by John Edwards

LEE Sinnott saw his Altrincham players guard against an FA Cup upset at Barwell and urged them to produce the same again when they travel to renowned giantkillers Blyth Spartan in the first round proper.

Alty, who entertain Alfreton in the Vanarama Conerence on Saturday (3pm), are on the road again in the Cup after beating Barwell 3-0 and then being paired with Blyth in Monday night’s televised first-round draw.

The Tyneside club are 21st in the Evo-Stik Premier, nine places below Barwell, but Sinnott knows what lies in store.

"I was pleased with our application at Barwell," he said. "We went about the job in a workmanlike way and scored three goals that all had real quality about them.

"Our preparation will be just as thorough for Blyth. We will have them watched, and our attitude and application will have to be spot-on once more.

"It’s not so long ago we played them, so we know all about their ground and what we are walking into. It’s the first round proper of the FA Cup, so you can rest assured there will quite a few people inside and they will have it rocking for their team.

"But we are never lacking in that department, either. I feel sorry for our supporters that they are having to travel once more. Equally, I’m sure they will be there in numbers and will be in good voice, as they always are.

"I frequently remind the players about that, the effort and expense our supporters go to so we can be sure of excellent backing wherever we play. They are a great example to us, and it is hugely appreciated."

Outspoken BBC pundit Robbie Savage is the star attraction at an Altrincham dinner at the Cresta Court Hotel on Friday, November 14. The event, in which Savage appears alongside his Radio FiveLive phone-in sidekick Darren Fletcher, is heading for a sell-out, with a few tickets, at £40 each, still available from the club on 0161 908 1045.