GRAHAM Heathcote is relishing a bumper Bank Holiday tie with Wrexham after the Blue Square Premier fixtures were annouced on Tuesday.

The Alty boss believes the August 25 clash with the division newcomers will be the pick of his side’s early fixtures and could even bring a record crowd to Moss Lane.

Wrexham were relgated from the Football League for the first time in their history last season, but despite that Brian Little’s men were still watched by an average crowd of more than 4,000 at the Racecourse Ground.

And with their games against Alty one of the closest things they have to a derby match in the Blue Square Premier, Heathcote is hoping their fans will travel to Cheshire in their droves.

He told SAM Sport: “It’s fantastic to be playing Wrexham at home on the August Bank Holiday, to get them early doors it’s guaranteed to bring tremendous support to Moss Lane.

“Of course, it depends on their early results but I’m glad we’re catching them at this time, it’ll be a great day for our fans.”

Not only do the Robins face an early date with Wrexham, they meet all six of the league’s newcomers within the first six weeks of the season.

The campaign starts on Saturday August 9 with a trip to Woking, who Alty have still not beaten since their return to the Conference in 2005, before they face newly-promoted Barrow in their first home game the following Tuesday .

Another home game then follows against Kettering Town and Alty travel to Kidderminster Harriers before their game against Wrexham.

A trip to Blue Square South play-off winners Eastbourne Borough rounds off August.

Heathcote added: “Woking, Barrow and Kettering is a decent start to the season. Woking have been our bogey team in recent years but those kinds of records are there to be ended.

“Barrow should bring good support for the second game, it’ll be their first away game and we’re one of their shortest trips.

“All the games will be difficult but I’m quite happy with the way it has worked out.”