Words Ben Edwards | Pictures Maisy Green, Jonathan Moore & Ayush Bhattacharjee

Altrincham FC Women's historic FA Cup campaign took the Robins to the third round, only the second ever step six side to progress that far.

Daryll Abrahams' side collected five Women's FA Cup wins last campaign, a tally that was matched only by Manchester City Women, the eventual winners of the competition.

On Sunday, the Robins go again, looking to create more cup history. They enter a round earlier this campaign and will take on Morecambe FC Women in the preliminary round at Trimpell Sports & Social Club.

The prospect of a home tie and therefore another run out at the J.Davidson Stadium will only motivate Alty, with the winner hosting Wythenshawe Town Women or Fleetwood Town Wrens Ladies on Sunday, September 6th.

Last Season's Women's FA Cup run

The Robins' cup journey began where it eventually ended, at the J.Davidson Stadium against league rivals Macclesfield FC Women, coming out 6-3 winners.

Four away ties would follow, starting with Atherton Laburnum Rovers Ladies, where three early goals were enough to secure a 3-2 victory.

The following three away journeys would be long and northerly, the first seeing Alty take on Stockton Town Ladies, where Georgia McKnight's fifth FA Cup goal of the campaign just after half time was the difference.

Destination Penrith was up next and it followed a similar pattern to the Atherton encounter. Altrincham took a three-goal lead after half-an-hour and despite conceding twice in the second half, held out for the 3-2 win.

After four matches against fellow step six opposition, a test against a division higher proved no problem for the Robins, who defeated Ponteland United Women 1-0 thanks to a late goal from captain Nat Lowe.

Alty were at last rewarded with a home tie as the challenge increased further with the test of step four outfit York City Ladies in the third round. It proved to be a leap too far as the Minsterbelles left with a 3-0 win, despite an Altrincham performance to be proud of.

Opening Day Victory

Unusually, our North West Women's Regional Football League Division One Central season kicked off on Wednesday night. Alty picked up three points to start the campaign with Nat Lowe's 20-yard strike the only goal against Stockport County Women Development.

The game highlighted both the excellent summer recruitment and the outstanding pathway from Altrincham Juniors to the Elite U18s and first team as the 14-player squad featured seven debutants, three new signings, four players from the Under 18 Elite Development Squad and five players who have come through from Altrincham FC Juniors.

Hear it from Duncan Jones

"Morecambe is a very good draw for us. We'd be arrogant to think we could achieve the success we had last year.

"We had a combination of fantastic performances and some good draws as well, but we do have aspirations to at least progress into the first round proper this year and continue our giant-killing reputation."

First Outing for our New Away Kit

Sunday's game will be the first run-out in a competitive match for the Altrincham FC 2026/27 away kit, modelled by Brianna Morrison and Nat Lowe You can purchase yours online here.

The Shrimps

Morecambe FC Women also compete at step six in the North West Women's Regional Football League, though in Division One North. They suffered a 7-1 battering against Accrington Stanley Women on the opening day.

The Shrimps bounced back and drew 3-3 most recently with Fleetwood Town Wrens, though may be slightly disappointed having led 2-1 at half time.

Last season, Morecambe finished eighth in the nine-team league, winning just once against the relegated Chorley Women Development.

Trimpell Sports & Social Club

It's a grass pitch at Trimpell Sports Club with car parking available on site. For those travelling on public transport, Morecambe train station is a 15-minute walk away.

Can't make it to Morecambe?

Join Sam Hodkin and Brian Flynn on Radio Robins with full live commentary on RadioAlty from 1:55pm. Then it's Alty TV for the post-match thoughts of Head Coach Daryll Abrahams.

Come On You Robins!!!