BULLS captain James Querée “expects a tough match” as they return to league action tomorrow to host play-off rivals Redhill.
Gary Freeman’s side are riding high after their thrilling penalty shoot-out victory last weekend in the FA Vase against Hamworthy Recreation, where goalkeeper Pierce Roche played hero with two penalty saves to send his side through to the fifth round.
Bulls currently occupy fourth in Combined Counties Premier Division South and face a Redhill side who are themselves pushing for a promotion, currently sitting just five points adrift of the play-off spots in eighth.
Skipper Querée said: “Redhill will be a tough match, no question.
“They have their own promotion aspirations and we know these teams in similar positions to us are going to give us hard matches.
“I think so far this season we’ve been solid defensively, with our threat in front of goal improving with every game we play.
“If we can keep being consistent with our basics, then our momentum will continue to grow.”
Tomorrow’s fixture sees Bulls play their fourth home game in succession, with Springfield not perhaps proving the fortress the Islanders had hoped for.
However, Querée believes there has been improvement over recent months.
“We absolutely love playing at home in front of our fans who always give us incredible support,” he added.
“The cup win last week was great and the crowd were amazing. It was such a good atmosphere.
“We hope we can continue to improve our home form and keep giving our supporters more moments to cheer about.”
Redhill have recruited heavily during the campaign and still have games in hand over the three nearest teams above them.
Bulls’ manager Gary Freeman added:
“We know Redhill will be a real challenge.
“They’ve invested well with strong backing and we know they will bring their A game to Springfield.
“These matches against promotion rivals are crucial for us and we need to ensure we capitalise on our games in hand.
“The confidence in the group is high after the excitement of our cup win last week and we are aiming to put in another strong performance on Saturday.”
Injuries still plague Freeman’s squad, with goalkeeper Pierce Roche set to return to the turf where he had his magic moment last week, continuing his run between the sticks in the absence of Euan Van Der Vliet.
“Pierce was awesome for us last week, especially in the shoot-out,” Freeman continued.
“Those are the moments a goalkeeper wants to be involved in and dreams about.
“I’m pleased he was able to have his moment in front of the home fans.
“His confidence will be sky high and I have full confidence he will bring all that energy again this weekend and play a vital role in trying to secure another important three points.”
Jersey Bulls squad to face Redhill: Pierce Roche, Fergus Boyle, Harry Curtis, James Querée (c), James Carr, Luke Campbell, Ben Le Rougetel, Will Byers, Joe Kilshaw, Jonny Le Quesne, Kamen Nafkha, Luke Watson, Ruben Mendes, Francis Lekimamati, Fraser Barlow, Lorne Bickley, Miguel Carvalho, Seaney McColgan.
Combined Counties – Premier Division South
P W D L Diff Pts
Farnham Town 17 17 0 0 60 51
Knaphill 21 15 3 3 33 48
Abbey Rangers 21 13 3 5 9 42
Jersey Bulls 19 12 3 4 24 39
Alton 23 12 3 8 9 39
Croydon Athletic 20 11 3 6 14 36
Balham 21 12 0 9 -3 36
Redhill 18 11 1 6 21 34
Fleet Town 21 11 1 9 10 34
Tadley Calleva 18 10 0 8 -2 30
Sandhurst Town 25 9 3 13 -10 30
Horley Town 20 7 6 7 7 27
Camberley Town 23 7 5 11 -8 26
Tooting & Mitcham 20 7 3 10 -7 24
Spelthorne Sports 22 6 6 10 -15 24
Guildford City 24 7 2 15 -27 23
Cobham 20 5 6 9 -6 21
Epsom & Ewell 22 5 2 15 -25 17
Colliers Wood 23 3 4 16 -30 13
Sheerwater 24 3 2 19 -54 11
