1980–81 FA Cup Third round proper Third round proper

| Tie_no | Home_team | Score | Away_team | Date_ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Leeds United | 1–1 | Coventry City | 3 January 1981 |
| Replay | Coventry City | 1–0 | Leeds United | 6 January 1981 |
| 27 | Stoke City | 2–2 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 3 January 1981 |
| Replay | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 2–1 | Stoke City | 6 January 1981 |
| 28 | Peterborough United | 1–1 | Chesterfield | 3 January 1981 |
| Replay | Chesterfield | 1–2 | Peterborough United | 6 January 1981 |
| 29 | Colchester United | 0–1 | Watford | 3 January 1981 |
| 30 | Birmingham City | 1–1 | Sunderland | 3 January 1981 |
| Replay | Sunderland | 1–2 | Birmingham City | 7 January 1981 |
| 31 | Orient | 1–3 | Luton Town | 3 January 1981 |
| 32 | Swansea City | 0–5 | Middlesbrough | 3 January 1981 |