The 1881 FA Cup final was contested by Old Carthusians and Old Etonians at the Kennington Oval. Old Carthusians won 3–0, the goals scored by Edward Wynyard, Edward Hagarty Parry, and Alexander Tod.

Summary

The final was played at the Kennington Oval on 9 April 1881; this was the Old Carthusians first appearance in the final and the Old Etonians, on their fourth appearance, were expected to win comfortably. In the event, the Old Carthusians won convincingly. The Carthusians were eventually bailed by the winners... the game from first to last was of a very fast character. The winning team was in first-rate condition, and each member seemed to thoroughly understand the other's play. This all the more creditable, as although plenty of good players yearly leave Charterhouse, the Old Carthusians is a club of comparatively recent growth.

Match details