JERSEY BULLS dramatically fell at the final hurdle of the inaugural Bulls Cup yesterday – in the sweltering St Helier heat.
The Islanders set up the finale against FC United of Manchester after they overcame the physical and technical challenge of Hashtag United to win 3-1, the day prior.
However, it was the travelling Mancunian fans who’s voices were prominent, as their side became the first in the young history of the Bulls to fire six goals past them.
The hosts side was much changed, especially the back four with centre-back stalwarts Luke Campbell and James Quérée both unavailable, as well as left-back Jay Giles – who was injured during last season’s run-in.
Instead only Jonny Le Quesne at right-back was left from the preferred defence from last year, as the youth of Jack Lumsden, Harry Curtis and Josh Coutanche were named.
With just six minutes of play gone, former Stoke City player Max McCarthy was brought down by Joe Kilshaw in the box.
Bulls number one Euan Van Der Vliet chose the right way and saved captain Charlie Ennis’ with a strong right palm.
However, six minutes later it was deja-vu – with McCarthy again fouled in the box, this time by Jonny Le Quesne.
Ennis again went to Van Der Vliet’s left, but the Islander chose the other direction and the visitors took the lead.
United of Manchester started to put their foot down and dictate play, which paid dividends in the 18th minute.
McCarthy, who had already earned his side two penalties got on the scoresheet, following some great play by Regan Linney down the left.
His squared through-ball left strike partner McCarthy with the simple task of slotting home from five yards.
Eleven minutes later, eventual player of the tournament Harry McGee was keen to join the party and again Linney was the architect, his squared ball found McGee for his first.
Three minutes after McGee had two, after his coolly rounded Van Der Vliet to make it 4-0.
The Bulls however gave the home support some hope before the break when Lorne Bickley was brought down inside the box for the third penalty of the half.
Up stepped Ruben Mendes, who buried the spot kick low to left.
Unfortunately for the hosts, United pressed on in the second half and showed their class.
Linney scored in the 63rd minute after creating two in the first-half – prior to McGee rounding out his successful Jersey trip with a hat-trick in the 77th minute.
The day prior, Bulls faced Hashtag United – formed by YouTuber Spencer Owen.
His side mounted an early threat with short, crisp passing and plenty of protein-enhanced muscle that the hosts struggled to get to grips with at first, with Percy Kiangebeni dictating play in the centre of midfield.
But, it was the Jersey side that took the lead when a quick, long throw from Kieren Stephens caught the Hashtag defence off guard. The ball fell to Sol Solomon who eventually tucked the ball home at the second or third attempt.
Hashtag equalised soon after when right back Billy Willis ball over the top sent Kojo Apenteng through on goal and he passed the ball into the net with far too much ease.
Gary Freeman rung through wholesale changes in the second half and began to exert more control over the game from having a higher back line. The introduction of Jake Prince injected his trademark hustle and bustle to unnerve the opponents and put them on the back foot.
Bickley put Bulls in the lead when his effort was squeezed past Hashtag’s ‘keeper, then Prince laid the ball on a plate to Ruben Mendes to expertly guide the ball into the top right corner from the edge of the penalty box.
Although loyalty will remain to his regulars – with good reason, Freeman would have been delighted with how many of the new faces, many of them still teenagers, faired against opponents who play a step higher in the non-league pyramid.
But in Prince there is a player who is coming into his own and if he can demonstrate a clinical side to his game then he should be in for a season to remember.
