A LATE winner, a growing unbeaten run and a play-off picture that is beginning to sharpen – the Jersey Bulls return to Springfield Stadium on Saturday knowing this is the stage of the season where momentum starts to mean something.
Sheppey United are the visitors, and memories of October’s reverse fixture still linger. The Bulls were left empty-handed in Kent after a 92nd-minute Julien Anau strike, a reminder that fine margins often shape campaigns at Step 4.
Since then, the Jersey side have found their stride. Unbeaten in three matches to start 2026, including a hard-earned point away at fifth-placed Sittingbourne, Elliot Powell’s side are quietly building the consistency required to remain firmly in the play-off conversation.
Sheppey arrive with their own questions to answer. The ‘Ites’ have won just three times on the road all season and are without a victory in their last four, but as Powell regularly stresses, form counts for little at this level if standards drop.
As winter gives way to the decisive stretch of the campaign, this is not a fixture that defines a season on its own – but it is one that can shape a run.
That sense of perspective is shared by Bulls captain James Queree, who believes balance will be key as the pressure begins to rise.
For Queree, leadership has evolved less in status and more in understanding, particularly within a squad blending emerging young talent with seasoned experience.
When questioned about his leadership role, Queree said: “I don’t think my role has changed massively, it evolves slightly each season. The players coming through are younger, so it’s about understanding how to get the best out of everyone.
“Some players need an arm round the shoulder, others need a push, and you learn that as the season goes on.”
Recent performances have reflected that balance, with senior figures setting standards and younger players continuing to grow into responsibility. Queree was keen to highlight the impact of individuals across the squad, both those catching the eye and those quietly underpinning performances.
“Jay’s been outstanding since day one,” he said. “The work he’s put in to get his body right and be consistent has been huge. He’s a leader in his own right. And then you’ve got younger lads like Jamie Watling coming in and being superb – not just in ability, but in how he takes things on board. That kind of competition makes us collectively better.”
Despite the encouraging league position, complacency is something Queree is determined to guard against. A defender by nature, he admits caution comes naturally – and believes it is essential at this stage of the campaign.
“We want to build confidence and momentum, but we can’t forget the games where things haven’t gone our way,” he said. “There have been moments this season where we’ve let ourselves down. My message is about balance – being confident, but remembering the lessons we’ve learned. There are no easy games at this level.”
That grounded mindset reflects a wider culture within the Bulls’ camp. Long journeys, disrupted schedules and the realities of representing the island have helped forge a strong collective identity.
“The big thing for me is that resilience and togetherness,” Queree added. “We know where we sit, and it’s a privilege to represent the club and the island. We’re in this together, and that’s the differentiator.”
With the business end of the season approaching, standards remain the priority. League positions in January, Queree insists, count for little without substance behind them.
“No one gets a medal for where you are in January,” he said. “It’s about April. But right now, it’s about Sheppey. Preparing properly, sticking to our habits and playing to our standards.”
Back at Springfield at 4pm tomorrow, with familiar surroundings and strong support, the Bulls know the opportunity in front of them. Momentum is building – now comes the challenge of sustaining it.
Jersey Bulls squad: Adam Trotter, Euan Van Der Vliet, Francis Lekimamati, Fraser Barlow, James Carr, James Queree, James Sunley, Jamie Watling, Joe Kilshaw, Jonathan Le Quesne, Lorne Bickley, Luke Campbell, Luke Watson, Miguel Carvalho, Rai Dos Santos, Toby Ritzema
Archie’s Predicted XI
I expect Euan Van Der Vliet to return in goal this weekend, with a similar back four to the one I selected last time out. Jay Giles, Luke Campbell, James Queree and Jonny Le Quesne are my picks to start in defence.
I think there could be a slight rejig in midfield, with Luke Watson sitting deepest and Toby Ritzema and James Sunley operating ahead of him.
Out wide, I expect Rai Dos Santos to come back into the side to provide an injection of pace, alongside leading goalscorer Lorne Bickley and Miguel Carvalho in attack.
