A Night to Remember: Altrincham’s 1986 FA Cup Third Round Miracle at Birmingham

On a chilly evening at St Andrew’s in January 1986, Altrincham achieved one of the most famous cup upsets in our history — knocking out top-flight Birmingham City in the FA Cup Third Round.

What made it even more satisfying was the wider chaos surrounding Birmingham that season, which only made our triumph all the sweeter.

Birmingham in Turmoil, Altrincham on the Up

Birmingham City entered the match in the midst of a dramatic fall from grace. Despite achieving promotion the previous season, the club was drowning in debt, their form had collapsed, and tensions were brewing behind the scenes.

Meanwhile, Altrincham were thriving under manager John King. The Robins were enjoying another strong season in the Alliance Premier League and would go on to lift the FA Trophy later that year. Our FA Cup pedigree was already well established after several giant-killings in previous years, and the stage was perfectly set for another memorable chapter.

Adding an extra twist was former Altrincham goalkeeper Jeff Wealands, who had left Birmingham on acrimonious terms just a few years earlier. He made no secret of the fact that he would relish success against his old club.

The Match: Grit, Goals, and a Moment of Magic

Originally scheduled for 4 January, the tie was postponed due to freezing weather before finally being played on Tuesday 14 January 1986.

In the first half, Birmingham looked nervous, misplacing passes and struggling to create clear chances. Altrincham, in contrast, looked composed and confident, relishing the big occasion.

The hosts eventually took the lead in the 63rd minute when Robert Hopkins headed in from a corner. For a moment, it seemed as though the top-flight side might scrape through — but Altrincham had other ideas. Just two minutes later, following a free-kick and a scramble in the box, Ron Ellis smashed home the equaliser to silence the St Andrew’s crowd.

Then, with 15 minutes remaining, came the decisive moment. Hopkins, attempting a back pass under pressure, sent the ball past his own goalkeeper David Seaman and into the net. Altrincham were in front — and history was being written.

At the final whistle, jubilant Alty fans celebrated a famous and thoroughly deserved victory. Even Birmingham’s manager admitted that, on the night, the non-league side had looked the better team.

Aftermath & Legacy

The defeat had immediate repercussions for Birmingham — their manager Ron Saunders resigned within days, and their troubled season ended in relegation from the First Division.

For Altrincham, the victory was another highlight in a golden era for the club. That same season, the Robins lifted the FA Trophy at Wembley and secured a strong 4th-place finish in the Alliance Premier League.

Though our FA Cup run ended in the next round against York City, the win at Birmingham remains one of the greatest nights in the club’s history.

Join us on Saturday as The Robins begin another Emirates FA Cup journey against Harborough Town - just £15 Adults, £8 Concessions & £3 Under-16s - buy your tickets here.