Jersey Bulls Force Replay in Historic FA Cup Clash

Jersey Bulls forced a replay in the FA Cup after holding sixth-tier Worthing to a dramatic 2-2 draw – one of the most significant results in the club’s short history.

The Bulls, who play in the eighth tier, had never before faced opponents from National League South level but rose to the occasion in front of a buoyant home crowd.

Goalkeeper Euan van der Vliet set the tone early, denying Toby Byron with a superb stop inside two minutes. The breakthrough came at the other end when James Queree converted from the penalty spot after Rai Dos Santos was brought down.

Record scorer Lorne Bickley doubled the lead shortly after half-time, finishing calmly from Dos Santos’s cross, before Worthing responded with two goals in 10 minutes – a stunning free-kick from Razzaq Coleman De-Graft and an unfortunate own goal by Jay Giles.

The visitors pressed for a late winner but Jersey held firm to secure a replay in Sussex next Tuesday.

Manager Elliot Powell praised his side’s display despite the draw.“We’re disappointed with the result, which shows how good the performance was,” he said.

“We’ve gone toe-to-toe with full-time professionals. These lads will be back at work the next morning, but today they were outstanding.”

The result keeps Bulls unbeaten in league and cup this season, and they now have the chance to reach the FA Cup’s third qualifying round for only the second time in their history.