AS Jersey Bulls prepare to host Spelthorne Sports, the contrast between the two sides could not be starker.
While the Islanders sit in third with 49 points from 19 league games, remaining undefeated with an impressive record of 15 wins and four draws, Spelthorne find themselves at the bottom, having managed just eight points from the same number of matches.
The reverse fixture marked Elliot Powell’s managerial debut, with his Bulls thrashing Spelthorne 6-1 in a dominant performance.
The side demonstrated their attacking prowess, with goals from Miguel Carvalho, Seaney McColgan, along with braces from Lorne Bickley and Joe Kilshaw.
Jersey will hope for a similarly decisive display tomorrow, even with two of those starring players absent from the squad.
However, Powell and captain James Querée have both stressed the importance of focus, particularly given Spelthorne’s ability to create moments of danger even in difficult games.
Reflecting on last week’s Isuzu FA Vase defeat, Querée emphasised the need to bounce back and not take any opponent lightly.
“Last Saturday hurt,” the captain admitted.
“But we’ve got to focus on what we can control.
“Tomorrow is an opportunity for us to focus on the league and show we’ve learned the lessons from that game.
“Spelthorne may be at the bottom of the table, but we’re not taking anything for granted.”
Querée was also quick to note the unique atmospheres of pre-Christmas home fixtures.
“There’s always something special about games like this before Christmas. There’s always lots of families there with kids off school, and that brings a lot of positivity.
“It’s so nice it be in amongst that sort of atmosphere. We’ll do everything we can to put on a good show and hopefully we can walk away with three points.”
The Islanders have been in scintillating form throughout the season, combining defensive resilience with attacking flair.
They have scored freely, as evidenced by their opening-day dominance over Spelthorne, where they netted six goals and could easily have had more.
Kilshaw was the standout in that game, earning player-of-the-match honours with a brace that showcased his impact in a more aggressive role within Elliot Powell’s new system.
Kilshaw’s attacking contributions were a revelation, with his intelligent positioning and clinical finishing adding a new dimension to Jersey’s midfield.
Linking up effectively with Carvalho, who provided assists for both goals, Kilshaw demonstrated the potential of Powell’s tactical tweaks to unlock greater offensive output.
By contrast, Spelthorne’s struggles have been evident.
With just one win all season, they’ve found it difficult to compete and have leaked goals at an alarming rate.
Saturday’s match is not just about maintaining their unbeaten record but also an opportunity for Jersey to reinforce their position in the promotion race.
With Powell’s tactical acumen, Kilshaw’s new-found attacking role, and the brick wall that is Euan Van Der Vliet back in goal, among other things – the Bulls should have all the tools at their disposal to secure another dominant victory.
While Spelthorne may have struggled throughout the season, Quérée emphasised that the team cannot afford to underestimate any opponent.
“One thing I’ve learned in this league is that surprises can happen. Even teams at the bottom of the table can cause you problems if you’re not at your best. We need to stay focused and deliver the standards we know we’re capable of.”
With a tough away trip to Fleet Town looming after Christmas, this fixture offers the perfect opportunity for Jersey to put the frustration of last weekend behind them and send a message to the rest of the league.
If the Bulls play to their potential, another commanding win should be well within their reach.
Jersey Bulls to face Spelthorne Sports: Euan Van Der Vliet, Francis Lekimamati, Fraser Barlow, Harry Curtis, James Carr, James Querée, Joe Kilshaw, Jonny Le Quesne, Karl Hinds, Kieran Lester, Luke Campbell, Luke Watson, Rai Dos Santos, Seaney McColgan, Toby Ritzema, Harry Gladdish.
JEP Predicted Starting XI: Given the squad at Elliot Powell’s disposal, I expect Spelthorne to be in a spot of bother. The defence should be hard to breach – most notably, Euan Van Der Vliet returns to goal after his absence following the arrival of his new child, and the back four is at, what I believe to be, full strength. We should see Fraser Barlow at left-back, a position he has adapted to superbly this season, contributing to the Bulls’ clean-sheet success, while Harry Curtis and captain James Querée will likely form the central defensive pairing. On the right, stalwart Jonny Le Quesne offers consistency and defensive stability while supporting forward play when needed. Further forward, Luke Watson is set once again to anchor the midfield triangle in the defensive role, where his physical presence and creativity seamlessly link the backline to the more advanced players. Joe Kilshaw, thriving in his aggressive left-midfield role under Powell, will continue as the team’s top scorer and a crucial attacking outlet, while Toby Ritzema is expected to occupy the right midfield spot, adding balance and energy. Ahead of them, Rai Dos Santos will operate on the right, with Francis Lekimamati on the left, both of whom will be tasked with stretching Spelthorne’s defence and looking to increase their own goal scoring tally. Finally, the man in golden boots, Karl Hinds, will be the focal point the attack. I also expect Seaney McColgan to make an appearance, likely replacing Dos Santos in the second half, echoing the reverse fixture substitution that resulted in a goal.
