THE Jersey Bulls face their sternest league test yet tomorrow, as they travel to league leaders and unbeaten AFC Croydon Athletic for a 1pm kick-off at the Mayfield Stadium.
“Saturday becomes a lot more achievable,” said manager Elliot Powell following their 4–0 win over Herne Bay away from home on Tuesday night.
Powell continued, stating: “That win gave us a lot of confidence. Croydon are unbeaten with five wins and a draw, but there are still ways in which we can exploit them. I’m pretty sure we can go there and get something.”
The Bulls are without captain and leader James Queree, but stalwart Luke Campbell returns to the side to fill the defensive void.
Since promotion, the Jersey Bulls have had a slightly different look due to the level of opposition, and Powell expects the performances to continue in a similar fashion, explaining: “People are starting to see a slightly different style of play compared to last year.”
“We were very much on the front foot last year, but this year we’re more of a counter-attacking side, and it’s important we don’t lose those qualities. I expect on Saturday to have less of the ball than the opposition. We’re going to have to be really strong in those transition moments, and we’ve been good at it so far this season.”
The Bulls are one of just three unbeaten sides in the league this season, a record they share with their opponents on Saturday. Protecting that run will be high on their agenda.
‘The Rams’ have hardly blown teams away so far, with their largest margin of victory a 2–0 win at Beckenham Town, but they remain a stubborn outfit at the top of the table.
The Bulls host Sittingbourne on Tuesday evening, which means two testing matches in a short period of time. Powell is hoping to build on the win against Herne Bay, stating: “Herne Bay were a lot more beatable than the other two [Croydon and Sittingbourne], so it’s important we’ve got those three points on the board.”
“If we can come out of the next two games with three points, I’d be happy, four points I’d be delighted, and obviously six points I’d be ecstatic,” continued Powell.
The manager concluded: “We’ve got our own targets. We will take Saturday, first and foremost, and try to go there and get something.”
The Jersey Bulls can make their way up the league table should they earn points in the coming days. The side have a number of games in hand as they have played the least games in the league due to a busy cup schedule.
Jersey Bulls Squad:
Adam Trotter, Daniel Jinadu, Euan Van Der Vliet, Fraser Barlow, James Carr, James Sunley, Jamie Watling, Jay Giles, Joe Kilshaw, Jonny Le Quesne, Lorne Bickley, Luke Campbell, Luke Watson, Miguel Carvalho, Rai Dos Santos, Toby Ritzema
Archie’s Predicted XI
AFC Croydon Athletic will prove a difficult test this weekend, they will certainly be tough to break down. I think Powell will reintroduce Eaun Van Der Vliet to the line-up as he clearly trusts him in these big games.
The absence of James Queree will likely be replaced by Luke Campbell for a straight swap, with Jamie Watling to return alongside him.
Although James Carr returns from injury, I think Jay Giles will keep his spot at left-back. I think Jonny Le Quesne will keep his right-back spot for as long as he is fit this season.
I think Luke Watson will screen ahead of the backline with the legs of Toby Ritzema and Joe Kilshaw to roam in front. With like-for-like options on the bench with Adam Trotter and James Sunley, the reds are certainly not short of midfield options.
Miguel Carvalho will likely keep his spot on the right wing and after his audacious effort on Tuesday, he deserves another start.
I think Lorne Bickley will lead the line as the only recognised number nine in the squad. Finally, I think Rai Dos Santos will continue to keep his spot from Tuesday night as he offers that injection of pace, needed in tough games like these.
