Redbridge boss relishing FA Trophy trip to Hereford

The Isthmian North club were handed a second-round tie against the National League North outfit on Monday, having upset Isthmian Premier side Haringey Borough at the weekend.

And Christou admitted he cannot wait to take on the Bulls at Edgar Street.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the draw,” he said.

“I can remember watching Hereford at Wembley when my brother [Joe] played for Hornchurch against them in the FA Trophy final only a couple of years ago!

“The Trophy has been a good distraction, giving us something else to think about.

“The boys have always done well being underdogs and they applied themselves really well.”

Dean Hall put Motormen in front just past the hour mark, with Solomon Ogunwomoju doubling the advantage from the penalty spot with only five minutes remaining.

And although substitute Nadum Melvin-Lambert halved the deficit soon after for Tom Loizou’s home side, it was little consolation.

“We lost at Felixstowe last Tuesday which was our first loss in nine and for a team that has just been promoted that’s fantastic,” added Christou.

“To go to Haringey with the injuries we had, no recognised striker, I wasn’t sure.

“But we applied ourselves really well, had better chances in the first half and then took them in the second half. It sets us up for a nice away day!”

Redbridge, having picked up £3,000 in prize money, were in London Senior Cup action at Bromley in midweek.

And they are also looking forward to an Essex Senior Cup tie against Southend United at Roots Hall.

“It’s a chance to play in some big stadiums and an exciting time for the boys,” said Christou.

“It shows how far we’ve come in the two years since I first came here, from being just a little Essex Senior League club.”

Redbridge return to league action at Basildon United on Saturday, before hosting Lowestoft Town on Tuesday.

And Christou is looking for his players to keep proving their worth, adding: “Basildon and Lowestoft are two teams at the top of the league so both will be really difficult.

“But the boys have showed in the first nine games and the Trophy we’re here to stay.

“We’re not an Essex Senior League club that is just happy to be promoted. We’re adequate at this level and the points return so far has been fantastic.

“Players have shown they are here to stay at this level and will make a name for themselves, as they did at Essex Senior League level.”