THE FA Cup returns for the Jersey Bulls as they take on Step Three side Burgess Hill Town in the first qualifying round.
Following their manic outing at Springfield on Monday afternoon, the Bulls head back to the mainland in search of FA Cup glory.
In the absence of Elliot Powell and his coaching staff – the manager is getting married on Saturday afternoon – Under-23s boss Martin Cassidy will take the reins for this weekend’s away trip.
Cassidy believes his job will be made easier by a Bulls side that already knows exactly what is expected of them.
“The players all know their jobs. The game plan is all in place and my job will be straightforward,” he said.
The temporary boss also has plenty of experience of working with the squad, having previously been in charge of the men’s Muratti side.
“I know all the players from my Muratti days and I’ve worked with them all at different times over the years,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll have any issues this weekend.
“The players are motivated enough to make sure they keep the shape, be brave in front of goal and be clinical when they get the chance to do so.”
Saturday’s opponents currently sit 12th in the Isthmian League Premier Division – the same division the Bulls are hoping to reach themselves.
Cassidy knows the challenge that awaits, but believes Jersey’s own strengths can give them a chance of causing an upset.
“The Bulls have a great defensive record, so the players need to focus on what they do with character and go again,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of it. We know they’re a very well-organised team, well established at that level, and these are the type of games that all the boys thrive for.”
Cassidy has also been impressed by what he has seen from the Bulls so far this season, particularly the energy within the squad.
“The team looks fresh, there’s a bit more energy going forward and some players are stepping up,” he said.
“Sammy [Henia-Kamau] and Casey [Nixon] are good additions to the squad, Jarma [Mohamed] offers something different from midfield as well, and they’ve also got the tried and tested players that have been there since the start who keep the standards high.”
For Cassidy, the opportunity to step into the first-team dugout is one he is relishing.
“It’s a privilege to be asked to come in and cover it,” he said. “I know the players inside out and they know the job inside out.
“Elliot [Powell] has set the game plan up, but in-game, if there’s anything that needs tweaking, then I’m sure I’m capable of that.”
Jersey Bulls squad: Casey Nixon, Darryl Mvalo, Euan Van Der Vliet, Harry Curtis, Jack Lumsden, James Querée, Jarma Mohamed, Jay Giles, Joe Kilshaw, Jonny Le Quesne, Lorne Bickley, Luke Watson, Miguel Carvalho, Sammy Henia-Kamau, Toby Ritzema
