JERSEY Bulls set out to build on their last gasp win at the weekend as they take on Hastings United in their second meeting of the season.
A 12:45pm kick-off at the Continental Pilot Field sets the stage for the Bulls’ 16th outing in the Isthmian South East Division, and another chance to make the most of their games in hand.
Their previous encounter with Hastings ended in a dominant 3-1 victory at Springfield, a performance that underlined the strength of their home form. Assistant coach Dan Garton believes that display sets a useful benchmark.
“I thought we dominated the game at home against Hastings,” he said. “We need a similar performance. We know we’ll be playing on a poor, wet surface, so we’ll need to tweak the way we play. We’re aware we won’t be able to get the ball down and play as much, so we have to be pragmatic.”
Saturday’s away trip offers the Bulls a chance to carry that confidence onto the road, something they have struggled to do at times during a stop-start November.
Elliot Powell’s side arrive fresh from Rai Dos Santos’ dramatic late winner against Deal Town, a moment that restored some rhythm after the midweek disappointment at Broadbridge Heath. That victory also lifted spirits within the squad, according to Garton.
“The mood in the camp is brilliant,” he said. “Getting those three points last minute gives us great belief and allows us to carry on our impressive home form.”
But the assistant coach insists the group must remain steady as the fixtures tighten, stating: “We’ve spoken about the need to relax and stay calm, not get too high or low after performances.”
“We’re in a solid position and happy with the progress so far. We just need to keep repeating the things we’ve done well. The efforts from the boys have been second to none.”
Hastings United, meanwhile, have hit a rough patch. Winless in their last three and struggling for consistency, they will be looking to steady themselves on home soil. They have won just two of their nine home matches this season, a statistic the Bulls will hope to exploit.
With six home fixtures coming in December, including their games in hand, the Bulls know the weeks ahead could define their campaign.
“We are desperate to string an unbeaten run together going into the Christmas month,” said Garton. “Momentum into this period is critical.”
Defender Luke Campbell has experienced a disrupted season of his own but is ready for the challenge ahead, stating: “It’ll be another tough game, Hastings are near the bottom of the table, but the league is very competitive, so we expect it to be tough. We’re looking forward to it.”
Reflecting on September’s win, Campbell believes that result provides something to lean on.
“We can take positives from that game,” he said. “I’m not too sure how much of their squad has changed, but we can definitely take confidence from beating them already.”
The centre-back is also hoping to find consistency after injuries and suspension, admitting: “This season has been a bit stop-start for me, now I’m just hoping to put a good run of games together.”
He also welcomed the growing competition in the squad, saying: “The squad is very competitive at the moment; a couple of really good young lads are coming through like Jamie Watling.”
“You need competition in football because it kicks you on personally. And it’s always good to have the young lads come through because at the end of the day, they’re the next generation for the years to come, so it’s welcome, friendly competition.”
As for the wider ambitions, Campbell is keeping things steady, stating: “We can hopefully take a few points in the next few games, in terms of the season, we’ll look to consolidate our league position, get to the halfway mark and reset from there.”
Jersey Bulls squad: Adam Trotter, Euan Van Der Vliet, Francis Lekimamati, Harry MacKenzie, James Carr, James Queree (c), James Sunley, Jay Giles, Joe Kilshaw, Jonathan Le Quesne, Lorne Bickley, Luke Campbell, Luke Watson, Miguel Carvalho, Rai Dos Santos, Toby Ritzema
Archie’s Predicted XI
As the Bulls face a side in the bottom third of the table, I think Powell might revert back to a 4-3-3 in a slightly more attacking team performance.
Euan Van Der Vliet will return in between the sticks with James Queree and Luke Campbell at centre-back.
I’ve chosen the classic pairing of Jonny Le Quesne and Jay Giles either side of them.
I expect the midfield to be somewhat different this weekend. I have Luke Watson in the holding role with Toby Ritzema acting as the box-to-box midfielder and James Sunley to earn a start marginally advanced after his positive impact from the bench last weekend.
The front three remains the same for me, with Rai Dos Santos on the left, Lorne Bickley leading the line and Miguel Carvalho keeping his spot on the right-hand side.
