Jersey Bulls win on English league debut

Fraser Barlow scored Jersey Bulls’ first ever competitive goal as they beat Ash United 3-0 in front of 927 people at Springfield on their English league debut.

The Bulls’ number 10 broke the deadlock just before half-time to give the home side a deserved lead on a historic afternoon for local football.

Karl Hinds doubled their advantage from the spot with twenty minutes to go before substitute Harry Cardwell sealed all three points for Jersey on their first outing in Combined Counties Division One, the 10th tier of national football.

Jersey Bulls are the first side from the island to play in the English league system, following the route taken by Guernsey FC in 2011.

It was a comprehensive win for Gary Freeman’s side, who perhaps should have scored more after creating a series of great chances, particularly in the first half.

Jack Boyle - arguably Jersey’s top player - came off the bench for his first appearance since being injured in May’s Muratti Vase final, but struggled and was taken off again soon after.

The result leaves them fourth in the table ahead of their first away trip to FC Deportivo Galicia - who lost 6-0 on the opening weekend - for an evening kick-off on Wednesday 14 August.

The Bulls next home game is against Fleet Spurs on Sunday 25 August, the first in a bank holiday double-header which will see them travel to Westside the day after.

Jersey Bulls first competitive line-up: Van der Vliet, Gabbiadini, Giles, Queree (c), Campbell, Le Quesne, Hinds, Trotter, Wilson, Barlow, Lester. Subs: Carr, Cardwell, Boyle, Nafkha, Rolland.