JERSEY Bulls Women face what could prove their toughest remaining test of the season as they travel to face Meadow Sports on Sunday, knowing two wins from two will secure the Surrey Division 1 title.
A 12pm kick-off awaits at Knaphill FC, with the Islanders heading into their penultimate league fixture of the campaign.
While Bulls have swept aside much of the division this season, this encounter is expected to pose a very different challenge. Meadow Sports finished second in the original league standings, winning eight of their 11 matches, and pushed the Bulls all the way in a 4-2 defeat earlier in the season.
Head coach Chad Morris is under no illusions about what lies ahead.
“We’re expecting it to be a tough game away at Meadow,” he said. “Pitch-wise, it will be very different to what we’re used to at Springfield. Even though Knaphill is usually a decent surface, at this time of year it can be bobbly and that changes how we approach things.”
That contrast from Springfield’s 3G surface is likely to play a role, particularly against a side Morris believes mirrors one of their more difficult opponents this season.
“They’re quite similar to Hartland in terms of profile,” he added. “They’re young, energetic and their front three are a real threat. Their number nine does a good job holding the ball up, so we’ve prepared for that based on the last time we played them.”
With conditions expected to limit free-flowing football early on, Morris has emphasised the importance of starting strongly.
“It’ll be about going there with full intensity and winning duels all over the pitch, especially early in the game,” he said. “If we can get a foothold, then we can start to play in the right areas.”
Jersey Bulls are boosted by the return of Roisin Flynn, who is set to feature in her first away game of the season, while the rest of the squad remains unchanged following last week’s outing.
With the title now firmly in sight, the equation is simple for the Bulls – two more wins will see them crowned champions. But against one of the strongest sides in the league, Morris and his players know this weekend is unlikely to come easy.
Jersey Bulls Women squad: Aine Ruth, Anita Tavares, Danielle Bradshaw, Emily Le Page, Holly Sundby, Lauren Queree, Leah Morris, Poppy Benest, Roisin Flynn, Sam Silva-Pinto, Natasha Keen, Tayah Vasse, Taylor Smythe, Tiffany Sundby
