With the rise of the professionals and the popularity of the Football League, amateur teams drifted out of the limelight. In order to revitalize the amateur game Sheffield FC proposed a knockout tournament for amateur teams affiliated to the FA. The FA rejected the suggestion but the following year came up with their own plan- a knockout tournament for amateur teams affiliated to the FA!
So, the Football Association Amateur Cup was contested for the first time in the 1893–94 season.
1894
The first Final was won by Old Carthusians, previous winners of the FA Cup. In the final at
Richmond Athletic Ground they beat Casuals, 2-1.
The 1895 final was played at The Headingley Ground, Leeds. Old Carthusians reached the final again, but the tide of change saw them lose to a team from the industrial North East, Middlesbrough. Boro had turned professional in 1889, but reverted to amateur status in 1892, turning professional permanently in 1899. They completed the a double in winning the Amateur Cup as they were also Northern League champions in this season.
- Boro
1896
Another triumph for the North East as Bishop Auckland beat Royal Artillery Portsmouth 1-0at Leicester. Bishop Auckland of the Northern League went on to be the most successful team in FA Amateur Cup history with 10 wins.
- 1897Tufnell Park before Old Carthusians took the replay at Darlington's Feethams Road by 4-1.A north v south final. Old Carthusians and Stockton drew 1-1 at London's
1898
Another north south clash at FA Cup final venue Crystal Palace, London, saw Middlesbrough beat Uxbridge of Middlesex 2-0 to win the Cup for a second time.
1899
The final was played at Middlesbrough's Linthorpe Road ground.Stockton lifted the Cup, beating Harwich & Parkeston of Essex 1-0.
1900
A second success for Bishop Auckland, 5-1 winners over Lowestoft Town at Leicester.
