Notts County survived a dramatic FA Cup tie played in thick fog to beat Altrincham 3–2 on penalties after the sides finished level at 2–2.
The first-round match at the J Davidson Stadium on Saturday 7 November drew 4,419 spectators, including 690 travelling supporters. Visibility deteriorated as the evening went on, but the contest continued through extra time and a shootout.
Altrincham twice fight back
County went ahead after 28 minutes through Jacob Bedeau. Altrincham responded before half-time when Lucas Weaver scored in the 39th minute.
Lewis Banks then put the National League hosts 2–1 ahead on 59 minutes, converting after his first attempt was stopped. Callum Roberts brought County level with six minutes of normal time remaining.
Altrincham goalkeeper Harry Isted made a series of important saves during the match. At the other end, County’s James Belshaw denied chances in extra time before the visitors prevailed in the shootout.
County advance after tense finish
Isted saved two penalties, but Altrincham were unable to convert enough of their own attempts and County took the shootout 3–2.
The result sends the League One club into the second round while ending a spirited cup run for Altrincham. The hosts’ performance came in front of an almost sold-out ground and a national television audience.
The official Altrincham match report recorded the final score, scorers, attendance and team details. Its publication carried a match photograph by Jonathan Moore showing the difficult conditions.
The tie formed part of a busy FA Cup weekend. Sports Lounge has also previewed Wimborne Town’s sold-out home match against Crawley Town.