Emirates FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round
Altrincham FC vs Harborough Town FC

Saturday 11th October 2025
Kick Off – 3.00pm

Author – Ben Monti
Image – RB Media

Harborough Town travel to the J Davidson Stadium (Moss Lane) this Saturday for another historic FA Cup match as they take on one of non-league’s most traditional clubs, Altrincham. The Fourth Qualifying Round provides the Bees the opportunity to reach the First Round Proper for successive seasons, an unbelievable feat for a club plying their trade in Step 3.

Founded in 1891, Altrincham have enjoyed an extensive love affair with English football’s most esteemed cup competition. Over the years, the Robins have rightly earned the moniker of giant-killers, having beaten 17 Football League Clubs to date. Their most famous scalps include victories over Sheffield United in 1981 and Birmingham City in 1986, along with a heroic draw against Tottenham Hotspur during the North London club’s illustrious era in the 1980s. Their best FA Cup run came in 1985-1986, when they reached the Fourth Round Proper, bowing out to York City.

The Cheshire side, a permanent fixture in the Vanarama National League under the guidance of Phil Parkinson, experienced a relatively successful season last campaign, finishing in the top half; however, this season’s start of 4 wins in 14, leaves them languishing just above the drop zone. They will be determined this weekend to go one further in the FA Cup than they did last season, when they were dramatically knocked out on penalties by Solihull Moors.

Despite their slow start to the season, Altrincham’s squad is packed with quality throughout the pitch. Former Wales U-21 international Billy Sass-Davies, standing tall at 6ft4, marshals the defensive line. Ex-Stoke City academy player Tom Crawford provides a creative outlet and is one to watch out for in midfield, while top goal scorer Jimmy Knowles provides the Bees’ coaching staff with food for thought, as Harborough’s backline will look to nullify the striker.

The upcoming tie presents the Bees with their toughest challenge of the campaign so far. Mitch and the boys will once again look to the loyal travelling supporters, who have been fantastic on the road all season, to be their 12th man and play their part in what promises to be a magical occasion. Everyone connected with the club will be hoping that lightning can indeed strike twice, and that a place in the FA Cup First Round Proper awaits.