FA Challenge Cup 1996-97 sponsored by Littlewoods

Exemptions

The structure of the FA Cup allows for some clubs to be exempt from the earlier rounds of the competition. The previous season's FA Challenge Trophy finalists and the two semi-professional clubs with the best records in recent competitions are exempt until the First Round of the competition proper. The 20 semi-professional clubs with the next best records are exempt until the last (4th) Qualifying Round. The 92 Premiership and Nationwide League clubs are automatically exempt to the competition proper. The Division Two and Three clubs participate from the First Round whilst the Premiership and Division One clubs do not enter the competition until the Third Round.

20 Clubs exempt to the 4th Qualifying Round

Altrincham, Ashford Town, Barrow, Blyth Spartans, Bognor Regis Town, Bromsgrove Rovers, Cinderford Town, Colwyn Bay, Gravesend & Northfleet, Hitchin Town, Kidderminster Harriers, Kingstonian, Newport (IOW), Nuneaton Borough, Runcorn, Slough Town, Spennymoor United, Sutton United, Telford United, Witton Albion

52 Clubs exempt to the First Round

Enfield, Macclesfield Town, Northwich Victoria, Woking, all Nationwide League Division Two and Three clubs

44 Clubs exempt to the Third Round

All FA Carling Premiership and Nationwide League Division One clubs

FA Cup 96-97 | Preliminary Round

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