WITH play-off football already secured for Jersey Bulls, there is still plenty at stake as they welcome 16th-placed Spelthorne Sports to Springfield Stadium tomorrow [KO 4pm].
Victory would seal second spot in the Combined Counties Premier Division South, which they have not achieved before and something that would have marked promotion in yesteryear.
It would also mean that Jersey would enjoy a home play-off final, should they progress from their semi-final fixture on 4 May.
“There is plenty of motivation for us heading into tomorrow,” said manager Gary Freeman.
“Our highest finish in this division would mean a lot to this group and a home play-off final could prove equally as important if we can get there.
“Currently we are a point clear of Knaphill and maximum points against Spelthorne would seal second, so that is the sole focus at the moment and not beyond.
“We have strung some really good performances together at the business end of the season, which is a nice feeling after perhaps struggling at this stage in the previous two seasons.
“The timing of the way we are clicking is pleasing and it’s been a whole squad effort, which is vital if you are to be promoted from such a competitive league.”
Freeman has faced a new challenge this campaign in regards to personnel.
Where previously, trying to muster a matchday squad in the closing stages of the season proved a struggle, he now has the tricky task of picking from a deep talent pool.
“We have a couple of little niggles players are contending with,” he added.
“Both Jay Giles and Jonny Le Quesne are battling knocks. Jay will miss tomorrow, but Jonny could feature. Apart from that, we are looking strong.
“Lots of players have been pushing hard in training and it’s difficult for them at times.
“Not everyone can get the game time they feel they deserve, but I have to praise the attitude of the entire squad.
“The players that have been on the fringes have continued to work incredibly hard and, when the chance has arisen, they have been ready to play and make a difference.
“We have gotten to this point because of everyone, not just the regulars in the starting squad.
“These guys are not paid professionals. They are doing it for the love of the sport and there has been a real sense of togetherness and fight this year.
“I think it shows in our results of late and where we sit ahead of the season finale.”
Freeman’s words rang true last weekend with a comfortable 5-1 victory at home to Fleet Town.
With the game still in the balance, the manager was able to bring on the likes of Miguel Carvalho and Ruben Mendes, as well as Will Byers and Ben Le Rougetel who have all had an impact during the season.
Rather than just fresh legs, these are players who can make a difference and, if Jersey are to progress from the Combined Counties Premier Division South, a bench littered with game changers will certainly help that cause.
Jersey Bulls squad: Pierce Roche, Fergus Boyle, Harry Curtis, James Querée (c), Luke Campbell, Will Byers, Adam Trotter, Ben Le Rougetel, James Carr, Joe Kilshaw, Jonny Le Quesne, Luke Watson, Ruben Mendes, Francis Lekimamati, Fraser Barlow, Lorne Bickley, Miguel Carvalho
