Altrincham are just 90 minutes away from their first Wembley appearance for almost 40 years after continuing their remarkable run of success at York City last Saturday to set up a FA Trophy semi-final with FC Halifax Town.

For good measure, Alty returned to the LNER Community Stadium in the National League three days later to make it six straight away wins at York’s expense, but it was the Trophy triumph that captured the imagination amongst Robins supporters and raised the prospect of a first Wembley trip since the mid-80s.

Nearly 700 Alty fans made the trip to cheer the Robins on, and Phil Parkinson is hoping for more of the same when his side take on Halifax at The J.Davidson Stadium on April 1 in a semi-final that looks sure to be a sell-out.

“We’ve had a great run in the Trophy, and to be at this stage after all the adversity we’ve been through is fantastic,” said the Alty boss.

“The semi-final is a single leg, so a home draw is all we could ask for.

“We were desperate for home advantage, and I’m happy that went our way.

“Now we’ve got to fill the stadium. The fans were absolutely brilliant at York last Saturday, and the way they got behind us provided that extra 10 per cent you sometimes need to get through.

“They need to be the 12th man for us again in the semi-final.

“We need that electric environment they can create at The J.Davidson.

“This group of players are giving everything, and we need everything from the fans as well, just as they have been doing.”

Alty repeated Saturday’s winning 2-1 scoreline on Tuesday, with on-loan Manchester United striker Joe Hugill scoring on his league debut and keeper Ollie Byrne having one of his best games since signing last summer.

“I told Ollie he was my man of the match, and Joe showed what a great finisher he is with what was an outstanding opening goal,” added Parkinson.