Long road to Wembley step shorter for Bulls

Sol Solomon struck twice in the first half at the former home of Brighton & Hove Albion Picture: ESA PHOTOS

‘AN exciting opportunity’ was how Gary Freeman described his side’s outlook on the FA Vase, following Jersey Bulls’ 4-1 win in the first qualifying round.

A brilliant first-half double from Sol Solomon, plus a strike from Lorne Bickley, saw the visitors open up a 3-0 half-time lead at AFC Varndeanians, before they ultimately prevailed 4-1 at Withdean Stadium, the former home of Brighton & Hove Albion.

Freeman will take his side to another Southern Combination outfit in the second qualifying round in late September – Division I outfit Shoreham – and spoke of how his players were keen to leverage some cup magic to propel their league campaign.

The Bulls are focusing on the Vase this season, having opted not to enter the FA Cup due to fixture logistics and associated costs.

‘We were very good in the first half and got control early, which was really pleasing. I felt it might require some patience but the first goal got us going and we clicked from there,’ said Freeman.

‘It was a very difficult decision to not be in the FA Cup this year, for various reasons, so that makes the Vase an exciting opportunity for us.

‘It’s classic, on the day, knockout football and that suits us. We can plan accordingly in terms of managing the players’ load and around league fixtures, so we’re looking to go as deep as possible.

‘The supporters have had a good day out at a ground we wouldn’t normally come to, as have the lads and the management and there’s something special about a cup game. It generates a buzz and if we can harness that, it creates momentum and that’s difficult to stop.’

The Islanders are back in action tonight, with a trip to Surrey for their fourth Combined Counties Premier South game of the season [7.45pm kick-off].

‘We’re looking forward to Abbey Rangers now, who are another first-time opponent for us,’ Freeman added. ‘Going there off the back of this, with everyone fresh given the changes we made in the second half, means we’re in a good place.’

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