JOE Christou is confident East Thurrock United can end the season on a high following his recent switch to the club.

The 23-year-old make the move to Rocks from Thurrock in the Isthmian North having caught the eye of new manager John Coventry.

And although Rocks have only won one of the first seven games in which Christou has played, the midfielder has faith the final nine games can be more fruitful.

“I am settling in well,” he said. “All the boys have been really helpful and I am enjoying it.

“The level of football is a step-up [from the Isthmian Premier League] but that was always going to be the case.

“I think experience counts for a lot at this level, the physicality is also more intense and you need to be that bit sharper.

“It is always nice to feel appreciated by someone like Covo [Coventry). We have only had one win since I came in and that side of things has been hard.

“Results have been a mixed bag but we are working hard to change that and we believe we will.”

Chistou had experience of the Isthmian Premier League before Thurrock won promotion at the end of last season - turning out for AFC Hornchurch.

He is pleased at his development so far in the National League South and he is determined to help East Thurrock further clear of the relegation places against Chippenham Town tomorrow.

A late equaliser on Tuesday cost Rocks two points in the 2-2 draw with Poole Town and Christou says his new team are looking forward to returning to the grind.

“We are confident as we know we are doing the right things and the results will follow,” said Rainham-based Christou. “There are no easy games at this level and we know it will be tough but we are a match for anyone.

“We didn’t get going in the second half against Poole and conceding the late goal was a hard one to take but we know we are more than capable of matching any team in this division.

“I just want to continue proving myself and help the team.”

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THE PREVIEW: East Thurrock welcome Chippenham Town looking to pass the magical 46 point mark manager John Coventry believes should keep his team up.

Rocks missed the chance to hit the target on Tuesday after they conceded a last minute equaliser to Poole Town.

East Thurrock are now 12 points above the drop zone and will be confident of remaining in the division.

However, a tough run in means Rocks will not want to rest on their laurels.

Chippenham, defeated by Concord Rangers on Tuesday, do not have a good away record. Three wins on the road all season and two of those over the bottom two, Rocks will be determined to pile on the pain for the travellers tomorrow.

MEN TO WATCH: Chippenham lost top scorer David Pratt to league rivals Wealdstone at the back end of last year, Andy Sandell is the forward to watch.

WHEN & WHERE: Tomorrow at 3pm at the FutureFuel Stadium, Rookery Hill, Corringham, SS17 9LB

WHAT THE BOSS SAID: “We were so close to three points on Tuesday and only got one but a draw was a fair result,” said Coventry.

“Chippenham have a poor away record but at this stage people are scrapping and I don’t think their away form makes much difference.

“They will be scrapping and I am confident we can win the points. We are adding to the points total every game and between this game and the Concord Rangers game I would like a win.”

TEAM NEWS: Ben Marlow has been ruled out for the season.