Jersey Bulls' unbeaten run ends in dramatic late loss

Jersey Bulls' 34-match Isthmian League unbeaten run came to an end as they lost 3-2 at Hartley Wintney.

The defeat was the Isthmian League South Central leaders' first since 30 December 2025, having been undefeated in 33 league games and drawing 0-0 in the play-off semi-final before losing on penalties.

The island side thought they had sealed a point when Toby Ritzema made it 2-2 in the 86th minute.

But the hosts scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time to earn a dramatic win.

Having won manager of the month Jersey boss Elliot Powell saw his side go behind in the 10th-minute when Bulls' Harry Curtis headed down a corner and Jonny Efedje blasted in from close range.

Sammy Henia-Kamau had a half-chance for the Bulls midway through the first half before winning a penalty 10 minutes later when his shot was blocked by a Hartley hand and skipper James Queree converted from the spot.

Jersey could have gone ahead a minute later when top scorer Lorne Bickley saw a header well saved by home goalkeeper.

But they fell behind again just before the half-time whistle when Efedje's effort from a cross crept in over the line having come off the post.

Fraser Barlow blasted an effort just over the home bar 20 minutes into the second half while Henia-Kamau had an effort saved soon after.

Having put the hosts under pressure it looked as the island side had salvaged their unbeaten run when Henia-Kamau had a shot saved and Ritzema was first to react.

But deep in stoppage Efedje smashed the ball into the top right corner after a rapid counter-attack to earn his hat-trick and a memorable win.

Despite the defeat the islanders remain a point clear the top of the table while Hartley move up to 14th.

"It's a feeling we're not overly used to, but it's a feeling that we deserve today," Powell told BBC Radio Jersey.

"We haven't been good enough and we haven't been good enough for two weeks now.

"There's so many factors that go into it. Have we been unlucky at times? Yes, we definitely have. Has the pitch levelled the game out? 100% it has, it's going to be a very different game when we play them down at Springfield.

"But it's the same for both teams and they adapted to it better, they applied themselves better, they ran harder, they deserved their win, I thought they were good value for their win."