Heathcote had left by the time Altrincham pulled off their greatest cup exploit – knocking out first division Birmingham City at St Andrews in 1986 in what remains one of the competition’s biggest shocks. They became only the second of four non-league teams to beat top-flight opposition away from home.
Forty years on, current manager Neil Gibson is all too aware of the tradition that he now hopes to continue in front of a live BBC TV audience, and a bumper Moss Lane crowd.
Having joined last year to help the club avoid relegation, the Welshman has overseen an impressive start to the current National League campaign, with Altrincham looking like play-off contenders. The dream of a first ever promotion to the EFL is the priority. But Gibson is desperate to build on the progress he has led against Notts County.
“It would mean a lot. It’s the spirit and essence of this club,” he says. “We have a real opportunity. They are a very good team, but it’s a game where we feel that we can go and etch our own memories. All the fans remember those cup moments from the past and we want to try and replicate that.”
Situated just a few miles from Old Trafford, and in an area of Greater Manchester dominated by fans of United and City, Altrincham has to work hard to maintain its supporter base. But this is a rare moment in the national spotlight for a community club that only turned professional four years ago.
“A lot of our players are good enough to play at a higher level, and it’s a chance to showcase themselves and test ourselves against a club that three years ago were in the same league as us,” says Gibson, whose squad includes five players that have previously appeared for Notts County.
Gibson has real cup pedigree of his own to draw upon, including against Saturday’s opponents. 24 years ago, he played for Conference club Southport as they produced a memorable FA Cup upset over Notts County. He also won the Welsh Cup three times, including twice as a manager.
“Cups have always been very special to me,” he says. “We’re really excited about it and we’re going to give it absolutely everything. But you only remember these days if you come out on the right side of the result.”
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