The
2012–13 Northern Premier League Challenge Cup (billed as the
2012–13 Doodson Sports Cup for sponsorship reasons) is the 43rd season of the
Northern Premier League Challenge Cup, the cup competition of the
Northern Premier League.
Calendar Preliminary round In the preliminary round, eight teams from the lower regional divisions have been drawn together.
First round The four clubs which make it through the preliminary round enter into the draw with the rest of the teams from the two Division One leagues which weren't drawn into the preliminary round.
Second round The 20 clubs which make it through the first round enter into the draw.
Third round Teams from the Northern Premier League Premier Division entered at this stage, along with the 10 winners from the second round. The draw for the third round was made on 19 December 2012.
Fourth round The draw for the fourth round took place on 10 January 2013, with the 16 clubs that made it through the third round. Source:
Quarter-finals The eight clubs to have made it through the fourth round were entered into the quarter-finals draw, which took place on 19 February 2013.
Cammell Laird,
Farsley, and
Curzon Ashton from the NPL Division One North and
Northwich Victoria from the NPL Division One South remain as the lowest-placed teams still in the Cup. Source:
Witton Albion was removed from the semi-finals due to fielding an ineligible player on 19 February 2013 against
F.C. United of Manchester since the player had already represented
Curzon Ashton in a previous round on 27 November 2012. Curzon Ashton was reinstated to play Matlock Town in place of Witton Albion in the semi-finals. Source:
Final The
Challenge Cup Final was played at the
Throstle Nest, the home ground of
Farsley F.C. This was the second consecutive Challenge Cup Final for
North Ferriby United and
Curzon Ashton's first Finals appearance. After a 1–1 draw,
North Ferriby United went on to win the penalty shoot-out and secure their second Challenge Cup in a row while also being the third team ever to retain the Cup. ==Peter Swales Shield==