ASCOT United head to Springfield Stadium tomorrow as the Jersey Bulls look to extend their unbeaten league run with a 3pm kick-off.
The Isthmian South Central Division is beginning to take shape, although there remains little to separate much of the middle of the table after the opening two months.
Bognor Regis Town have established an early lead at the summit with six wins and two draws, but just six points separate second-placed AFC Portchester from tomorrow’s visitors in 18th.
‘The Yellas’ have endured a difficult start away from home, losing all three of their fixtures on the road.
Ascot were beaten 5-0 by Egham Town earlier this month, with the Bulls earning a 3-3 draw at the Runnymede Stadium in midweek.
Jack Lumsden has returned to the island after studying at university and has quickly become a regular on Elliot Powell’s teamsheet.
The midfielder is relishing the prospect of returning to Springfield in front of the home support.
“I’m buzzing to be back at Springfield, hopefully it’s a big crowd that come down to support,” he said.
“It’s good to have got a few away games out the way, but everyone knows how important the home fans are. When Springfield is rocking, it’s a hard place to come.”
The Bulls’ unbeaten league run has now reached 25 matches following their gritty 3-3 draw at Egham, with Lumsden praising the character within the squad.
“We haven’t lost since December 2025, which is a testament to the character and resilience within the squad,” he said.
“The last couple of games we haven’t defended how we wanted to, so we want to get back to that and get a clean sheet on Saturday.”
With promotion firmly in the Bulls’ sights, Lumsden was equally clear about his own ambitions after returning to the side.
“Everyone’s in full belief that we can go and get promotion this season,” he said.
“For me, my ambition is to nail down a starting spot because I feel like I had a good start to the season and I want to continue that.”
Jersey Bulls Squad: Casey Nixon, Darryl Mvalo, Euan Van Der Vliet, Fraser Barlow, Harry Curtis, Jack Lumsden, James Sunley, Jamie Watling, Jarma Mohamed, Jay Giles, Joe Kilshaw, Jonny Le Quesne, Lorne Bickley, Luke Watson, Sammy Henia-Kamau, Toby Ritzema
Corbett’s Preview
Using my somewhat credible insight into the Jersey Bulls, I think this weekend is three points, a clean sheet and nothing less for Elliot Powell and the Bulls.
Should the side finish the match with the same number of players that started, I don’t see a world in which they don’t take home maximum points tomorrow afternoon.
Despite the absence of skipper James Querée, the squad is stacked for what feels like a rare home outing.
Springfield Stadium has announced itself as a fortress in the last 12 months, having seen just two losses in the league since the dawn of the Bulls’ Step Four journey, and I expect that form to continue tomorrow.
Whilst the recent disciplinary record is difficult to ignore, Powell will take no prisoners this weekend and ensure that the Bulls return to winning ways (with 11 men).
Looking at Ascot United, their away record bodes well when looking ahead to tomorrow. Three losses from three, two goals scored and a 5-0 loss just 10 days ago.
But as ever, no side can be underestimated at this level and the coaching staff will be aware of that. Something so prevalent within the club is their attention to detail, with Powell himself spending hours on end meticulously analysing each and every opponent.
A clear and controlling game plan will be on show in front of what I expect to be a myriad of noisy home supporters.
Archie’s Predicted XI
I expect 4-3-3 to be in use this weekend as the Bulls look to control the tempo.
Euan Van der Vliet will return in goal, with Jonny Le Quesne and Jay Giles at right and left-back respectively, while Le Quesne will wear the captain’s armband.
I think Jamie Watling and Harry Curtis will make up the centre back pairing.
Jarma Mohamed, Jack Lumsden and Joe Kilshaw are my midfield trio.
My front three of Sammy Henia-Kamau, Lorne Bickley and Toby Ritzema remains unchanged.
