Altrincham, a club with a storied history of FA Cup upsets, is gearing up for another potential giant-killing as they face League One side Notts County in the first round. With a legacy of defeating 17 Football League opponents, the National League outfit hopes to add another memorable chapter to their rich cup tradition.

A Proud History

Graham Heathcote, a club legend with over 500 appearances, epitomizes Altrincham's FA Cup spirit. During the 1970s and 1980s, the club reached the third round four consecutive times, holding their own against top-flight giants like Everton, Tottenham, and Liverpool. Heathcote, who scored a penalty at Anfield in 1981, believes that history can inspire the current squad.

"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."

Altrincham's cup exploits are unmatched among clubs that have spent their entire existence in non-league football. Their most famous victory came in 1986 when they knocked out First Division Birmingham City at St Andrews, becoming only the second non-league team to beat top-flight opposition away from home.

The Current Challenge

Now, under manager Neil Gibson, Altrincham sits seventh in the National League and is eyeing a play-off push. But the FA Cup offers a chance to create new memories. Gibson, who joined last year, is well aware of the club's cup heritage and is eager to build on it.

"It would mean a lot. It's the spirit and essence of this club," Gibson said. "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."

Gibson has his own cup pedigree, having played for Southport when they upset Notts County 24 years ago. He also won the Welsh Cup three times as a player and twice as a manager. "Cups have always been very special to me," he added. "We're really excited about it and we're going to give it absolutely everything."

A Family Affair

The Heathcote name is synonymous with Altrincham's cup successes. Graham's son, Sam, followed in his father's footsteps by playing for the club and helped them beat Barnsley in 2015. This year, Sam was part of the Macclesfield Town side that pulled off the greatest FA Cup shock in history by defeating holders Crystal Palace, a team 117 places above them.

"That far exceeded anything I've done," Graham said. "I never won in the third round. It's just one of those things!"

Graham will be at Mansfield on Saturday to watch Sam, a teacher in Altrincham, attempt another upset. But his heart will also be at Moss Lane, where he hopes his former club can progress. "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," he said. "51 years ago I played at Everton and people still speak about it now. These players have that chance to create such a legacy. Don't just dream about it. Make it happen."

Altrincham's challenge now is to make Notts County their 18th league scalp and reaffirm their status as English football's ultimate giant-killers.