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Non-league’s greatest giant-killers eye another scalp
Altrincham are aiming to add another FA Cup upset to a history that has helped define the club, as they prepare to face League One Notts County. Former midfielder Graham Heathcote says the team’s past achievements should give today’s players confidence, while manager Neil Gibson sees the tie as a chance to create memories of their own.
Altrincham have beaten 17 Football League sides in the FA Cup, more than any other club that has always played outside the league. Their part-time team reached the third round in four successive seasons from 1978 to 1982, and in 1986 they beat top-flight Birmingham City away. The club also twice won the Alliance Premier League but missed out on election to the Football League by one vote in 1980; they are now seventh in the National League, with promotion to the EFL their main ambition.
In short
- Altrincham face League One Notts County in the FA Cup.
- The club have beaten 17 Football League opponents in the competition.
- Their 1986 win over Birmingham City remains a landmark upset.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
An FA Cup run can give Altrincham’s players and supporters a rare shared moment, honour the club’s history and bring attention and revenue to a non-league side. Their record against league opponents gives the team reason to believe they can challenge Notts County, while a strong cup performance could build confidence for the promotion campaign.
The case against
The cup tie is a valuable occasion, but Altrincham’s main aim is promotion, which depends on consistent results across the season. Preparing for and playing a high-profile match can distract from that work or bring injury and fatigue, and past giant-killings do not guarantee success against a League One side today.
Explained simply
Altrincham are a football club from Greater Manchester who play in the National League, the top tier of English football outside the professional league system. The FA Cup brings clubs from across the divisions together, giving lower-ranked teams the chance to face opponents from higher divisions.
Altrincham have a long record of cup wins against Football League clubs, including Birmingham City, who were in the top flight when they lost to Altrincham in 1986. The club also won the Alliance Premier League twice, but in 1980 missed election to the Football League by one vote.
Notts County play in League One, three divisions above the National League. Altrincham’s history and current aim of reaching the English Football League help explain why cup ties against league opposition matter to the club and its supporters.