ONLY three teams remain unbeaten in the Combined Counties Premier Division South, with Elliot Powell’s Bulls being one of them, after four wins and three draws through their first seven games.
Tomorrow they welcome an in form Abbey Rangers side, currently occupying fourth spot in the table after an impressive start.
Despite his side’s promising start, Powell has stated clearly that he knows his charges will need to keep improving if they are to achieve their goal of promotion, with some of the front runners already leaving space behind them.
However, considering the extensive and unfortunate injury list in the Bulls squad, it is only right to give credit where is is due.
The Islanders are averaging 2.5 goals scored per game and less than one goal conceded.
Powell has been consistent in his messages on the need to be more solid both in possession and defensively.
Although there have been a couple of games drawn that could be viewed as missed opportunities, particularly the 2-2 draws against both Alton and Sheerwater, the quality of football is evident.
“I think it’s been a steady start, with still plenty of room for improvement,” said manager Powell.
“Being hit with so many injuries at the start of a new regime is challenging, but the lads have stepped up really well so far.
“Having a bigger squad has been our friend so far and we are all grateful for the week off we’ve just had.”
The Bulls have enjoyed some welcome time off, after three games in seven days.
Always challenging in these divisions, Powell and his men now face four games in just 14 days.
“We have a few games in hand and we need to make the most of them,” continued Powell.
“We want to start making a real push towards the top of the league and these little periods are incredibly important to take advantage of.”
Their opponents tomorrow, Abbey Rangers, returned a mixed bag last season.
Finishing in eighth place, ten points off the play-off places, they recorded only three draws, as they lost nearly as many games as they won.
The Bulls stole the plaudits last season in this fixture, achieving the double over them with a 2-0 win at home and 3-0 away in the return clash.
“We have spoken a lot about how we can make Springfield a more dangerous place for opponents to come and I think we have made a pretty good start at that,” Powell concluded.
“We know they will come out and look to be on the front foot. They’ve had a good start and will be feeling confident.
“But so have we, and we know how to deal with teams like them.
“Hopefully we can maintain our good standards so far, get another three points on the board and start climbing into the play-off spots.”
Kick-off tomorrow from Springfield Stadium is scheduled for 3pm.
Jersey Bulls Squad: To be determined
