Jersey Bulls – 1
Kilshaw 23
Sheerwater 0
HT: 1-0Player of the game: Joe KilshawAttendance: 617
JERSEY BULLS secured a hard-fought victory over Sheerwater at Springfield Stadium in a gripping Premier Division South affair.
Joe Kilshaw’s first-half strike, on his 100th appearance in Bulls colours, proved decisive as the Islanders maintained their unbeaten streak in front of a vibrant home crowd north of 600.
The result further cements their position as promotion contenders and underscores the resilience that has characterised their season to date.
Kilshaw determined to mark his milestone appearance with a memorable performance from the outset.
Within four minutes, the midfielder tested Fabio Suarez, with a stunning 20-yard effort.
While the shot was saved, it set the tone for an aggressive and confident first-half display from the hosts.
Following the early warning, the game settled into a midfield battle as both teams probed for opportunities.
Sheerwater’s attack, despite its determination, struggled to break through the Bulls’ well-organised defensive unit.
Their best effort in the opening exchanges came in the 10th minute – a speculative shot that sailed harmlessly over the bar, reflecting their growing frustration against a disciplined Jersey back line.
The decisive breakthrough came in the 22nd minute, and it was a goal of outstanding teamwork and precision.
Captain James Querée initiated the move, linking up seamlessly with Karl Hinds, who laid the ball off to Kilshaw.
A quick one-two exchange between Kilshaw and Toby Ritzema saw the ball returned to the former, who showed composure beyond measure to round the onrushing Suarez and prod home.
The Springfield faithful erupted in celebration as Kilshaw delivered the moment his milestone deserved.
Despite dominating the first-half, the Bulls were unable to extend their lead before the break.
Hinds, known for his sharp instincts in the box, was twice flagged offside in quick succession, thwarting promising attacking moves.
Meanwhile, Sheerwater’s frustration’s began to show, culminating in a booking for captain, Liam Avery, in the dying embers of the opening half.
When play resumed, Sheerwater emerged with renewed intent, determined to find a way back into the game.
However, while they controlled spells of possession, they struggled to translate this into clear-cut chances.
Jersey Bulls, by contrast, remained a threat on the counter.
The Islanders came agonisingly close to doubling their lead on several occasions.
In the 50th and 60th minutes, Kieran Lester repeatedly found himself in promising positions, but a combination of heavy touches and smart goalkeeping denied him a breakthrough.
As the second-half progressed, Sheerwater’s desperation became evident.
Speculative efforts, including a long-range strike in the 57th minute and a flashy bicycle-kick in the 64th, showcased flair, but failed to trouble Bulls goalkeeper Euan Van Der Vliet – who, fresh off becoming a father earlier this week, delivered another clean-sheet performance.
Recognising fatigue after a demanding schedule of three games in seven days, Bulls manager Elliot Powell made attacking substitutions in the 75th minute.
Forwards Seaney McColgan and Jake Prince replaced Francis Lekimamati and Lester, bringing fresh energy to the game played on Springfield’s artificial turf.
The closing stages saw Jersey come tantalisingly close to a second goal.
In the 89th minute, Ritzema unleashed a thunderous strike that cannoned off the crossbar, drawing gasps from the home faithful.
Kilshaw, continuing his impressive attacking display under Powell’s new system, nearly sealed his brace in stoppage time.
A well-hit strike, deflected off a defender and sent the goalkeeper scrambling in the wrong direction before rolling just wide of a post. As the game edged into its final moments, Sheerwater earned a free-kick on the halfway line after a foul by Luke Campbell, who received a yellow card for an accidental trip.
With Suarez joining the attack, the visitors threw everything forward in a last-ditch attempt to salvage a point.
However, Powell responded by introducing defensive stalwart Sammy Sutcliffe, whose height and experience helped nullify Sheerwater’s aerial threat.
The Bulls stood firm, as their resilience and organisation shined through in the dying moments.
When the final whistle blew, Springfield erupted in applause, celebrating not just a vital three points but also a landmark performance from Joe Kilshaw.
Kilshaw’s decisive goal and tireless contribution earned him the player of the match award, capping a memorable century of games for the hosts.
Victory extends Jersey Bulls’ unbeaten record and highlights their defensive solidity, squad depth, and determination as they continue their pursuit of promotion glory.
Jersey Bulls: Euan Van Der Vliet, Harry Curtis, James Carr, James Querée (c), Luke Campbell, Luke Watson, Francis Lekimamati, Joe Kilshaw, Karl Hinds, Toby Ritzema, Kieran Lester. Substitutes: Sammy Sutcliffe (90+2 for Hinds), Seaney McColgan (75 for Lester), Jake Prince, (75 for Lekimamati), Fergus Boyle (unused), Harry Gladdish (unused).
Sheerwater: Fabio Suarez, George Mackie, Mclaughlin Mekhail, Roje Grant, Callum Mackie, Kareem Foster, Jake Horn, Dylan Martins, Liam Avery (c), Harvey Valter, Elliot York. Substitutes: Christopher Adams, Brooklyn Hyseni, Byron Mitchell, Joel Ono, Ryan Wilson.
