OXFORD City boss Mike Ford says tomorrow’s clash against Redbridge will be the biggest match in the club’s history – but only if they win.

Ford, whose side took over at the top of the Evostik Southern League for the first time with a midweek win at Arlesey, said his players would need to be calm and level-headed to get a victory.

“It’s a game of football, but my lads have to be careful about playing the occasion and not the match,” said Ford. “We need to play with our brains.

“I was listening to Mick McCarthy and he was talking about when Ireland won in a play-off in Iran in 2002.

“And he said the two hours after the game was the best time he had ever had. You can’t have those times unless you get the right result.

“We enjoyed Weston-super-Mare (in the last round) and we would like to enjoy Redbridge, but only if we win.”

While Ford’s men were winning at Arlesey on Tuesday night, Redbridge were allowed to postpone their match against Soham Town Rangers, so they could prepare for the visit of City.

Ford added: “That just shows how seriously they are taking it and how they respect us.

“We thought about having it called off, but I think if you go from Saturday to Saturday the game can become so massive that you can’t perform.

“We never shirked a challenge and it will be the same Saturday.”

Ford said his players would have to be mentally strong.

“All lads can play football, but it’s about having the right character. I’ve got some really good lads who work really hard and always try their best.

“Steve Basham and Lee Steele have been first-class and you couldn’t ask for better role models.”