He has travelled thousands of miles and spent hundreds of pounds on air fares - but David Rick is determined not to miss a minute of Horsham's glorious cup run.

The founding member of the club's infamous Lardy Boys supporters has flown from his home near Malaga, in Spain, for four of the team's FA Cup games this season.

He has spent about £500 on air fares travelling back and forth to watch his beloved team.

Known as 'The General' among supporters, David will again be at the Atspeed Stadium tomorrow night as the Hornets attempt to reach the third round for the first time against Swansea City in front of Sky television cameras.

While most Horsham fans would settle for a draw and the chance to visit Swansea's impressive Liberty Stadium for a replay, David has slightly different views.

He said: "I'm flying back on Friday and should arrive in plenty of time to hit the pub. It's been brilliant but it is getting expensive. Swansea is a great draw for us and I really fancy our chances. I just hope it is not a draw because I'll have to shell out again to get back for the replay.

"The replay would probably be on Sky again but I couldn't watch it on television - I'd have to come back for it. The FA Cup is the best competition in the world and for Horsham to have made it this far is amazing.

"My wife Sarah has been okay with it - although I've had to agree to a £2,000 holiday to the Caribbean as compensation for her so it's cost me even more money."

The fun-loving Lardy Boys love all things unhealthy, so lager and burgers are on the menu and songs glorifying their hatred of low-fat spread ring out from the stands.

Other stunts include parading llamas on the pitch and an FA Cup tradition of using bars of lard to build a wall on the opposition dug-out.

David, 41, added: "You can't really get blocks of lard in Spain so I'll stock up when I fly into Gatwick. The Lardy Boys started out as a laugh and it has grown and grown. I wouldn't miss this match for the world."

Cup fever has spread across the town this week as people gear up for the biggest match in Horsham's 126-year history. Four divisions and full-time status separate the two sides, but hopes are high despite the odds being stacked against the Sussex minnows.

Tickets for the clash were snapped up within 45 minutes of going on sale last week, leaving hundreds of people disappointed. Such is the demand, tickets have been spotted on eBay changing hands for up to £100.

Club secretary John Lines said: "We could quite easily have sold double the amount of tickets as the response was so overwhelming. I am sure that those lucky enough to have bought a ticket will be in for a terrific evening."

Meanwhile supermarkets are stocking up after most outlets sold out of economy lard before the first round tie with Maidenhead, and pubs around the town are expected to be packed with those who missed out on tickets.

Elsewhere in the FA Cup Brighton and Hove Albion travel to Torquay on Saturday also hoping to secure their place in the third round.

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FA Cup coverage.

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