select query - compare value of one field with parsed value of another field

[mcwdes]

Table

 

1     3     #1,#2

2     5     #2,#3

3     3     #1,#2,#3

4     4     #4

5     5     #1,#2,#3

6     5     #1,#2,#3

7     4     All

8     3     #1,#2,#3

 

Need to compare the value of field2 with the occurrences of "#" in field3.

Tried this:

$query_plcResultsSet = "SELECT * FROM Table WHERE RteType IN ('Mainline', 'Connector') AND StartDateD = '$strchvarval' AND (field2 = 'All' OR " . substr_count(field3, '#') . " = field2)";

I know this won't work and I think I know why, but don't know how to solve.

[fenway]

It's not trivial to do substr_count() in mysql (at least without a UDF).

[mcwdes]

Thank you fenway... I was aware that it is possible. Can't seem to find a similar example to steer me in the right direction.

[fenway]

I'd be surprised if someone hasn't already written out...