Non-league outfit Altrincham are seeking to write another chapter in their remarkable FA Cup story as they host League One side Notts County in the first round. Situated two divisions below their opponents, the National League side currently sit seventh in the table and enter the fixture boasting an unmatched cup pedigree. Throughout their history, Altrincham have eliminated 17 Football League clubs—more than any other team to spend their entire existence outside the League.
Club legend Graham Heathcote, who made more than 500 appearances during the club's 1970s and 1980s golden era, believes that rich history should inspire the current squad. Working as a Salford docks office worker at the time, the 100-goal midfielder helped a part-time Altrincham reach the third round in four straight seasons between 1978 and 1982. That run included draws against first-division opponents Everton in 1975 and Tottenham in 1979, as well as Heathcote converting a penalty at Anfield against Liverpool in 1981.
Current manager Neil Gibson is eager to uphold that heritage in front of a live BBC television audience and a bumper Moss Lane crowd. Gibson, who arrived last year to steer the club clear of relegation, carries his own cup pedigree, having featured in Southport's upset over Notts County 24 years ago and reached the League Cup final with Tranmere in 2000. His squad also features five players who previously turned out for Notts County, providing extra motivation against an opponent that was in the same division just three years ago.
The Heathcote legacy endures as well through Graham's son Sam, who aided Altrincham's 2015 scalp of Barnsley before starring in Macclesfield's shock defeat of holders Crystal Palace this year. While reaching the EFL remains the main priority for a club that turned professional four years ago, Gibson's men have a prime opportunity to make Notts County their 18th league victim and reaffirm their status as the competition's ultimate giant-killers.
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