Notts County survive Altrincham scare after scraping through on penalties

Notts County denied Altrincham another famous FA Cup upset as they beat the National League side 3-2 on penalties in the first round after the game finished 2-2 in 120 minutes.

Played in remarkably foggy conditions, Altrincham had led with six minutes remaining, but were ultimately let down by poor finishing from the spot.

Unbeaten in three games, County started brightly and took the lead in the 28th minute, Jacob Bedeau connecting with Callum Roberts’ excellent cross to the back post.

But Altrincham, sitting seventh in the fifth tier, responded well and Lucas Weaver dragged an effort wide after a surging run before grabbing an equaliser six minutes before half-time.

The striker latched on to a superb Matty Kosylo through ball, cut inside, and fired low and hard into the net. Replays subsequently suggested he may have been offside.

The hosts then took the lead just before the hour when again Kosylo picked out a team-mate with an impressive ball. Lewis Banks this time finished off, tapping home after his initial effort was saved.

As the fog descended, Roberts dashed Altrincham’s hopes of another cup scalp, having beaten 17 Football League sides in the competition, scoring with a first-time strike in the 84th minute to force extra-time.

Somehow the game continued despite the severe visibility issues, and with no breakthrough in extra-time, penalties were required.

Aidan Barlow, Sam Taylor and Eddy Jones all missed from the spot for Altrincham, allowing County’s Rosaire Longelo to slot home the decisive kick.