First FA Cup final: Wanderers defeat Royal Engineers

Background. The Football Association Challenge Cup was the first formal competition created for association football, proposed in 1871 by Charles W. The first competition took place during the 1871–72 season. Players were drawn from the upper classes; Wanderers members were wealthy gentlemen from public schools like Harrow and Eton, while Royal Engineers consisted of officers from the Corps of Royal Engineers.

Path to the Final. Fifteen teams entered the first season. Wanderers reached the final after winning only one match in four rounds, advancing from a 0–0 draw with Crystal Palace due to committee discretion. In the semi-finals, they drew with Queen's Park, who withdrew because they could not afford to travel to London for a replay. Royal Engineers won their semi-final replay against Crystal Palace 3–0.

Match Context. The final took place at Kennington Oval on 16 March. The Morning Post described Wanderers as the "crème de la crème" of Association players, expecting them to be at full strength. Royal Engineers were noted for their innovative "Combination Game" passing style, contrasting with the dribbling tactics common at the time. The Field favored a victory for the Sappers.