SPRINGFIELD Stadium sets the stage for the Jersey Bulls first Isuzu FA Trophy fixture at 3pm this Saturday. The reds will face fellow Isthmian South East Division side Hastings United FC.
Hastings United, who sit one point above the Bulls in the league, will be hoping to spoil the Bulls’ unbeaten start to the season.
Manager, Elliot Powell is hoping for an exciting cup run: “We’re looking forward to an opportunity to get into another competition and hopefully get far in it.”
The Isuzu FA Trophy is a competition for Step 1-4 clubs in the National League system, following the Bulls’ promotion to step four, they now enter another competition where they hope for an exciting cup run.
Hastings United have won one, drawn one and lost one so far in their league campaign. However, after conceding eight goals in their previous three fixtures, the Bulls will look to capitalize on their defensive vulnerabilities and book their place in the Second Round Qualifying in two weeks’ time.
Powell remains confident following a stellar performance away from home last weekend: “We look forward to it, we’re starting to see players come back now, Lorne Bickley and Euan Van Der Vliet are back in the squad.”
With similar starts to the season for both sides, it is sure to be a tight affair. Powell and his staff have studied their opposition ahead of Saturday: “We’ve watched a fair bit of their footage, they’re in and around us in the table, so it’s going to be a tough game.”
He continued: “They look pretty good going forward, especially for a side at this level, so we’re expecting a tough game.”
Boasting a home-field advantage, the Bulls will certainly lean on the home fans for momentum: “It’ll hopefully be a decent crowd. Hopefully the weather is better than it has been over the last couple of days.” Said Powell.
“We underestimate how important it is that cup games are at home for us, just to minimize the travel. The travel is the bit that takes that energy out, so to have another home game is really important.” He continued.
Attacker, Rai Dos Santos, echoed his coaches’ words: “A home advantage for the first game will play a big difference and we will hopefully get a good turnout on Saturday.”
Powell is planning on playing with freedom this weekend: “We’re going to use these games as opportunities to try a few different bits, we’ll probably play a slightly different system to what people might normally see.”
“Obviously we want to play well, but it also gives us an opportunity to experiment against good opposition.”
Dos Santos has found his feet once again leading the line for the Bulls, and he is keen to continue his goalscoring form: “I’ve been enjoying it, obviously I was injured towards the end of last season, but it’s good to be back fit and playing again.
“Obviously, following a massive win on Saturday in the FA Cup, this is another good competition that we can obviously try and progress in, and we’re feeling confident.” Dos Santos concluded.
Archie’s Predicted XI
Following a solid effort from myself last week, guessing 10/11 of the line-up correctly, I’m still looking for a full house.
This week, I have gone with the returning Euan Van Der Vliet in goal. With James Queree and Jamie Watling in central defence.
On the defensive flanks, I have gone with the experienced pair of Jay Giles and Jonny Le Quesne.
In midfield, I have Luke Watson in the holding role, with Toby Ritzema and Joe Kilshaw ahead of him.
With a number of attacking options available for Powell, the frontline was difficult to choose. I’ve chosen Miguel Carvalho on the right-hand side, with the returning Lorne Bickley to lead the line.
Finally, the left-wing spot could have been given to five players. The pick of the bunch for me, following his cheeky finish last weekend, is Rai Dos Santos. Now finding his goalscoring form, I think he can cause the Hastings defence problems.
This fixture is a tough call, especially with Powell admitting he may experiment.
