Merstham FC 2
Khinda 54′, King 75′
Jersey Bulls 2
Queree 80′ (p), 86′
HT Score: 0-0
Player of the Match: James Queree
JAMES Queree rolled back the years with a captain’s performance to inspire Jersey Bulls to a stirring second-half comeback and a deserved point away at Merstham FC.
Trailing 2-0 with just 15 minutes remaining and facing a tough test after two games in three days with a heavily depleted squad, the Bulls showed remarkable resilience and spirit to rescue a draw against one of last season’s Isthmian League play-off sides.
“It was a good game of football.” Said Queree. “Obviously, it wasn’t ideal to go two goals down. There are areas for us to improve on defensively, but credit to the resilience and character the lads showed.”
The point away from home marked the third of the season for the Bulls. An unbeaten start to the campaign stands them in 15th place, but some impressive performances bode well for the long season ahead.
With nine regulars missing through injury or personal commitments, manager Elliot Powell was forced to make a bold tactical switch, pushing in the final stages by shifting to a 4-2-4 formation.
“We had to make a couple of changes,” Powell said. “We changed the shape, we went to sort of 4-2-4 rather than our normal 4-3-3, and just went for broke really, but it paid off.”
Following a delicate header from Merstham’s Ollie Khinda and a coolly directed volley from Sam King, the Bulls found themselves two goals down with an uphill climb in the closing stages.
Substitute Harry Mackenzie made an immediate impact off the bench, driving at the Merstham defence and helping to swing the momentum in Jersey’s favour. The turning point came when Queree slotted home from the spot.
“We got away with the penalty,” Powell admitted. “It’s definitely not a penalty. But still, he took the positive touch in the box to entice the tackle.”
Queree’s calm finish from the spot halved the deficit and gave the Bulls a foothold in the match. Just minutes later, they were level. A sharp passing move opened up the Merstham defence and a pinpoint delivery from Francis Lekimamati found Queree again, this time making a perfectly timed run to convert and make it 2-2.
“We scored a great goal to make it 2-2, it was a really good move,” Powell added. “Francis put in a great delivery, and Queree made a great run. From there on, I thought if the game had gone on another five minutes or so, we probably would have nicked it.”
Powell praised his side’s fitness and character, particularly given the short turnaround and lack of rotation options across the weekend.
“We looked like we had the fresher legs, which is really pleasing after two games in three days. We’re not used to the intensity of this league yet, but we came through it really well.”
The captain mentioned the importance of the depth in quality of the squad: “We had players missing that will come back to make us stronger, but credit to the likes of Jamie Watling, Luke Coutanche, and young Harry Mckenzie.
“These are young lads that took their opportunity very well, and it bodes well for building that strength and depth as the season goes on.”
The manager was quick to highlight the impact of Queree, not just his goals, but his leadership and composure on the pitch.
“Having Queree back on Monday really helped, just to lift the lads in terms of that leadership element. He popped up with the goals, but how he led the team on the pitch and kept us going was really important.”
Queree was pleased with his contributions on foreign soil: “The two goals from my side it’s once in a blue moon, having little Harper, my baby daughter a few weeks ago I should have done the celebration, but it was all a bit of a blur at the end.”
Despite Saturday’s frustrating 1-1 draw at home to VCD Athletic, Powell reflected positively on a weekend that tested his squad’s depth and mentality.
“If you think over the course of the weekend, we’ve missed nine players. So, to still be unbeaten is great. Yesterday’s point was a really positive result, Merstham only lost three at home last year. I think it’s definitely a point gained rather than two dropped.”
Queree echoed his coaches’ words: “We know each game at this level is going to be tough but that’s what the lads are relishing, Saturday felt like two points dropped whereas yesterday felt like a point gained.”
The Bulls now look to build on their momentum with improving availability. Key players including James Sunley and Lorne Bickley are both expected back in training in the coming weeks, with some that missed out on minutes at the weekend set to feature in development matches midweek.
