Altrincham seek 18th Football League scalp against Notts County

Altrincham are aiming to add Notts County to their record tally of Football League victims when the sides meet in the FA Cup first round on Saturday, with former player Graham Heathcote urging the National League club to draw confidence from its history of upsets.

Altrincham have beaten 17 Football League teams in the competition — more than any club that has spent its entire existence outside the league. Notts County, who play in League One, would be their 18th scalp.

“I honestly believe that we were the best non-league team ever,” Heathcote told BBC Sport. “Look at that history — it should give the players the confidence that anything is possible.”

Heathcote made more than 500 appearances during Altrincham’s celebrated 1970s and 1980s era. The part-time side reached the FA Cup third round in four successive seasons from 1978 to 1982, and Heathcote scored a penalty at Anfield against Liverpool in 1981.

The club’s most famous triumph came in 1986, when Altrincham knocked out First Division Birmingham City away from home. Their most recent cup upset was a win over League One Barnsley in 2015.

A chance to make new memories

Manager Neil Gibson says the club’s cup tradition is part of its identity. Altrincham are seventh in the National League after a strong start to the season, and promotion to the English Football League remains the priority. But Gibson says his side believe they can challenge Notts County, who are two divisions above them.

“We have a real opportunity,” he said. “They are a very good team, but it’s a game where we feel that we can go and etch our own memories.”

Gibson joined last year as Altrincham sought to avoid relegation. Five players in his squad have previously appeared for Notts County, and the manager has his own cup history: as a Southport player, he helped beat County in an FA Cup upset 24 years ago.

The match will be played at Altrincham’s Moss Lane on Saturday at 17:30 GMT, with live coverage on BBC Two and iPlayer from 17:15.

Heathcote’s family has another cup tie to follow: his son Sam is due to play for Macclesfield against Mansfield. Sam helped Altrincham beat Barnsley in 2015 and was part of the Macclesfield side that stunned Crystal Palace this year, a result BBC Sport described as the greatest shock in FA Cup history.