FA Trophy action awaits Notts County as the Magpies face Altrincham for a place in the Fourth Round

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Momentum is one of the biggest factors in the game of football and it’s exactly what Ian Burchnall’s Notts County possess as they take on Altrincham in the Third Round of the FA Trophy.

The Magpies come into this fixture after two successive league victories against Dagenham & Redbridge and Southend United as they fight hard to remain in the play-off places.

During a quiet December period, County must use every opportunity that lands at their feet to their advantage. The club issued a statement this week regarding Chesterfield’s withdrawal from the FA Trophy after a COVID-19 outbreak which has put Tuesday’s National League fixture against the Spireites in serious doubt.

New addition Jayden Richardson from neighbours Nottingham Forest ticked all the boxes on his debut against Southend last week and will aim to keep providing a stable option for Ian Burchnall until Aaron Nemane returns from injury.

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In stark contrast to the hosts, visitors Altrincham don’t have the benefit of momentum in their stride as the Robins enter the game with no wins in the last four after two draws and two losses.

Most recently falling to defeat against promotion contenders Bromley, Phil Parkinson’s side are also enjoying a relatively quiet festive period with just three games remaining until the New Year.

Instead of a quiet period, it could turn silent in the coming weeks with COVID-19 outbreaks threatening to suspend the football season for the foreseeable future much to the despair of supporters.

Due to the current situation, Altrincham recently announced they will be restricting all access to the community and football offices from Monday 20th December until further notice.

The FA Trophy, an unfamiliar competition to many, is battled among primarily semi-pro teams with the final being held at Wembley Stadium.

Isthmian Premier League outfit Hornchurch pulled off a huge shock in last season’s competition, going all the way to Wembley and lifting the trophy after a 3-1 win against Hereford FC.

Arguably the biggest shock was their semi-final victory against Notts County on penalties which finished 3-3 at full-time despite the Magpies leading three times throughout the tie.

Altrincham will be hoping for better luck this time as well as the Robins were forced to forfeit their Third Round match against Havant & Waterlooville following a positive COVID-19 result in the camp last season.

Neither side has managed to win the competition in their history and will be aiming to see the back of each other after Saturday’s occasion. The last time the two sides met, Altrincham ran away 1-0 winners in September thanks to a Marcus Dinanga winner.