Defender Tom Graves insists Horsham's part-timers can beat the professional superstars.

Graves will line up for Hornets in Friday's big FA Cup second round clash against Swansea hoping to pull off one of the biggest upsets in the history of the famous competition.

Four divisions, 96 places and full-time status separate the two sides and no one is giving Horsham much chance.

But Graves believes the basic facilities at Horsham's Atspeed Stadium give the underdogs hope of victory.

The 103-year-old ground is a stark contrast to Swansea's plush brand new 20,000 all-seater Liberty Stadium.

Graves, who works as an estate agent for family business Graves Jenkins, said: "We shouldn't give them too much respect because we have to remember that we're not talking about Manchester United here.

"Jamie Taylor was with us not so long ago and he's now playing in the League so I don't think the gap is that big. Obviously fitness-wise they will be superior but it is all about what happens on the day.

"They have a lovely stadium and are not going to fancy coming down to Horsham with a sloping pitch, old dressing rooms and showers that don't work properly.

"That is where we have to play our trump card and get at them early on. We need to be solid for the first 25 minutes because if we concede an early goal it is going to be very difficult. The longer it stays at 0-0, the harder it will be for them."

As well as adding another giant killing to the FA Cup's long list, Graves is out to create his own piece of football family history.

His father Terry played for Horsham in the late 1970s and his uncles Terry and Mick Stanley were both on Albion's books.

Graves said: "I have a strong footballing family but I think I am the first to reach the FA Cup second round.

"Terry might have done it because he played for West Ham but I know my dad never did. He didn't play in the first round so I've already gone one better than him.

"I said before this season started that before I retire from playing I wanted to reach the first round proper of the FA Cup and win the Sussex Senior Cup.

"I've already achieved half of it and it would be amazing if we could go even further and reach the third round.

"To think we are just 90 minutes away from the possibility of facing a Premiership side is mind-blowing."

Graves is hoping an on-going dispute with his dad will be finally put to bed following the Queen Street clash.

Terry was top scorer for Hornets in Isthmian division one during the 1978-79 season and also played for other Sussex non-league clubs, including Crawley and Lewes.

And Graves senior reckons his old side would give the current crop of Hornets a run for their money.

Tom said: "When my dad played for Horsham they had quite a few players who played for the England non-league team, so they were pretty good.

"He thinks they were just as good back then but I say that you can't compare it.

"The game is faster now and the players are fitter.

"When you look at old football, the players stroll around but now it's 100 miles-an-hour stuff. He doesn't agree so we leave it to my Grandad (Jim Stanley) to decide.

"His two sons were footballers (Terry and Mick) so he knows what he's talking about and he agrees with me."

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