South Park (Reigate) 3
Jackson 13′, Coutinho 71′, Perkin 83′
Jersey Bulls 7
Tavares 13′, 49′, 63′, 90+1, Morris 17′, H. Sundby 30′, Bradshaw 44′
HT Score: 1-4
Attendance: 31
Player of the Match: Anita Tavares
THE Jersey Bulls Women produced a scintillating performance to secure a 7-3 victory at South Park (Reigate) on Sunday, announcing their intent as the playoffs approach.
Captain Sundby reflected on the victory: “It was good to get the three points. We were a little slow at times, and I feel their goals were our mistakes. It was amazing that Anita [Tavares] got four goals though, and it was great to play together again after a long break.”
The Bulls were met with early resistance, falling behind in the 13th minute. However, Anita Tavares wasted no time making her mark, equalising within seconds and signalling the start of a remarkable day for the striker, who would go on to net four goals.
From there, the Bulls seized control. Leah Morris put the visitors ahead in the 17th minute, and captain Holly Sundby doubled the lead on 30 minutes. Defender Danielle Bradshaw added a fourth just before the break, leaving the Bulls with a commanding advantage at half time.
Manager Chad Morris praised the squad’s resilience. “It was a tough game as we expected. South Park were well up for it. We knew we’d have to match and be better than them in the ugly side of the game — winning first and second balls, tracking runners — and we did that brilliantly. The first half showed what we can do when we play our football.”
The second half saw Tavares extend her tally, scoring her second in the 49th minute and completing her hat-trick just past the hour mark. South Park fought back with two goals to reduce the deficit, but Tavares sealed the emphatic win with her fourth in stoppage time.
“Second half, there was a scrappy 20-minute spell,” noted Morris, “but our centre backs, Tiffany [Sundby] and Danielle [Bradshaw], did a great job keeping the team compact and keeping the opposition at arm’s length.”
Morris also highlighted the team’s commitment, noting the significance of Mother’s Day: “At the start of the season, we said for this to work, everyone had to buy in. Yesterday, having players like Danielle Bradshaw, who is a mum, fully invested, shows the level of commitment in this group and sets the bar for what playing for the Jersey Bulls means.”
The Bulls women are next back in action away against Horley town this Sunday March 22.
Jersey Bulls Women squad: Holly Sundby (c), Danielle Bradshaw, Ella Brennand, Amy Guthrie, Natasha Keen, Rachael McCartan, Leah Morris, Tayah Vasse, Sam Silva-Pinto, Anita Tavares, Taylor Smythe, Lauren Queree, Aine Ruth, Tiffany Sundby
Surrey Division 1 Group A
