“THIS might, hopefully, be our last chance to win this cup.”
Elliot Powell and his Jersey Bulls side have been firing on all cylinders in the league. However, he is reluctant dismiss the importance of cup competitions.
Tomorrow, Bulls travel to Bedfont Sports Club for a second round clash in the Isuzu FA Vase.
Bedfont, however, cruised through their first-round clash with a 2-0 away victory over Penn & Tylers in October.
Elliot Powell’s men could hardly be in better form heading into this huge clash. They currently sit comfortably third in the Premier Division South table and, after Fleet Town dropped points last weekend, they are now the only undefeated side in the league.
The hosts, however, have also enjoyed a strong start to their own campaign in the sister league, Premier Division North.
Bedfont occupy fifth spot after 14 games, with a record of seven wins, three draws and four losses.
In those games, they have conceded only 14 goals, while scoring 32, proving their quality at both ends of the field.
“They’ll be a decent side, no doubt,” continued Powell.
“They’re pushing for promotion in their league just as we are in ours, and, with home support behind them, I’m sure it’ll be a tough game.
“But this is a nice change up for us. The league has been so busy recently that it makes a nice change of scenery to play a cup match against a new opponent.”
Powell mused about the club’s ambitions for the Vase, as, if promoted, they will no longer be able to compete in the competition.
“The allure of a spot at Wembley still rings very clear for us all,” the 26-year-old added.
“It’s an incredible competition steeped in history and one that we want to add our own mark on.
“We have been playing well recently and getting some excellent results, I thought our last performance against Knaphill was outstanding.
“But we still have injuries on the list and we need to maintain our composure to make sure that doesn’t worsen.”
Powell said: “It’s like we have all our strikers but no defenders, and now we have our defenders back and we have strikers missing.
“But for us to land a result like the Knaphill win (6-0) and see goals coming from all over the park is a massive confidence boost for everyone.
“We know when we get players like Lorne [Bickley] and Karl [Hinds] back fully fit, we’ll have so much extra threat, but in the meantime goals need to come from other areas and it’s encouraging to see that come to fruition.”
Star striker Bickley, who is currently stuck on 99 career goals for the Bulls, has been sidelined for several weeks and is not expected to return until the new year.
Hinds on the other hand, limped off after his excellent goal in the 2-0 home win over Chipstead weekend before last, and again misses out on tomorrow’s travelling squad.
There is a spot for Kieran Lester, who will provide invaluable attacking options for Powell and his team.
Captain James Querée, who has been in fine form himself this season, said: “It’s really exciting to get to compete in competitions like this.
“We have had some good cup runs over the past few seasons and we very much want to take our good league form into another successful run.
“Anything can happen in knockout football, but that brings a different sort of excitement and is a definitely challenge we relish.
“Bedfont will be right up for it, especially playing at home. They’re having a good league campaign as well so they’ll come at us full force, no doubt.
“But we get the opportunity to come into tomorrow fresh. It’s a shame Tuesday’s game against Redhill was called off, there’s not much you can do about the weather sadly, but the extra rest is something we have welcomed and we’re all buzzing for tomorrow now.
“It’s such a shame to have lost Miguel [Carvalho] last game with his injury, I think he’s been such a threat down the wing this season and he’s stepped up massively.
“But that offers a chance for players like Francis [Lekimamati] and James [Carr] to come back into the fold and have a chance to impress.
“I think this just shows how good our strength in depth is that we have players like that to turn to and still keep the standard of the squad incredibly high.”
Action between Jersey Bulls and Bedfont Sports FC is scheduled for a 2.30pm start.
Jersey Bulls squad: Euan Van Der Vliet, Francis Lekimamati, Fraser Barlow, Harry Curtis, Jack Boyle, James Carr, James Querée (c), Joe Kilshaw, Jonny Le Quesne, Kieran Lester, Luke Watson, Rai Dos Santos, Sammy Sutcliffe, Toby Ritzema
Elliot Corbel Predicted XI: Despite the extraordinary revolving door of injuries the Bulls have had to manage this season, the fact they remain unbeaten in third spot is a phenomenal effort from all involved. My theory for this game is: “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it!” An excellent 6-0 win last week over Knaphill featured six different goal scorers, making this week’s team, in my opinion, fairly straightforward to pick from those available. Master gloveman Euan Van Der Vliet maintains his sensational form in net, while the back four in front of him will remain the same. Barlow on the left, Le Quesne on the right, with Curtis and captain Querée in the middle is a formidable line. Luke Watson, who has found his goal-scoring touch of late, continues to dominate the midfield at number six, with fellow goal-machine Joe Kilshaw ahead of him with James Carr, who impressed off the bench against Knaphill. The unfortunate injury to Miguel Carvalho leaves a gap on the left, but I believe the returning Francis Lekimamati can fill that gap. This leaves Knaphill player of the match Toby Ritzema on the right and Rai Dos Santos to lead the line again. Kieran Lester has returned to the squad to offer back up protection up top, with Sammy Sutcliffe also offering cover in defence.
