Bulls breeze into next round of FA Trophy with 3-1 win

THE JERSEY Bulls put on a show for the home fans at Springfield Stadium, as they beat fellow Step 4 team Hastings United 3-1 this afternoon.

Spectators would have noticed a different approach from the home side today, as Elliot Powell and staff opted for a 4-4-2 formation, instead of the usual 4-3-3.

Any doubts would have been cast aside however, as the boys in red showed their versatility to put three past their opposition, as well as control possession for the game’s majority.

Although it was a blockbuster result, the match did get off to an uneventful start, with neither side able to break the deadlock in the opening 40 minutes.

However, as the half went on, Jersey’s premier side created more and more opportunities, practically living in the opponent’s half to be a real threat.

They left it late on, but Fraser Barlow managed to get the go-ahead goal in stoppage time of the first half, heading it in from Rai Dos Santos’ corner to make it 1-0, redeeming himself for a couple missed chances.

That made a little bit of history on the pitch, as Barlow became Jersey Bulls’ first ever scorer in the competition. The winger is no stranger to a feat like this however, after becoming the side’s first ever goal scorer in Step 4 earlier this season.

As Jersey returned from the half-time break, their control of the game never waned, as they continued to dominate possession.

Fans had to wait until the 73rd minute for the Bulls to double their lead, as Dos Santos was floored by Hasting’s goalkeeper, Harley Earle, in an attempt to clear a dangerous cross, giving away a penalty. Skipper James Queree stepped up when it mattered, coolly putting it away to make it 2-0.

In his celebration, the captain went over to his one-month-old baby daughter, Harper, making for a nice personal touch, making a memorable first game for his child.

A stroke of brilliance went into the third, as a pinpoint long ball from Dos Santos was picked up by substitute Lorne Bickley, who made it 3-0 just three minutes later, with a spectacular lob over the keeper, all but sealing the victory.

After such a commanding display, the Islanders must be frustrated to come away without the clean sheet, after Hastings’ Jack Lyons scored a beautiful goal from the right edge of the box, curling in just out of Euan Van Der Vliet’s reach to find the bottom left corner.

However, that technical finish, as amazing as it was, was just too little, too late for the visitors, as Jersey Bulls sealed their spot in the next round of the FA trophy.

After being a constant thorn in Hastings’ side, taking on the playmaker mantle and tallying two assists on the game, Dos Santos earned his well-deserved second consecutive player of the match award. He’ll certainly be keen to carry this form into next week’s mammoth contest against Worthing, as he’s been unstoppable these past couple matches.

For a full report and reaction, make sure to pick up Monday’s JEP.

Bulls breeze into next round of FA Trophy with 3-1 win

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