Nov 11, 1871: the FA Cup kicks off with seven ties—Barnes beat Civil Service; Clapham Rovers’ Jarvis Kenrick scores the Cup’s first ever goal; Maidenhead top Marlow; Palace–Hitchin finishes 0–0 (and both go through); Queen’s Park–Donington not played; Wanderers and Royal Engineers advance by walkover. We set the scene, celebrate the founders, and trace how this amateur trophy became a national ritual.

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