It could have been Manchester United for Eastleigh this weekend, but Altrincham are determined to ensure there will be no sense of anti-climax when they host the south coast club at The J. Davidson Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The dream scenario of an Emirates FA Cup home tie with United was cruelly snatched from Eastleigh's grasp when Newport County beat them 3-1 in a third-round replay 10 days ago.
Instead of staging the biggest game in their history against Erik ten Hag's all-star line-up, they will head for Moss Lane to take on Phil Parkinson's in-form Robins, with Vanarama National League play-off points at stake for both sides.
While it may not quite be what Eastleigh were hoping for, Alty are relishing the chance to turn on the style once more for an ever-expanding home crowd after the frustration of their last two fixtures falling foul of the weather.
"It was a massive frustration when Tuesday night's live TV game against Rochdale was postponed, because it would have been a really good test for us and we had prepared really well for it," said midfielder Isaac Marriott, who is currently skippering the side in the absence of James Jones.
"It would have been on the back of an outstanding team performance at Chesterfield, where we really showed up and took it to them.
"It needed a moment of magic late on to deny us a point there, which I felt would have been thoroughly deserved, so there were plenty of positives for us to take into the Eastleigh game. There's a bunch of eight to 10 teams in with a shout of the play-offs, and they are one of them. They were one game away from playing Manchester United in the FA Cup, so we know we've got to be on our toes and aware of their strengths.
"I don't think they will be dwelling on what could have been. I'm sure they will get that out of their heads and concentrate on the job in hand, but we will be ready for them."
Reflecting on the added responsibility of wearing the armband, Marriott added: "I'm not the loudest on the pitch, but I do try to lead by example, and it seems to have made me more determined than ever.
"It has raised my game and helped me to kick on. I've always been one for running around and showing desire to win a tackle, but the gaffer has given me this leadership role, and I'm feeling more confident about it each week. It's such a close-knit dressing room as well, and that certainly helps."
