JERSEY BULLS have their sights set on an astonishing ten consecutive clean sheets tomorrow, when they welcome an in-form Tadley Calleva to Springfield Stadium, in a return to league action.
The Bulls outfit have been a revelation this season under Elliot Powell who, at just 26, has negotiated an ongoing injury crisis superbly to remain the only unbeaten team in CCFL Premier Division South, sitting third in the table.
The current run has been truly remarkable, considering the necessity to start players out of position throughout the defensive line, coupled with the ongoing absence of record goalscorer, Lorne Bickley.
The men in red have conceded just six goals in 14 league games this season, while they have scored an impressive 32 goals, a magnificent effort at both ends of the field.
Fans will remember fondly their last league match, in which Powell’s men dismantled promotion rivals Knaphill 6-0 with no recognised striker on the pitch, while still finding goals from six different scorers.
Tomorrow’s opponents, Tadley Calleva, have also enjoyed an excellent start to their campaign and are currently sat in eighth, with nine wins from their opening 14 games.
The Hampshire-based side have suffered just one defeat in their last eight matches, which features four wins out of the last five league fixtures, the lone defeat coming to runaway leaders Redhill.
They travel to Springfield full of confidence, particularly their main marksman Alex Miller, who has recorded 11 goals and four assists from 18 appearances this season.
The Romans’ away record of five wins and one defeat is among the very best in the league, something Powell and co will be aware of and not underestimate.
Assistant coach Dan Garton said: “We’re really looking forward to another big game at home in front of our amazing local supporters.
“We wanted to make Springfield a real fortress this season and we have played well so far at home.
“We had another tough test in the FA Vase a few days ago, but again we came through and found a way to win.
“It was another clean sheet and another really positive performance and result for us to take forward.
“Tadley will be a tough test, however.
“They’ve been around the play-off places for a while now, including last season as well.
“Our boys are in high spirits, but there will be zero complacency come tomorrow.
“We know how important each game is and tomorrow is going to be another challenge against a strong team in this league.
“We are all pushing for that goal of promotion and this is another opportunity to take a good step towards that aim.”
One bonus for the Bulls is a return from the lengthy treatment table.
While the squad have recently lost the likes of Miguel Carvalho and Karl Hinds to foot injuries, tomorrow sees the return to the matchday squad for the experienced defender Luke Campbell and also the exciting, versatile midfielder, James Sunley.
Skipper James Querée is absent, so the captain’s armband passes over to Jonny Le Quesne.
The timing is uncanny, as Campbell slots in as the perfect replacement in the back line for the absent Querée.
Sunley’s reintroduction will excite the home fans immensely, as the promising young star had been in sensational form before picking up an unfortunate and frustrating injury.
There still remains plenty of experience on the park, and the confident Bulls players will undoubtedly meet the Tadley Calleva challenge head on.
Action from Springfield Stadium tomorrow is scheduled for a 4pm kick-off.
Jersey Bulls provisional squad: Euan Van Der Vliet, Francis Lekimamati, Fraser Barlow, Harry Curtis, Jack Boyle, Luke Campbell, James Carr, Joe Kilshaw, Jonny Le Quesne (c), James Sunley, Kieran Lester, Luke Watson, Rai Dos Santos, Sammy Sutcliffe, Toby Ritzema
