Just as the second half kicked off in south London on Saturday, 32 thoroughbreds came out the starting blocks at Aintree.
And as the nation watched events unfold at the Grand National, the Bulls were very much a furlong behind their opponents here, needing a bolt of inspiration.
While millions of pounds were placed on each of those 32 horses, there was arguably no surer bet in the country than a certain centre-forward coming to the aid of his pals in their own pursuit of glory.
With just over a quarter of this contest to go and the home side becoming increasingly confident of taking yet more points off Gary Freeman’s group following their win on the Island earlier in the season, out from the pack emerged ‘Bickley’s Bullet’.
Having had barely a touch, Lorne Bickley took hold of a long clearance from Pierce Roche, some 25 yards out from goal and with Tooting full-back Sid Dack in close company.
With the expectation of a vociferous visiting support, which when combined with the famed Tooting crowd made for a superb atmosphere, Bickley proceeded to shrug off his marker, make his way inside before unleashing a brilliant strike past goalkeeper Jack Minchin.
Having endured 70 minutes of huff and puff, Bickley’s goal changed the picture, the Bulls finishing with a flourish to pick up a 20th win of the season.
Miguel Carvalho came off the substitutes’ bench to add a second in injury time, smartly finishing at the back post having got on the end of a fine cross from fellow replacement Francis Lekimamati, rewarding the nigh on 100 Bulls supporters in attendance.
Freeman was coy on discussing the path his side might have to navigate in the play-offs later this month, but having led his team to an ongoing eight-game unbeaten run, you would suspect there will be little to fear in that four-team knockout.
What has become increasingly apparent in recent weeks is the benefit of a settled squad and Freeman not only has that, but also bundles of experience hitting peak form at just the right time.
Fraser Barlow, James Queree, Jay Giles, Bickley, Luke Campbell and Jonny Le Quesne each have over 100 Bulls appearances apiece, and despite enduring one of their poorest 45 minutes in recent months, that the Bulls went in level was a clear indication of where this group is.
Yes, Roche pulled off two brilliant saves early on as Tooting started off quickly, though as Kevan Nelson alluded to after last week’s bitty win at Abbey Rangers, Bulls proceeded to soak up the pressure, happy to sacrifice their desire to retain possession in favour of matching Tooting’s energy.
Freeman showed he has no problem in rolling the dice at the right time, sacrificing a defensive surety in Ben Le Rougetel for Carvalho and, even after Bickley’s moment of magic, he proceeded to throw on another attacker in Ruben Mendes, sensing the time was right to kill the game off.
Carvalho should have made it two when put through unopposed, only to scuff his effort wide. Mendes also seeing a free-kick tipped past a post by Minchin as the Bulls went full throttle late on.
In collaboration with that wealth of experience, there’s also the youth and exuberance of the relative newcomers, epitomised by Carvalho and Lekimamati combining for the second.
But don’t bet against seeing a ‘Bickley’s Bullet’ at Aintree next year, in honour of a man who continues to represent the very finest of this Island.
He’ll again be front and centre on Tuesday when Horley visit Springfield, where a Bulls win will mathematically seal their spot in the play-offs, alongside already qualified Knaphill.
Jersey Bulls: Pierce Roche, James Queree (c), Jay Giles, Harry Curtis, Luke Campbell, Ben Le Rougetel (Miguel Carvalho 58), Jonny Le Quesne (Ruben Mendes 71), Luke Watson, Lorne Bickley, Adam Trotter, Fraser Barlow (Francis Lekimamati 80). Unused: Fergus Boyle
