AFC Portchester’s defeat hands Jersey Bulls Isthmian lead
Jersey Bulls clinched the Isthmian League South Central lead with a 3‑1 victory over AFC Portchester at Springfield, as Sammy Henia‑Kamau opened the scoring inside the first 20 minutes and later Lorne Bickley added two more. The win put them a point clear of Bognor Regis Town and extended Elliot Powell’s unbeaten run to 33 games.
Unbeaten run stretches back to December
Elliot Powell’s side have not lost a league match since 30 December, compiling a 33‑game unbeaten streak that includes 32 regular‑season fixtures. The only blemish this campaign was a penalty‑shootout defeat in last season’s playoffs after a goalless draw.
For the fifth consecutive game the Bulls struck early, with Sammy Henia‑Kamau latching onto Jack Lumsden’s clearance and slotting home from a tight angle. Midway through the first half, Jason Prior saw his effort saved by Bulls goalkeeper Euan van der Vliet as the visitors began to dominate.
First half sees Portchester reply
Eight minutes before the break, a penalty claim by Ryan Pennery was waved away after James Queree’s challenge, and a minute later the Bulls surged 2‑0 when top scorer Lorne Bickley hammered a shot into the top corner from just outside the box. Portchester responded seconds before half‑time when Prior converted a penalty after Jonny Le Quesne fouled Brandon Haunstrup.
The second half opened with Bickley restoring the two‑goal cushion twelve minutes in, calmly finishing from 15 yards. With fifteen minutes remaining, Haunstrup’s free‑kick was tipped over the bar by van der Vliet and Tommy Scott missed a good chance shortly after.
The win marked the Bulls’ tenth triumph in fourteen league games this season, moving them a point ahead of Bognor Regis Town who were held to a 2‑2 draw at Cobham. Sammy Henia‑Kamau has now scored four goals in his last six appearances for Jersey.
Jersey Bulls’ ascent to the top of the Isthmian League South Central underscores their consistency and the durability of Powell’s unbeaten run, setting them up as favourites for the remainder of the campaign.