JERSEY Bulls might have fallen 3-0, but context is everything in this sport, and for manager Elliot Powell, he felt “immense pride” at the way his men handled the stern challenge presented by League One outfit Stevenage.
Two first-half goals and one special strike late on gave the Hertfordshire side a comprehensive victory over the Island outfit that sit a whole six levels below them in the English football league pyramid.
“The overwhelming feeling after the game is immense pride really,” said the new boss Powell.
“It was an incredible opportunity both for our players and our fans to experience the class of a League One side in the flesh.
“Missing 15 players, against such a great side, we knew it would be a struggle.
“To go toe-to-toe with 22 professional athletes is not easy, but I thought we matched them physically. We spent a lot of the game out of possession, but the discipline of the lads was second to none from front to back.
“Luke Campbell and Luke Watson marshalled the spine of the side really well and as a manager, those are the traits you love to see from your experienced heads.”
The Islanders were underwhelming in the showcase Bulls Cup last time out, but Powell was keen to remind supporters that there was plenty of positives in what he saw.
The visit of Stevenage provided a different challenge altogether, and one he believes will benefit his squad as they embark on a long and gruelling campaign in Combined Counties Premier Division South.
“We know we are going to need plenty of resilience to get through this season,” added Powell.
“There are going to be highs and lows and we will have to take those in our stride and suffer at times. That was the case today.
“It is hard work to spend that long out of possession, but I don’t think Stevenage felt it was easy for them.
“We saw some great signs from James [Sunley]. In possession, he looked really assured, with a really difficult task in the middle of the pitch.
“What he will give us is plenty of quality and composure in the final third this season.
“We have two weeks to go until the campaign starts and the lads will take a lot from that.
“There are a couple things we will fine tune and a lot of players left to return and add depth to the squad.”
Meanwhile, captain James Querée has been a stalwart of Jersey football for a number of years, but facing top quality opposition like Stevenage is still “invaluable” to him and his players.
“These guys are all professionals,” he said.
“We are part-time players and there is so much to learn from them in the way the go about their work.
“Games like this are a brilliant opportunity to see where we are at, and I’m proud of the way we handled it for the most part.
“We are starting to see our efforts from pre-season and training come to fruition and now there is a bit of time to prepare for our opening fixture in a couple of weeks.
“We need to put things in perspective.
“There was a large number of players missing, but that in turn opens doors for other members of the squad.
“I think our younger lads really enjoyed the occasion and they all handled themselves very well.”
