The 2014–15 FA Cup, also called the 2014–15 FA Challenge Cup,[1] was the 134th occurrence of the FA Cup, the main domestic cup in English football and the oldest knockout competition in the world.[2] It was the first season when the BBC and BT Sport hosted televised matches, seven years after the BBC lost the rights to ITV.[3] The 2014–15 season's Cup also marked the first time that 3G (third generation) artificial pitches were allowed in all rounds of the competition, designed to lower costs for maintenance.[4] After Queens Park Rangers (the first English artificial pitch, from 1981 to 1988), Luton Town, Oldham Athletic and Preston North End trialled artificial pitches in the 1980s, they were made illegal in 1995.[4]

2014–15 FA Cup
Football Association Challenge Cup
Arsenal's victory parade following their 12th title
Tournament details
CountryEngland
Guernsey
Wales
Dates16 August 2014 – 30 May 2015
Teams736
Final positions
ChampionsArsenal (12th title)
Runner-upAston Villa
Tournament statistics
Matches played154
Attendance2,099,192 (13,631 per match)
Top goal scorer(s)Saido Berahino
Paul Gallagher
Jon Stead
(5 goals each)
(Note: All statistics do not include qualifying play-offs)

The defending champions were Premier League side Arsenal, who beat Hull City 3–2 in the previous final.[5] They retained the trophy after they Aston Villa 4–0 in the final.[6]

The semi-finals took place at Wembley Stadium, as they have since 2008, to offset the cost of the new stadium, despite protestations from some supporters.[7] The stadium also hosted the final.

The winner of the FA Cup earns automatic qualification to the 2015–16 UEFA Europa League group stages. However, as Arsenal qualified for the UEFA Champions League via their league position, Southampton, the highest placed team in the 2014–15 Premier League not already Europe-qualified took this Europa League place. In a change to Europa League rules, qualifying slots for national cup winners no longer pass to the runners-up if the winners have already qualified through their league.[8]

Notably, EFL Championship side Reading F.C. reached the semi-finals, for only the second time in their history.

Teams edit

Round Clubs
remaining
Clubs
involved
Winners from
previous round
New entries
this round
Leagues entering
at this round
First round proper 124 80 32 48 EFL League One
EFL League Two
Second round proper 84 40 40 none none
Third round proper 64 64 20 44 Premier League
EFL Championship
Fourth round proper 32 32 32 none none
Fifth round proper 16 16 16 none none
Quarter-finals 8 8 8 none none
Semi-finals 4 4 4 none none
Final 2 2 2 none none

Qualifying rounds edit

All of the competing teams that were not members of either the Premier League or the Football League had to compete in the qualifying rounds to win a place in the first round proper.[1]

First round proper edit

The first round draw took place on 27 October 2014 at 19:00, at St George's Park. A total of 80 teams competed, 32 of which had progressed from the fourth qualifying round and 48 from League One and League Two of the Football League. The lowest ranked sides in this round were Norton United and Warrington Town, both of whom competed at level 8 of English football.

7 November 2014 Warrington Town (8) 1–0Exeter City (4)Cantilever Park, Warrington
19:55 Robinson   7' Report Attendance: 2,400
Referee: David Coote
8 November 2014 Yeovil Town (3) 1–0Crawley Town (3)Huish Park, Yeovil
15:00 Hiwula   7' Report Attendance: 2,355
Referee: Phil Gibbs
8 November 2014 York City (4)1–1AFC Wimbledon (4)Bootham Crescent, York
15:00 Hyde   8' Report Frampton   22' Attendance: 2,085
Referee: Mark Brown
18 November 2014 Replay AFC Wimbledon (4) 3–1York City (4)Kingsmeadow, Kingston upon Thames
19:45 Smith   71'
Tubbs   81', 90+1'
Report Fletcher   5' Attendance: 2,048
Referee: Peter Bankes
8 November 2014 Walsall (3)2–2Shrewsbury Town (4)Bescot Stadium, Walsall
15:00 Bradshaw   56', 90' Report Ellis   5'
Collins   61'
Attendance: 3,546
Referee: Darren Deadman
18 November 2014 Replay Shrewsbury Town (4) 1–0Walsall (3)New Meadow, Shrewsbury
19:45 Lawrence   53' Report Attendance: 4,222
Referee: Darren Deadman
8 November 2014 Eastleigh (5) 2–1Lincoln City (5)Ten Acres, Eastleigh
15:00 McAllister   9'
Strevens   90'
Report Sam-Yorke   73' Attendance: 873
Referee: Nick Kinseley
8 November 2014 Basingstoke Town (6)1–1AFC Telford United (5)The Camrose, Basingstoke
15:00 Flood   50' Report McDonald   18' Attendance: 1,251
Referee: Richard Martin
18 November 2014 Replay AFC Telford United (5) 2–1Basingstoke Town (6)New Bucks Head, Telford
19:45 Parry   11'
Gray   33'
Report Soares   52' Attendance: 1,006
Referee: Carl Berry
8 November 2014 Dagenham & Redbridge (4)0–0Southport (5)Victoria Road, Dagenham
15:00 Report Attendance: 1,172
Referee: Keith Hill
18 November 2014 Replay Southport (5) 2–0Dagenham & Redbridge (4)Merseyrail Community Stadium, Southport
19:45 Marsden   50'
Hattersley   58' (pen.)
Report Attendance: 1,472
Referee: Darren Drysdale
8 November 2014 Peterborough United (3) 2–1Carlisle United (4)London Road, Peterborough
15:00 Burgess   42', 90' Report Asamoah   8' Attendance: 3,168
Referee: Scott Mathieson
8 November 2014 Cheltenham Town (4) 5–0Swindon Town (3)Whaddon Road, Cheltenham
15:00 Harrison   10', 53', 84'
Gornell   36'
Richards   72'
Report Attendance: 3,470
Referee: Carl Boyeson
8 November 2014 Bromley (6)3–4 Dartford (5) Hayes Lane, Bromley
15:00 Dennis   1'
Ademola   58'
Waldren   73'
Report Harris   48'
Hayes   57'
E. Bradbrook   65'
T. Bradbrook   81'
Attendance: 4,105
Referee: Steven Rushton
8 November 2014 Barnet (5)1–3 Wycombe Wanderers (4) The Hive Stadium, Barnet
15:00 Akinde   3' Report Hayes   34' (pen.)
Pierre   59'
Wood   74'
Attendance: 2,410
Referee: Oliver Langford
8 November 2014 Gillingham (3)1–2 Bristol City (3) Priestfield Stadium, Gillingham
15:00 Kedwell   81' (pen.) Report Cunningham   40'
Emmanuel-Thomas   77'
Attendance: 2,654
Referee: Pat Miller
8 November 2014 Crewe Alexandra (3)0–0Sheffield United (3)Gresty Road, Crewe
15:00 Report Attendance: 3,222
Referee: Mick Russell
18 November 2014 Replay Sheffield United (3) 2–0Crewe Alexandra (3)Bramall Lane, Sheffield
19:45 Flynn   19', 77' Report Attendance: 5,987
Referee: Geoff Eltringham
8 November 2014 Grimsby Town (5)1–3 Oxford United (4) Blundell Park, Cleethorpes
15:00 Pearson   80' Report Roberts   35', 42'
Rose   51'
Attendance: 3,241
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
8 November 2014 Tranmere Rovers (4) 1–0Bristol Rovers (5)Prenton Park, Tranmere
15:00 Power   54' (pen) Report Attendance: 3,559
Referee: Darren England
8 November 2014 Southend United (4)1–2 Chester (5) Roots Hall, Southend
15:00 Corr   31' (pen.) Report Heneghan   5'
Mahon   51'
Attendance: 4,047
Referee: Graham Horwood
8 November 2014 Luton Town (4) 4–2Newport County (4)Kenilworth Road, Luton
15:00 Guttridge   40'
Benson   58'
Miller   77'
Howells   86'
Report Klukowski   51'
O'Connor   64'
Attendance: 3,656
Referee: Chris Sarginson
8 November 2014 Bury (4) 3–1Hemel Hempstead Town (6)Gigg Lane, Bury
15:00 Tutte   16'
Cameron   88'
Nardiello   90'
Report Potton   10' Attendance: 2,944
Referee: Andy Haines
8 November 2014 Cambridge United (4) 1–0Fleetwood Town (3)Abbey Stadium, Cambridge
15:00 Appiah   80' Report Attendance: 2,870
Referee: Gary Sutton
8 November 2014 Northampton Town (4)0–0Rochdale (3)Sixfields Stadium, Northampton
15:00 Report Attendance: 2,790
Referee: Kevin Johnson
18 November 2014 Replay Rochdale (3) 2–1Northampton Town (4)Spotland, Rochdale
19:45 Noble-Lazarus   85'
Lancashire   90+4'
Report Toney   4' Attendance: 1,717
Referee: Richard Clark
8 November 2014 Dover Athletic (5) 1–0Morecambe (4)Crabble Athletic Ground, River
15:00 Payne   45' Report Attendance: 1,609
Referee: Michael Bull
8 November 2014 Port Vale (3)3–4 Milton Keynes Dons (3) Vale Park, Burslem, Staffordshire
15:00 Williamson   11'
N'Guessan   44', 85'
Report Afobe   31', 59' (pen)
Baker   40'
Green   81'
Attendance: 4,120
Referee: Charles Breakspear
8 November 2014 Plymouth Argyle (4) 2–0AFC Fylde (6)Home Park, Plymouth
15:00 Hartley   28'
Morgan   69'
Report Attendance: 5,153
Referee: James Linington
8 November 2014 Barnsley (3) 5–0Burton Albion (4)Oakwell, Barnsley
15:00 Winnall   40', 42', 74'
Hourihane   76'
Cole   83'
Report Attendance: 5,158
Referee: David Webb
8 November 2014 Hartlepool United (4) 2–0East Thurrock United (7)Victoria Park, Hartlepool
15:00 Franks   32', 86' Report Attendance: 2,800
Referee: Ben Toner
8 November 2014 Oldham Athletic (3) 1–0Leyton Orient (3)Boundary Park, Oldham
15:00 Jones   38' Report Attendance: 3,034
Referee: Seb Stockbridge
9 November 2014 FC Halifax Town (5)1–2 Bradford City (3) The Shay, Halifax
12:00 Maynard   3' Report Stead   50'
Morais   53'
Attendance: 8,042
Referee: Andy D'Urso
9 November 2014 Coventry City (3)1–2 Worcester City (6) Ricoh Arena, Coventry
14:00 Johnson   81' Report Geddes   41' (pen.), 55' Attendance: 8,439
Referee: Ross Joyce
9 November 2014 Braintree Town (5)0–6 Chesterfield (3) Cressing Road, Braintree
14:00 Report Doyle   20', 90'
O'Shea   30'
Clucas   45'
Roberts   53'
Clerima   74' (o.g.)
Attendance: 1,206
Referee: Brendan Malone
9 November 2014 Portsmouth (4)2–2Aldershot Town (5)Fratton Park, Portsmouth
14:00 Wallace   16' (pen.)
Hollands   81'
Report Roberts   45'
Molesley   68'
Attendance: 11,095
Referee: Paul Tierney
19 November 2014 Replay Aldershot Town (5) 1–0Portsmouth (4)Electrical Services Stadium, Aldershot
19:45 Molesley   81' Report Attendance: 5,374
Referee: Stuart Attwell
9 November 2014 Wrexham (5) 3–0Woking (5)Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
14:00 Ashton   19'
York   36'
Bishop   43'
Report Attendance: 2,253
Referee: Simon Bennett
9 November 2014 Blyth Spartans (7) 4–1Altrincham (5)Croft Park, Blyth
14:00 Dale   4' (pen.), 86'
Maguire   61', 88'
Report Perry   72' Attendance: 1,763
Referee: Martin Coy
9 November 2014 Forest Green Rovers (5)0–2 Scunthorpe United (3) The New Lawn, Nailsworth
14:00 Report McSheffrey   20', 60' Attendance: 1,791
Referee: Graham Scott
9 November 2014 Gosport Borough (6)3–6 Colchester United (3) Privett Park, Gosport
14:00 Bennett   39', 53'
Wort   90+3'
Report Massey   14'
Watt   21'
Sears   26', 78'
Gilbey   45+1'
Szmodics   90+2'
Attendance: 2,013
Referee: Lee Collins
9 November 2014 Norton United (8)0–4 Gateshead (5) Norton Cricket Club & MW Institute, Stoke-on-Trent
14:00 Report Rodman   11'
Ramshaw   39', 43', 74'
Attendance: 1,762
Referee: Lee Swabey
9 November 2014 Stevenage (4)0–0Maidstone United (7)Broadhall Way, Stevenage
14:00 Report Attendance: 2,935
Referee: Brett Huxtable
20 November 2014 Replay Maidstone United (7) 2–1Stevenage (4)Gallagher Stadium, Maidstone
19:45 Collin   2', 87' Report Charles   47' Attendance: 2,226
Referee: Simon Hooper
9 November 2014 Notts County (3)0–0Accrington Stanley (4)Meadow Lane, Nottingham
15:00 Report Attendance: 3,661
Referee: Darren Bond
18 November 2014 Replay Accrington Stanley (4) 2–1Notts County (3)Crown Ground, Accrington
19:45 Joyce   45'
Carver   49'
Report Murray   12' Attendance: 1,026
Referee: Eddie Ilderton
10 November 2014 Havant & Waterlooville (6)0–3 Preston North End (3) West Leigh Park, Havant
20:00 Report Robinson   7', 30', 81' (pen.) Attendance: 2,382
Referee: Stephen Martin
18 November 2014 Weston-super-Mare (6)1–4 Doncaster Rovers (3) Woodspring Stadium, Weston-super-Mare
19:45 Monelle   90+3' Report Main   16', 36'
Coppinger   45+1'
Wellens   64'
Attendance: 2,949
Referee: Tim Robinson
18 November 2014 Mansfield Town (4)1–1Concord Rangers (6)Field Mill, Mansfield
19:45 Glozier   17' (o.g.) Report Chiedozie   18' Attendance: 2,023
Referee: Kevin Wright
25 November 2014 ReplayConcord Rangers (6)0–1 Mansfield Town (4) The Aspect Arena, Canvey Island
19:45 Report Palmer   61' Attendance: 1,537
Referee: Andy Davies

Second round proper edit

The second round draw took place on 10 November 2014 at 19:00, at the National Football Museum. A total of forty teams competed, all of which had progressed from the first round. The lowest ranked side in this round was Warrington Town, who competed at level 8 of English football. Chesterfield initially faced expulsion from the tournament after fielding an ineligible player,[9] but were required to play their second round fixture against Milton Keynes Dons again.[10]

Scunthorpe United's penalty win over Worcester City set a new competition record for most penalty kicks taken with 32.[11]

5 December 2014 Hartlepool United (4)1–2 Blyth Spartans (7) Victoria Park, Hartlepool
19:55 Franks   31' Report Turnbull   56'
Rivers   90'
Attendance: 3,735
Referee: Andrew Madley
6 December 2014 Oxford United (4)2–2Tranmere Rovers (4)Kassam Stadium, Oxford
15:00 Barnett   59', 64' Report Stockton   33'
Koumas   76'
Attendance: 4,681
Referee: Mark Haywood
16 December 2014 Replay Tranmere Rovers (4) 2–1Oxford United (4)Prenton Park, Birkenhead
19:45 Odejayi   36'
Power   76'
Report Potter   29' Attendance: 3,296
Referee: Mick Russell
6 December 2014 Bury (4)1–1Luton Town (4)Gigg Lane, Bury
15:00 Nardiello   90' Report Cullen   51' Attendance: 2,790
Referee: Nigel Miller
16 December 2014 Replay Luton Town (4) 1–0Bury (4)Kenilworth Road, Luton
19:45 Rooney   48' Report Attendance: 2,923
Referee: Oliver Langford
6 December 2014 Accrington Stanley (4)1–1Yeovil Town (3)Crown Ground, Accrington
15:00 Aldred   64' Report Clarke   30' Attendance: 1,440
Referee: Sebastian Stockbridge
16 December 2014 Replay Yeovil Town (3) 2–0Accrington Stanley (4)Huish Park, Yeovil
19:45 Gillett   84'
Moore   88'
Report Attendance: 6,373
Referee: James Linington
6 December 2014 Milton Keynes Dons (3)0–1[note 1][12] Chesterfield (3) Stadium mk, Milton Keynes
15:00 Report Gnanduillet   53' Attendance: 5,591
Referee: Keith Stroud
2 January 2015 ReplayMilton Keynes Dons (3)0–1 Chesterfield (3) Stadium mk, Milton Keynes
19:45 Report Roberts   43' Attendance: 8,040
Referee: Stephen Martin
6 December 2014 Oldham Athletic (3)0–1 Doncaster Rovers (3) Boundary Park, Oldham
15:00 Report Kusunga   86' (o.g.) Attendance: 3,242
Referee: Lee Collins
6 December 2014 Preston North End (3) 1–0Shrewsbury Town (4)Deepdale, Preston
15:00 Huntington   19' Report Attendance: 6,011
Referee: David Webb
6 December 2014 Sheffield United (3) 3–0Plymouth Argyle (4)Bramall Lane, Sheffield
15:00 Baxter   55' (pen.), 62' (pen.)
McNulty   90'
Report Attendance: 7,348
Referee: Gary Sutton
6 December 2014 Cambridge United (4)2–2Mansfield Town (4)Abbey Stadium, Cambridge
15:00 Chadwick   10'
Appiah   90'
Report Bingham   3'
Champion   81' (o.g.)
Attendance: 3,869
Referee: Darren Bond
16 December 2014 ReplayMansfield Town (4)0–1 Cambridge United (4) Field Mill, Mansfield
19:45 Report Kaikai   10' Attendance: 1,920
Referee: Carl Boyeson
6 December 2014 Wrexham (5) 3–1Maidstone United (7)Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
17:30 Smith   19'
Bishop   57' (pen.), 87'
Report Flisher   63' Attendance: 3,093
Referee: Scott Mathieson
7 December 2014 Gateshead (5) 2–0Warrington Town (8)Gateshead International Stadium, Gateshead
12:00 Pattison   8'
Wright   90+1'
Report Attendance: 2,874
Referee: James Adcock
7 December 2014 Scunthorpe United (3)1–1Worcester City (6)Glanford Park, Scunthorpe
14:00 Madden   35' Report Nti   46' Attendance: 5,606
Referee: Graham Salisbury
17 December 2014 ReplayWorcester City (6)1–1 (a.e.t.)
(13–14 p)
Scunthorpe United (3) Aggborough, Kidderminster
19:45 Geddes   69' Report Madden   45+2' Attendance: 4,339
Referee: Andy D'Urso
Penalties
Geddes  
Wright  
Deeney  
Weir  
Thomas  
Jackman  
Williams  
Dunkley  
Hutchinson  
Vaughan  
Geddes  
Wright  
Deeney  
Weir  
Thomas  
  Madden
  Williams
  Hawkridge
  Taylor
  Llera
  Sparrow
  Bishop
  Boyce
  Davey
  Slocombe
  Madden
  Williams
  Hawkridge
  Taylor
  Llera
7 December 2014 Southport (5) 2–1Eastleigh (5)Merseyrail Community Stadium, Southport
14:00 Brodie   45'
Evans   71'
Report Constable   41' Attendance: 2,169
Referee: Geoff Eltringham
7 December 2014 Barnsley (3)0–0Chester (5)Oakwell, Barnsley
14:00 Report Attendance: 7,227
Referee: Darren Handley
16 December 2014 ReplayChester (5)0–3 Barnsley (3) Deva Stadium, Chester
19:45 Report Hemmings   16'
Jennings   63', 88'
Attendance: 3,534
Referee: Keith Hill
7 December 2014 Bradford City (3) 4–1Dartford (5)Coral Windows Stadium, Bradford
14:00 Clarke   10'
Stead   31'
Morais   58'
Yeates   59'
Report Noble   64' Attendance: 5,373
Referee: Andy Woolmer
7 December 2014 Cheltenham Town (4)0–1 Dover Athletic (5) Whaddon Road, Cheltenham
14:00 Report Essam   83' Attendance: 3,552
Referee: Dean Whitestone
7 December 2014 Bristol City (3) 1–0AFC Telford United (5)Ashton Gate, Bristol
14:00 Agard   90' Report Attendance: 6,678
Referee: Jeremy Simpson
7 December 2014 Aldershot Town (5)0–0Rochdale (3)Electrical Services Stadium, Aldershot
14:00 Report Attendance: 3,143
Referee: Philip Gibbs
16 December 2014 Replay Rochdale (3) 4–1Aldershot Town (5)Spotland Stadium, Rochdale
19:45 Done   31', 81', 88'
Vincenti   75'
Report Fitchett   73' Attendance: 2,077
Referee: Mark Brown
7 December 2014 Wycombe Wanderers (4)0–1 AFC Wimbledon (4) Adams Park, High Wycombe
14:00 Report Rigg   56' Attendance: 3,196
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
7 December 2014 Colchester United (3) 1–0Peterborough United (3)Colchester Community Stadium, Colchester
16:30 Moncur   90+1' Report Attendance: 2,905
Referee: Tony Harrington

Third round proper edit

The third round draw took place on 8 December 2014 at 19:00, at The Deep in Hull, and was broadcast live on BBC Two.[13] A total of 64 teams competed, 20 of which had progressed from the second round and 44 clubs from the Premier League and Football League Championship. The lowest ranked side in this round was Blyth Spartans, who compete at level 7 of English football.

2 January 2015 Cardiff City (2) 3–1Colchester United (3)Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff
19:45 Ralls   34'
Harris   53'
Jones   60'
Report Sears   74' Attendance: 4,194
Referee: James Linington
3 January 2015 Charlton Athletic (2)1–2 Blackburn Rovers (2) The Valley, London
15:00 Guðmundsson   55' Report Taylor   4', 59' Attendance: 8,727
Referee: Keith Stroud
3 January 2015 Rochdale (3) 1–0Nottingham Forest (2)Spotland Stadium, Rochdale
15:00 Vincenti   12' (pen.) Report Attendance: 6,791
Referee: Gary Sutton
3 January 2015 West Bromwich Albion 7–0Gateshead (5)The Hawthorns, West Bromwich
15:00 Berahino   42', 46', 53', 90+2'
Anichebe   45'
Brunt   55'
Morrison   79'
Report Attendance: 16,593
Referee: Andrew Madley
3 January 2015 Blyth Spartans (7)2–3 Birmingham City (2) Croft Park, Blyth
15:00 Dale   35', 41' Report Novak   52'
Thomas   55', 58'
Attendance: 3,644
Referee: Mike Jones
3 January 2015 Rotherham United (2)1–5 AFC Bournemouth (2) New York Stadium, Rotherham
15:00 Brindley   10' Report MacDonald   44'
Stanislas   58'
Fraser   63'
Kermorgant   67', 71'
Attendance: 5,875
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
3 January 2015 Huddersfield Town (2)0–1 Reading (2) John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield
15:00 Report Blackman   69' Attendance: 7,980
Referee: Phil Gibbs
3 January 2015 Tranmere Rovers (4)2–6 Swansea City Prenton Park, Birkenhead
15:00 Power   70'
Stockton   82'
Report Dyer   34'
Carroll   49'
Barrow   58'
Gomis   77', 90+4'
Routledge   85'
Attendance: 10,007
Referee: Paul Tierney
3 January 2015 Bolton Wanderers (2) 1–0Wigan Athletic (2)Macron Stadium, Bolton
15:00 Clough   76' Report Attendance: 16,788
Referee: Phil Dowd
3 January 2015 Millwall (2)3–3Bradford City (3)The Den, London
15:00 McDonald   36'
Fuller   66', 83'
Report Knott   6', 76'
Nelson   70' (o.g.)
Attendance: 5,470
Referee: David Webb
14 January 2015 Replay Bradford City (3) 4–0Millwall (2)Coral Windows Stadium, Bradford
19:45 Hanson   8'
Stead   17'
Halliday   39'
Knott   57'
Report Attendance: 11,859
Referee: James Adcock
3 January 2015 Derby County (2) 1–0Southport (5)Pride Park Stadium, Derby
15:00 Martin   90+3' (pen.) Report Attendance: 20,201
Referee: Graham Scott
3 January 2015 Brentford (2)0–2 Brighton & Hove Albion (2) Griffin Park, London
15:00 Report Dunk   88'
O'Grady   90+3'
Attendance: 8,542
Referee: David Coote
3 January 2015 Fulham (2)0–0Wolverhampton Wanderers (2)Craven Cottage, London
15:00 Report Attendance: 11,879
Referee: Lee Probert
13 January 2015 ReplayWolverhampton Wanderers (2)3–3 (a.e.t.)
(3–5 p)
Fulham (2) Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
19:45 Edwards   71', 109'
Van La Parra   73'
Report Woodrow   27', 76'
McCormack   120+2' (pen.)
Attendance: 8,148
Referee: David Coote
Penalties
Edwards  
Doherty  
Evans  
Clarke  
  McCormack
  Woodrow
  Stafylidis
  Roberts
  Rodallega
3 January 2015 Cambridge United (4) 2–1Luton Town (4)Abbey Stadium, Cambridge
15:00 Simpson   27'
Donaldson   66'
Report Harriman   74' Attendance: 7,063
Referee: Tony Harrington
3 January 2015 Barnsley (3)0–2 Middlesbrough (2) Oakwell, Barnsley
15:00 Report Vossen   48'
Ayala   84'
Attendance: 9,473
Referee: Dean Whitestone
3 January 2015 Preston North End (3) 2–0Norwich City (2)Deepdale, Preston
15:00 Gallagher   71', 84' Report Attendance: 9,807
Referee: Stuart Attwell
3 January 2015 Doncaster Rovers (3)1–1Bristol City (3)Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster
15:00 McCullough   50' Report M. Smith   75' Attendance: 5,671
Referee: Scott Duncan
13 January 2015 Replay Bristol City (3) 2–0Doncaster Rovers (3)Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol
19:45 Emmanuel-Thomas   36', 79' Report Attendance: 6,951
Referee: Darren Bond
4 January 2015 Dover Athletic (5)0–4 Crystal Palace Crabble Athletic Ground, River
13:00 Report Dann   10', 34'
Gayle   68'
Doyle   87'
Attendance: 5,645
Referee: Andre Marriner
4 January 2015 Sunderland 1–0Leeds United (2)Stadium of Light, Sunderland
13:00 Van Aanholt   33' Report Attendance: 30,302
Referee: Mike Dean
4 January 2015 Queens Park Rangers0–3 Sheffield United (3) Loftus Road, London
13:00 Report McNulty   36'
Campbell-Ryce   49', 90+4'
Attendance: 12,972
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
4 January 2015 Aston Villa 1–0Blackpool (2)Villa Park, Birmingham
15:00 Benteke   88' Report Attendance: 21,837
Referee: Chris Foy
4 January 2015 Manchester City 2–1Sheffield Wednesday (2)Etihad Stadium, Manchester
15:00 Milner   66', 90+1' Report Nuhiu   14' Attendance: 44,309
Referee: Michael Oliver
4 January 2015 Southampton1–1Ipswich Town (2)St Mary's Stadium, Southampton
15:00 Schneiderlin   33' Report Ambrose   19' Attendance: 31,201
Referee: Martin Atkinson
14 January 2015 ReplayIpswich Town (2)0–1 Southampton Portman Road, Ipswich
19:55 Report Long   19' Attendance: 27,933
Referee: Graham Scott
4 January 2015 Stoke City 3–1Wrexham (5)Britannia Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent
15:00 Arnautović   80'
Ireland   88', 90+3'
Report Carrington   73' Attendance: 19,423
Referee: Simon Hooper
4 January 2015 Yeovil Town (3)0–2 Manchester United Huish Park, Yeovil
15:30 Report Herrera   64'
Di María   90'
Attendance: 9,264
Referee: Craig Pawson
4 January 2015 Chelsea 3–0Watford (2)Stamford Bridge, London
16:00 Willian   58'
Rémy   70'
Zouma   72'
Report Attendance: 41,010
Referee: Kevin Friend
4 January 2015 Arsenal 2–0Hull CityEmirates Stadium, London
17:30 Mertesacker   20'
Sánchez   82'
Report Attendance: 59,439
Referee: Robert Madley
5 January 2015 Burnley1–1Tottenham HotspurTurf Moor, Burnley
19:45 Vokes   73' Report Chadli   56' Attendance: 9,348
Referee: Roger East
14 January 2015 Replay Tottenham Hotspur 4–2BurnleyWhite Hart Lane, London
20:00 Paulinho   10'
Capoue   45+2'
Chiricheș   49'
Rose   52'
Report Sordell   3'
Wallace   8'
Attendance: 24,367
Referee: Craig Pawson
5 January 2015 AFC Wimbledon (4)1–2 Liverpool Kingsmeadow, Kingston upon Thames
19:55 Akinfenwa   36' Report Gerrard   12', 62' Attendance: 4,784
Referee: Jonathan Moss
6 January 2015 Everton1–1West Ham UnitedGoodison Park, Liverpool
19:45 Lukaku   90+1' Report Collins   56' Attendance: 22,236
Referee: Anthony Taylor
6 January 2015 Scunthorpe United (3)2–2Chesterfield (3)Glanford Park, Scunthorpe
19:45 Davey   18'
Taylor   44'
Report Doyle   71' (pen.)
O'Shea   85'
Attendance: 4,307
Referee: Mark Haywood
13 January 2015 Replay Chesterfield (3) 2–0 (a.e.t.)Scunthorpe United (3)Proact Stadium, Chesterfield
19:45 Clucas   105', 116' Report Attendance: 6,815
Referee: Keith Hill

Fourth round proper edit

The fourth round draw took place on 5 January 2015 at 19:30, in the clubhouse of AFC Wimbledon at Kingsmeadow, Kingston upon Thames, and was broadcast live on BBC One.[14][15][16] In the draw the title holders Arsenal drew a trip to Brighton against Brighton & Hove Albion while the lowest ranked side in this round, Cambridge United (who compete at level 4 of English football) drew Premier League club Manchester United.[17] A total of 32 teams competed, all of which had progressed from the third round.

3 February 2015 Replay Manchester United 3–0Cambridge United (4)Old Trafford, Manchester
19:45 Mata   25'
Rojo   32'
Wilson   73'
Report Attendance: 74,511
Referee: Jonathan Moss
24 January 2015 Blackburn Rovers (2) 3–1Swansea CityEwood Park, Blackburn
12:45 Taylor   23'
Gestede   78'
Conway   89'
Report Sigurðsson   21' Attendance: 5,928
Referee: Craig Pawson
24 January 2015 Southampton2–3 Crystal Palace St Mary's Stadium, Southampton
15:00 Pellè   9'
Dann   16' (o.g.)
Report Chamakh   11', 39'
Sanogo   21'
Attendance: 31,320
Referee: Jonathan Moss
24 January 2015 Chelsea2–4 Bradford City (3) Stamford Bridge, London
15:00 Cahill   21'
Ramires   38'
Report Stead   41'
Morais   75'
Halliday   82'
Yeates   90+4'
Attendance: 41,014
Referee: Andre Marriner
24 January 2015 Derby County (2) 2–0Chesterfield (3)iPro Stadium, Derby
15:00 Bent   20'
Hughes   82'
Report Attendance: 28,392
Referee: David Webb
24 January 2015 Preston North End (3)1–1Sheffield United (3)Deepdale, Preston
15:00 Gallagher   19' Report De Girolamo   68' Attendance: 10,770
Referee: Keith Stroud
3 February 2015 ReplaySheffield United (3)1–3 Preston North End (3) Bramall Lane, Sheffield
19:45 Murphy   38' Report Gallagher   63', 73' (pen.)
Huntington   69'
Attendance: 13,161
Referee: Lee Probert
24 January 2015 Birmingham City (2)1–2 West Bromwich Albion St Andrew's, Birmingham
15:00 Grounds   45+1' Report Anichebe   25', 35' Attendance: 28,438
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
24 January 2015 Cardiff City (2)1–2 Reading (2) Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff
15:00 Jones   25' Report Norwood   64'
Robson-Kanu   88'
Attendance: 11,750
Referee: Lee Probert
24 January 2015 Tottenham Hotspur1–2 Leicester City White Hart Lane, London
15:00 Townsend   19' (pen.) Report Ulloa   83'
Schlupp   90+2'
Attendance: 35,548
Referee: Robert Madley
24 January 2015 Sunderland0–0Fulham (2)Stadium of Light, Sunderland
15:00 Report Attendance: 22,961
Referee: Anthony Taylor
3 February 2015 ReplayFulham (2)1–3 Sunderland Craven Cottage, London
19:45 Rodallega   28' Report Bettinelli   61' (o.g.)
Álvarez   75'
Gómez   90+3' (pen.)
Attendance: 14,777
Referee: Paul Tierney
24 January 2015 Manchester City0–2 Middlesbrough (2) Etihad Stadium, Manchester
15:00 Report Bamford   53'
Kike   90+3'
Attendance: 44,836
Referee: Phil Dowd
24 January 2015 Liverpool0–0Bolton Wanderers (2)Anfield, Liverpool
17:30 Report Attendance: 43,847
Referee: Kevin Friend
4 February 2015 ReplayBolton Wanderers (2)1–2 Liverpool Macron Stadium, Bolton
19:45 Guðjohnsen   59' (pen.) Report Sterling   86'
Coutinho   90'
Attendance: 22,171
Referee: Roger East
25 January 2015 Bristol City (3)0–1 [note 2] West Ham United Ashton Gate, Bristol
14:00 Report Sakho   81' Attendance: 12,682
Referee: Lee Mason
25 January 2015 Aston Villa 2–1AFC Bournemouth (2)Villa Park, Birmingham
15:00 Gil   51'
Weimann   71'
Report Wilson   90+3' Attendance: 27,415
Referee: Mike Dean
25 January 2015 Brighton & Hove Albion (2)2–3 Arsenal Falmer Stadium, Brighton
16:00 O'Grady   50'
Baldock   75'
Report Walcott   2'
Özil   24'
Rosický   59'
Attendance: 30,278
Referee: Michael Oliver
26 January 2015 Rochdale (3)1–4 Stoke City Spotland Stadium, Rochdale
20:00 Bennett   78' Report Krkić   4'
Ireland   52'
Moses   61'
Walters   90+3'
Attendance: 7,443
Referee: Martin Atkinson

Fifth round proper edit

The fifth round draw took place on 26 January 2015 at 19:20 on The One Show, which was broadcast live on BBC One, and the matches took place between 14 and 16 February 2015.[19] In the draw, title holders Arsenal drew Middlesbrough (who eliminated Manchester City in fourth round) and Bradford City (who eliminated Chelsea in fourth round) were rewarded a home tie against Sunderland.[20] The lowest ranked sides in this round were Bradford City and Preston North End (who competed at level 3 of English football)

14 February 2015 Blackburn Rovers (2) 4–1Stoke CityEwood Park, Blackburn
15:00 King   36', 50', 55'
Gestede   45+7' (pen.)
Report Crouch   10' Attendance: 13,934
Referee: Anthony Taylor
14 February 2015 Derby County (2)1–2 Reading (2) iPro Stadium, Derby
15:00 Bent   61' Report Robson-Kanu   53'
Yakubu   82'
Attendance: 21,337
Referee: Craig Pawson
14 February 2015 Crystal Palace1–2 Liverpool Selhurst Park, London
17:30 Campbell   15' Report Sturridge   49'
Lallana   58'
Attendance: 20,391
Referee: Robert Madley
15 February 2015 Aston Villa 2–1Leicester CityVilla Park, Birmingham
12:30 Bacuna   68'
Sinclair   89'
Report Kramarić   90+1' Attendance: 28,098
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
15 February 2015 Bradford City (3) 2–0SunderlandCoral Windows Stadium, Bradford
14:30 O'Shea   3' (o.g.)
Stead   61'
Report Attendance: 24,021
Referee: Kevin Friend
15 February 2015 Arsenal 2–0Middlesbrough (2)Emirates Stadium, London
16:00 Giroud   27', 29' Report Attendance: 59,823
Referee: Mike Dean
16 February 2015 Preston North End (3)1–3 Manchester United Deepdale, Preston
19:45 Laird   47' Report Herrera   65'
Fellaini   72'
Rooney   88' (pen.)
Attendance: 21,348
Referee: Phil Dowd

Sixth round proper edit

The sixth round draw took place on 16 February 2015 at 19:35 on BBC One,[21] and the regular matches were played between 7 and 9 March. The lowest ranked side in this round were Bradford City (who competed at level 3 of English football).[22]

7 March 2015 Bradford City (3)0–0Reading (2)Coral Windows Stadium, Bradford
12:45 GMT Report Attendance: 24,321
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
16 March 2015 Replay Reading (2) 3–0Bradford City (3)Madejski Stadium, Reading
19:45 GMT Robson-Kanu   6'
McCleary   9'
Mackie   68'
Report Attendance: 22,908
Referee: Mike Jones
8 March 2015 Liverpool0–0Blackburn Rovers (2)Anfield, Liverpool
16:00 GMT Report Attendance: 43,820
Referee: Andre Marriner
8 April 2015 ReplayBlackburn Rovers (2)0–1 Liverpool Ewood Park, Blackburn
19:45 BST Report Coutinho   70' Attendance: 28,415
Referee: Kevin Friend
9 March 2015 Manchester United1–2 Arsenal Old Trafford, Manchester
19:45 GMT Rooney   29' Report Monreal   25'
Welbeck   61'
Attendance: 74,285
Referee: Michael Oliver

Semi-finals edit

The semi-final draw took place on 9 March 2015 at approximately 21:45, at Old Trafford, Manchester, and was broadcast on BBC One after the match between Manchester United and Arsenal.[23] In the draw, title holders Arsenal drew Reading, while Aston Villa drew Liverpool.[24] The matches were played at Wembley Stadium on 18 and 19 April 2015.[25] The lowest ranked side in this round were Reading (who competed at level 2 of English football).[26]

Reading (2)1–2 (a.e.t.)Arsenal
McCleary   54' Report Sánchez   40', 105+1'
Attendance: 84,081

Aston Villa2–1Liverpool
Benteke   36'
Delph   54'
Report Coutinho   30'
Attendance: 85,416

Final edit

Arsenal4–0Aston Villa
Walcott   40'
Sánchez   50'
Mertesacker   62'
Giroud   90+3'
Report, positions,
nationalities
Attendance: 89,283

Top scorers edit

Rank Player Club Goals[28]
1   Saido Berahino West Bromwich Albion 5
  Paul Gallagher Preston North End
  Jon Stead Bradford City
4   Robert Dale Blyth Spartans 4
  Alexis Sánchez Arsenal
6 22 players 3

Broadcasting rights edit

The domestic broadcasting rights for the competition were held by the BBC and subscription channel BT Sport. The BBC regained the rights from ITV after six years, while BT Sport extended its existing deal carried over from obtaining ESPN's rights in February 2013.[29] The FA Cup Final had to be broadcast live on UK terrestrial television under the Ofcom code of protected sporting events.[30]

These matches were broadcast live on UK television:

Round BT Sport BBC
First round proper[31][32] FC Halifax Town v Bradford City
Havant & Waterlooville v Preston North End
Aldershot Town v Portsmouth (Replay)
Maidstone United v Stevenage (Replay)
Warrington Town v Exeter City
Second round proper[33][34] Gateshead v Warrington Town
Colchester United v Peterborough United
Chester v Barnsley (Replay)
Worcester City v Scunthorpe United (Replay)
Hartlepool United v Blyth Spartans
Wrexham[35] v Maidstone United (BBC Wales)
Third round proper[36] Dover Athletic v Crystal Palace
Yeovil Town v Manchester United
Everton v West Ham United
West Ham United v Everton (Replay)
Arsenal v Hull City
AFC Wimbledon v Liverpool
Cardiff City v Colchester United[37] (BBC Wales)
Ipswich Town v Southampton (Replay)
Fourth round proper[38] Liverpool v Bolton Wanderers
Brighton and Hove Albion v Arsenal
Rochdale v Stoke City
Manchester United v Cambridge United (Replay)

Cambridge United v Manchester United
Blackburn Rovers v Swansea City (BBC Wales)
Bristol City v West Ham United
Bolton Wanderers v Liverpool (Replay)[39]

Fifth round proper[40] West Bromwich Albion v West Ham United
Crystal Palace v Liverpool
Arsenal v Middlesbrough

Aston Villa v Leicester City
Preston North End v Manchester United

Sixth round proper[41] Bradford City v Reading
Liverpool v Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers v Liverpool (Replay)[42]
Aston Villa v West Bromwich Albion
Manchester United v Arsenal
Reading v Bradford City (Replay)[43]
Semi-finals[44] Aston Villa v Liverpool[45] Reading v Arsenal[46]
Final Arsenal v Aston Villa

Welsh language channel S4C broadcast the first round proper match between Wrexham and Woking. This was the only FA Cup match of the season that S4C broadcast.[47]

International broadcasters edit

Country Broadcaster
  Albania Tring Sport
  Belgium Sporting Telenet
  Brazil ESPN Brasil
  Canada Sportsnet World
  Denmark SBS Discovery Channel (Kanal 5, 6'eren, 7'eren)
  France beIN Sport
  India Star Sports
  Italy Fox Sports
  Nepal Star Sports
  Netherlands Fox Sports
  Norway TV2
  Sweden TV10
  United States Fox Sports
  Latvia Viasat sport Baltic

Notes edit

  1. ^ On 15 December, the Football Association ordered that the match be replayed, due to Chesterfield fielding an ineligible player.
  2. ^ West Ham were fined £71,000 for fielding Diafra Sakho after he had been withdrawn from the Senegal squad for the 2015 African Cup of Nations. However, they were allowed to remain in the competition.[18]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Rules of the FA Challenge Cup Competition". The FA. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  2. ^ "History of The FA Cup". The FA. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  3. ^ Gibson, Owen (17 July 2013). "BBC and BT Sport to share FA Cup TV rights". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  4. ^ a b "3G pitches allowed in all rounds of FA Cup from 2014–15". BBC. 24 March 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  5. ^ "Arsenal 3 Hull City 2". BBC. 17 May 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  6. ^ "FA Cup Final as it happened". Guardian. 30 May 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2015.
  7. ^ "FA Cup: Greg Dyke says semi-finals will stay at Wembley". BBC. 13 April 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  8. ^ "Strategic talks in Dubrovnik". UEFA. 20 September 2013.
  9. ^ "FA Cup: Chesterfield face expulsion over ineligible player". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  10. ^ "Chesterfield ordered to replay FA Cup tie". FourFourTwo. 15 December 2014.
  11. ^ Scott, Ged (18 December 2014). "Worcester City 1–1 Scunthorpe United (13–14 on penalties)". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  12. ^ "MK Dons v Chesterfield FA Cup tie to be replayed". BBC Sport. 15 December 2014. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  13. ^ "Deep anticipation as Hull City hosts third round draw of the FA Cup". The Yorkshire Post. 30 November 2014. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
  14. ^ "Get 2015 off to a flyer as The FA Cup hits BBC and BT Sport". The FA. 4 January 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  15. ^ "When is the FA Cup fourth round draw? And what third round ties are on TV?". The Independent. 2 January 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  16. ^ "Derby County: FA Cup fourth round draw to be made on Monday evening". Derby Telegraph. 4 January 2015. Archived from the original on 4 January 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  17. ^ "FA Cup: Man Utd drawn against Cambridge Utd in fourth round". BBC Sport. 5 January 2015. Retrieved 5 January 2015.
  18. ^ "Diafra Sakho: West Ham fined £71,000 by Fifa for rule breach". BBC Sport. 4 February 2015. Retrieved 4 February 2015.
  19. ^ "Fifth round proper draw details". The Football Association. 24 January 2015. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
  20. ^ "FA Cup draw: Arsenal will play Middlesbrough in fifth round". BBC Sport. 26 January 2015. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  21. ^ "England boss Roy Hodgson to make FA Cup sixth round draw". The FA. 13 February 2015. Retrieved 13 February 2015.
  22. ^ "Holders Arsenal to face Manchester United in last eight". BBC Sport. 16 February 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  23. ^ "FA Cup Semi-Final draw set for Old Trafford on Monday". The FA. 7 March 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2015.
  24. ^ "FA Cup draw: Arsenal land Bradford or Reading in semis". BBC Sport. 9 March 2015. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  25. ^ "The Football Association Fixture List – Season 2014–2015". The FA. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  26. ^ "FA Cup draw: Arsenal to play Reading in semi-finals". BBC. 16 March 2015. Retrieved 9 April 2015.
  27. ^ Callow, James (21 April 2015). "Jon Moss will referee the 2015 FA Cup Final at Wembley". The Football Association. Retrieved 21 April 2015.
  28. ^ "2014/2015 FA Cup Top Scorers". World Football. Retrieved 21 February 2016.
  29. ^ "BT Sport wins joint FA Cup rights". BT Group. 17 July 2013.
  30. ^ "Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events" (PDF). Ofcom.
  31. ^ "The FA Cup on TV". The FA.
  32. ^ "BT Sport to show live coverage of FA Cup replays". The FA.
  33. ^ "FA Cup second round proper television ties confirmed". The FA.
  34. ^ "Chester and Worcester FA Cup replays to be televised". The FA.
  35. ^ "Reds go live again". Wrexham FC. 13 November 2014. Archived from the original on 16 November 2014. Retrieved 13 November 2014.
  36. ^ "AFC Wimbledon v Liverpool FA Cup third round tie to be shown live". The Guardian. 12 December 2014. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  37. ^ "FA Cup: Cardiff City v Colchester United live on BBC Wales". BBC Sport. 15 December 2014. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  38. ^ "The FA Cup fourth round television ties announced". The FA. 7 January 2015. Retrieved 7 January 2015.
  39. ^ "FA Cup: BBC to show Bolton Wanderers v Liverpool". BBC Sport. 26 January 2015. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  40. ^ "The FA Cup fifth round television ties announced". The FA. 28 January 2015. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
  41. ^ "FA Cup sixth-round match dates and kick-offs confirmed". The FA. 18 February 2015. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  42. ^ "Live football on BT Sport". BT Sport. 17 March 2015. Retrieved 17 March 2015.
  43. ^ "FA Cup: BBC to show Reading-Bradford replay". BBC Sport. 10 March 2015. Retrieved 10 March 2015.
  44. ^ "FA Cup semi-final times confirmed for Wembley". The FA. 19 March 2015. Retrieved 19 March 2015.
  45. ^ "Live football on BT Sport". BT Sport. 17 March 2015. Retrieved 19 March 2015.
  46. ^ "FA Cup: BBC to show semi-final between Reading and Arsenal". BBC Sport. 19 March 2015. Retrieved 19 March 2015.
  47. ^ "'Dydd Sul disglair' ar S4C wrth i Clwb ddarlledu gêm gwpan FA Wrecsam v Woking yn fyw" (Press release) (in Welsh). S4C. 31 October 2014. Retrieved 7 November 2013.