THE Jersey Bulls need just a single point from their final two fixtures to turn a promising debut season into a play-off campaign, as they travel to Deal Town tomorrow (1pm).
Elliot Powell’s side edged ever closer to that target with a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Beckenham Town last weekend, where a late Lorne Bickley header secured an eighth win in nine matches and extended their unbeaten run in 2026.
That result leaves the Bulls firmly in control of their own destiny. Sitting fourth in the Isthmian South East Division, they hold a six-point cushion over sixth-placed Faversham Town and know that avoiding defeat in Kent will confirm their place in the end-of-season play-offs.
Deal Town, currently eighth, may be out of the running but still pose a stern test on home soil, with pride and a top-half finish to play for.
For the Bulls, however, the stakes continue to rise. What began as a season centred around consolidation has quickly evolved into something far more significant. Not only are the islanders on the brink of securing a play-off berth, they have also forced their way into the conversation for a home semi-final.
Powell’s men sit just one point behind third place and within touching distance of second. Their ability to grind out results – as shown in difficult conditions at Beckenham – has become a defining trait in the run-in.
Meanwhile, Faversham face a daunting task if they are to apply any late pressure, requiring maximum points from their remaining fixtures, including a clash with champions Three Bridges.
For the Bulls, though, the equation is simple: one point, and the job is done. Anything more, and their remarkable late surge may yet carry them even higher.
Jersey Bulls squad: Adam Trotter, Euan Van der Vliet, Fraser Barlow, Francis Lekimamati, Harry Curtis, James Queree, James Sunley, Jamie Watling, Jay Giles, Joe Kilshaw, Lorne Bickley, Luke Watson, Miguel Carvalho, Rai Dos Santos, Toby Ritzema
Archie’s Predicted XI
I’ve not had much luck with predicted line-ups this season – one correct call from 40-odd attempts says it all.
So, I’m sticking with the side that brought me my only success.
Euan Van der Vliet keeps his place in goal after last weekend’s standout display. Jay Giles at left-back is a shoe in. I’ve got James Querée at right-back, with Luke Campbell and Jamie Watling returning at centre-half, allowing Toby Ritzema to move back into midfield alongside Luke Watson and Adam Trotter – a strong, energetic trio brimming with quality.
Up top, it’s hard to look beyond the usual front three. Rai Dos Santos, Lorne Bickley and Miguel Carvalho should continue from left to right
