Altrincham and Notts County played out a remarkable 2-2 draw in the FA Cup first round on Saturday, a result that forces a replay. The tie exploded into life in extra time with seven penalties scored in a frantic six-minute spell.
Jacob Bedeau gave the visitors the lead after 28 minutes, but Lucas Weaver levelled for Altrincham before the break. Lewis Banks put the Robins ahead just before the hour mark, only for Callum Roberts to equalise for Notts County with six minutes of normal time remaining.
The game was turned on its head in the additional 30 minutes. From the 123rd minute onwards, the teams traded spot-kicks in an extraordinary sequence. Max Sanders, Kristian Dennis, Roberts again, J. Hinchy and Rosaire Longelo all scored from 12 yards. Aidan Will Barlow, S. Taylor, E. Jones, Matt Palmer and James Gibbons all saw their penalties saved or missed in the same period.
Altrincham manager Lee Jones set his side up in a 5-3-2 formation, which stood firm for large parts against Notts County's 4-3-1-2 shape. The physical contest produced 27 fouls and four yellow cards. The draw means Altrincham, currently seventh in the National League with 28 points from 16 games, remain in the hat for the second round. Their league record of nine wins, one draw, and six losses has yielded 24 goals scored and 24 conceded. Their recent form shows two wins, two draws, and one loss from the last five matches, a run that includes the 2-2 draw with Notts County last Saturday, a 2-4 home defeat to Carlisle on 31 October, a 0-0 draw with Kidderminster Harriers on 27 October, a 2-1 win at Yeovil Town on 24 October, and a 6-2 victory at United of Manchester on 20 October.
Their focus now shifts back to the league and a tough away fixture against second-placed Harrogate Town next Saturday. The team sits 16 points behind the league leaders, Boreham Wood, as they prepare for that challenge. The replay date against Notts County is yet to be confirmed.
The club has confirmed the Emirates FA Cup First Round replay against Notts County will be an all-ticket fixture. Altrincham manager Lee Jones gave a short preview of the tie in a post-match interview following the 4-2 home defeat to Carlisle United on October 31. The Robins, seventh in the National League with 28 points, drew 2-2 with Notts County on Saturday.
The FA Cup replay between Altrincham and Notts County was played in heavy fog on 8 November. The club confirmed the match went ahead, but visibility was so poor that BBC commentator Steve Bower said, "From where we were... We couldn't see a thing." The conditions affected the penalty shootout, which Notts County won. Altrincham, seventh in the National League with 28 points, now focus on their next league fixture away at Harrogate Town.
