Altrincham seek another giant-killing against Notts County

Altrincham's cup pedigree

Altrincham, currently seventh in the National League, have defeated 17 Football League opponents in the FA Cup, more than any other non-league club in history.

Graham Heathcote's era

Graham Heathcote played 500 appearances for Altrincham in the 1970s and 1980s.The midfielder scored 100 goals and helped the part-time side reach the FA Cup third round in four consecutive seasons between 1978 and 1982.

Heathcote's belief in the team

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

“I honestly believe that we were the best non-league team ever.”

Memorable third-round draws

Heathcote helped Altrincham draw with first division Everton at Goodison Park in 1975 and with Spurs at White Hart Lane in 1979.He scored a penalty against Liverpool at Anfield in the third round in 1981.

The secret to cup success

Heathcote said: "We had this determination, and we became feared at that time. You reach your level in football, but on a one-off occasion you'd be astonished at where you can raise your game to."

“We had this determination, and we became feared at that time.”

Birmingham City shock in 1986

Altrincham knocked out first division Birmingham City at St Andrews in 1986, 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.

Neil Gibson's ambitions

Manager Neil Gibson joined Altrincham last year to help avoid relegation.He has overseen an impressive National League campaign with the club looking like play-off contenders.He says: "We have a real opportunity.

“We have a real opportunity. They are a very good team.”

Gibson's cup pedigree

Gibson has significant cup experience.Twenty-four years ago, he played for Conference club Southport as they upset Notts County in the FA Cup.

Sam Heathcote's Crystal Palace upset

Graham Heathcote's son Sam also played for Altrincham before joining Macclesfield. This year, Sam helped Macclesfield stun then-holders Crystal Palace, producing what the article calls the greatest shock in FA Cup history, with a staggering…

Sam's earlier Altrincham upset

Sam Heathcote helped Altrincham beat League One Barnsley in 2015, the club's most recent cup upset before Saturday's match against Notts County.

Saturday's match details

Altrincham play Notts County in the FA Cup first round on Saturday, November 7 at 17:30 GMT at Moss Lane. The match will be broadcast live on BBC Two and iPlayer from 17:15 BST.

Heathcote's message to the team

Graham Heathcote said: "I'd love to see them get to the third round, so the current generation of Altrincham fans can feel what it's all about.These players have that chance to create such a legacy.

“Don't just dream about it. Make it happen.”