Burton Albion v Altrincham
The FA Cup with Budweiser
First Round Proper
3pm, Sunday 4 November 2012
Pirelli Stadium, Burton Albion FC
Winning clubs receive £18,000 from The FA's prize fund
Click here for fixtures
By Henry Willis

Altrincham manager Lee Sinnott has played in The FA Cup Final - and is challenging his side to write their name in the competition's history when they travel to Burton Albion on Sunday.

Sinnott suffered FA Cup Final heartbreak in 1984 as a Watford player when they lost 2-0 to Everton in what is to date the Hornets' only Cup Final appearance.

The defender was just 19 at the time but never made another appearance in an FA Cup Final, so he will be talking from experience when he tells his players to relish their moment on the big stage.

Sinnott explained: "You don't get many chances in the big game. Make sure you make these chances count.

"At the start of 1984 Everton were in good form and starting to turn things around. I'd say we were the underdogs.

"It's the competition that throws up the most surprises and it always retains the mystique. Funny things can happen."

Both Sinnott and Altrincham are well aware of the power of the underdog, though.

Watford were extremely fortunate to progress to the 1984 Final after a 1-0 victory over a Plymouth side who were two divisions below them.

And Altrincham will be looking for their 17th giant-killing, having regularly upset more illustrious sides during their 120-year history - although the last came against Wigan in 1994.

But Sinnott is well aware of the magic of The FA Cup and the potential it has to inspire his side.

He added: "Our cup runs in recent history have not been as profitable but it depends what happens on the day.

"We're synonymous with the Cup. It's a wonderful competition.

"We'll give it a big push. I'll be emphasising with the team to play with no fear and to play football. We're a young squad but we're confident."