Jersey Bulls Secure Top Spot in Isthmian League South Central with 3-1 Victory over AFC Portchester
Jersey Bulls have ascended to the top of the Isthmian League South Central standings following a 3-1 victory against AFC Portchester at Springfield. This win allowed the Bulls to move one point ahead of former leaders Bognor Regis Town, who drew 2-2 at Cobham.
The win extends Elliot Powell’s team’s remarkable unbeaten streak to 33 games in Isthmian League matches, a run that dates back to December 30. The Bulls remain unbeaten in 32 regular season games, with their only loss occurring in a penalty shoot-out during last season’s playoffs after a goalless draw.
For the fifth consecutive match, the Bulls found the net within the first 20 minutes. Sammy Henia-Kamua finished off Jack Lumsden’s clearance with a precision shot from a tight angle.
Portchester began to gain momentum midway through the first half, with Jason Prior forcing a notable save from Bulls goalkeeper Euan van der Vliet. The visitors were denied a penalty just eight minutes before the break when Ryan Pennery went down following a challenge from James Queree.
This controversial moment proved pivotal, as only a minute later, the Bulls doubled their lead. Top scorer Lorne Bickley struck a powerful effort into the top corner from just outside the box.
However, Portchester managed to reduce the deficit seconds before the half-time whistle, with Prior converting a penalty awarded for a foul on Brandon Haunstrup by Jonny Le Quesne.
Bickley reestablished the Bulls’ two-goal lead 12 minutes into the second half with a composed right-footed finish from 15 yards.
As the match neared its conclusion, Haunstrup’s free-kick was tipped over the bar by van der Vliet, while Tommy Scott squandered a significant chance soon after. The Bulls secured their 10th win in 14 league games this season with this latest triumph.
