By Oliver Kidman
Copyright jerseyeveningpost
Jersey Bulls – 7Leah Morris 8′, 13′, Holly Sundby 17′, Ella Brennand 18′, Anita Tavares 45+3′, 51′, Samantha Silva 47′
Old Tiffinians – 0
HT Score: 5-0Attendance: 380Player of the Match: Ella Brennand
HISTORY has been made, as the Jersey Bulls’ Women stormed to victory on their debut competitive fixture with a 7-0 victory against Old Tiffinians.
The local outfit certainly made a lasting impression in their first outing, leaving manager Chad Morris ecstatic with the result.
“Our performance was really good, especially since this was a massive occasion,” said Morris.
“Then again, it was another game of football, and the players did their job to seal the result. We got after them quickly with the early lead, allowing us to then concentrate on things we’ve worked on in training.”
Although this was foreign territory for the Bulls’ women, being their first fixture in Surrey Division 1 of the South East Counties Women’s Football League, the squad appears familiar, already well acquainted through playing alongside each other for the Jersey FA national side.
This chemistry was on full display, as Morris continued: “A lot of them have just come off the Island Games, where there was plenty of good experiences which they have carried through to the Jersey Bulls.
“We’ve only had two training sessions, but they’ve done loads before and they’re all very familiar and we can be adaptable with the way we play.
The local outfit wasted no time in showing their intent, as No.10 Leah Morris commenced the team’s scoring in style with a wondrous 35-yard lob over the keeper.
Just five minutes later, Morris was back in position after receiving a squared pass from Samantha Silva, tapping it in to double their lead.
Skipper Holly Sundby added a third in the 17th minute, as she quickly dispossessed her opponent on the edge of the box and fired a shot which curled into the bottom corner.
Ella Brennand towered above the opposition to make it 4-0 just a mere two minutes later, heading it in from Natasha Keen’s cross.
There was room for one more before half time, as the captain’s pinpoint through ball sliced through Tiffinians’ back line, finding Anita Tavares who neatly slotted home, making it 5-0 at half time.
Leading already by five goals, the hosts decided to switch things up and take the opportunity to explore different strategies, bringing on Lauren Queree, Lara Couvert and Rachael McCarten in place of Keen, Aine Ruth and Emily Le Page.
Despite the tweaks made, their attacking drive never relented, as Silva managed to nab a finish for herself, after an unfortunate deflection from the visiting keeper fell right into her path.
Tavares remained hungry in front of goal and completed her brace in the 51st minute, flicking it in from within the six-yard box to make it seven.
The Caesareans continued to command the match, closing out comfortably to seal the 7-0 scoreline.
Captain Sundby spoke post match, saying: “It was amazing, we all made a really good start. I’m confident that there are more levels for us to reach, but it was nice for us to express ourselves.
“Our strengths in that game were definitely our creativity, as this gave us the perfect opportunity to play as an attacking team and show off our capabilities.
“Playing in front of a home crowd was special, their cheers really spurred us on. Now, we’re committed to spread the word, keep doing what we’re doing and grow.”
Following such an explosive debut, the manager was full of hope for the future, saying: “This was a strong start for us, I think give us eight or nine games, and we’ll have a good idea where we’ll be in the table, as every game is different.
“This team isn’t a closed shop, we want to constantly compete and those who perform in the league will get invited in, same for those coming through the Bulls’ Academy. Now, girls have something to look up to locally, so hopefully more and more players will get involved, and the future looks bright.”
Jersey Bulls – Ana Malta, Tiffany Sundby, Natasha Keen, Aine Ruth, Danielle Bradshaw, Ella Brennand, Emily Le Page, Holly Sundby (c), Anita Tavares, Leah Morris, Samantha Silva. Substitutes – Alena Clyde-Smith (for T. Sundby 76), Rachael McCartan (for Le Page 46), Lauren Trachy-Queree (for Keen 46), Lara Couvert (for Ruth 46), Sophie Thornton (for Brennand 62)
Old Tiffinians – Georgia Winburn, Katie Tuck, Joanna Edwards, Grace Brookes, Libby Middleton, Beth Stubbs, Tyler Lewthwaite, Molly O’Donovan, Katie Stross, Chloe Binnington (c), Charlotte Facer. Substitute – 8. Lauren Harper, Tuck returned for O’Donovan 45+4
