JERSEY BULLS aim to continue their push for promotion tomorrow by welcoming Combined Counties Premier Division South’s runaway league leaders Farnham Town to Springfield Stadium.
The Islanders currently occupy third place, with two games in hand on those above and below them and in prime position to secure a play-off spot.
Bulls manager Gary Freeman said: “The game should be a great occasion.
“We played excellently against Farnham at their place, especially in the first half.
“Although they came away with the win, we know we had chances and can take a lot of confidence from that.”
Farnham Town have enjoyed a stellar season, still unbeaten and 15 points clear at the top with four games spare over their closest rivals. They have won 27 of their 28 league fixtures, with their lone draw against closest pursuers Knaphill.
In the reverse fixture, Farnham pipped the Bulls to a 1-0 win after a contentious Harry Cooksley penalty in the dying embers, which saw young Bulls defender Fergus Boyle given his marching orders.
“That game could genuinely have gone either way,” continued Freeman.
“We proved that we can mix it with the best in the league and we pushed them really close.
“They have an excellent squad with some players who have played at a higher level.
“But we are excited for the opportunity to be the first team to take three points off them this season.”
Since that defeat, the Islanders are unbeaten in their past three matches, with two wins and a draw from a crucial seven days.
The loss to Farnham, back at the end of February, marks their only defeat in their past ten league fixtures.
Freeman added: “Our last three matches were really important for us being in the strong position we are now.
“We planned at the start of the season to have a fully fit squad coming to crunch time and I’m pleased that we are there now.”
Bulls’ extensive injury list has shrunk dramatically in recent weeks, with key players such as Jay Giles and Adam Trotter returning with aplomb.
“Having players like Adam [Trotter] back has been crucial for us. He’s a top player and has been in great form since his return,” continued the manager.
“We are going to need our full squad for the remainder of the season, so I’m pleased we have key players who have recovered in time.
“After our last match was cancelled [against Horley Town] it’s actually given the boys a chance to rest and recover. It’s proved a bit of a blessing in disguise for us.”
Farnham, who boast five of the top-20 league goalscorers, have accumulated an incredible goal difference of 85, something the Bulls manager understands.
“We are aware of the threat they pose, but we also know we have the game to create chances against them,” said Freeman.
“We want to respect the ability they have, but also be clinical enough to play our game and take our chances when they come.
“The home crowd, I’m sure, will be brilliant and they will be right behind us to hopefully pull off an outstanding result in the context of our season.”
Action from Springfield Stadium is set to get under way at 3pm.
Jersey Bulls Squad to face Farnham Town: Euan Van Der Vliet, Pierce Roche, Ben Le Rougetel, Fergus Boyle, Harry Curtis, James Queree (c), James Carr, Jay Giles, Luke Campbell, Will Byers, Adam Trotter, Joe Kilshaw, Jonny Le Quesne, Kamen Nafkha, Luke Watson, Ruben Mendes, Callum Gilroy, Francis Lekimamati, Fraser Barlow, Lorne Bickley, Miguel Carvalho, Odinaka Nwokoro. Manager: Gary Freeman
