitude of the competition and the “David vs. Goliath” contests that the random draw routinely throws-up that is the real magic.

Normally, it is not until the first weekend in January when the big teams enter the competition that the FA Cup garners broad based coverage. But with nearly 700 entered into the 2006/07 FA Cup the competition actually gets underway this Saturday with the Extra Preliminary Round. Any club affiliated to the Football Association and that meets a basic standard of “stadium” facilities and of play can enter. After the Extra Preliminary round there is the Preliminary Round, then four Qualifying Rounds, six Rounds (Premiership and Championship teams join in Round 3) and finishing with semi finals and the final. Teams are generally given byes depending on their league position. The Extra Preliminary Round involves an 258 clubs. I have picked the tie between Jarrow Roofing Boldon Community Association and Billingham Synthonia as the start of the road to Wembley \ Millenium Stadium. We will follow the winner of this game until they lose and then follow whoever beats them until they lose…or win the FA Cup.

You can read more about Jarrow – founded 1987 – at their website highlighted above.

Billingham Synthonia has a more extensive history having been formed in 1923 but I could not find a dedicated website.  According to a wiki entry - “Synthonia have at least two unique records, the only Football Club in Great Britain named after an agricultural fertilizer and the only Northern League side to play an entire season without conceding a home goal. Connected with ICI Billingham until 1994 when the ground was sold to new owners, the club shortened its name from Synthetic Ammonia, one of ICI’s main products. Synthonia’s second distinction came in the 1950-51 season when they played 13 home league games, winning 12 and drawing one, with a goal tally of 44 for and none against. This was achieved with Goalkeeper Harry Armstrong saving a last minute penalty in the final game of the season.”

Apparently the great Brian Clough was a former player in the 1950’s.

Both clubs play in the Arngrove Northern League Division 1 which is rated step 5/6 in the English pyramid system. The Northern League is touted as the second oldest football league in the world having been formed in 1889.

I also discovered that the company that sponsors the league – the Albany Group – is owned by none other than Brooks Mileson the owner of Gretna. Mileson has guaranteed sponsorship of the league through his lifetime and through his sons’ lifetime by way of a trust.

If anyone can shed anymore light on the two teams it would be appreciated.