Jersey Bulls 'painful to watch' in FA Vase victory at Harefield United

Gary Freeman led Jersey Bulls into the last 16 of the FA Vase last season

Jersey Bulls boss Gary Freeman says his side's FA Vase win at 10-man Harefield United was "painful to watch".

The Bulls were 1-0 winners thanks to Harry Curtis' goal from a set-piece in the first half, but Harefield hit the bar and had a number of chances.

The hosts had a player sent off early in the second half as the islanders moved into the fourth round.

"It was a hard graft and a painful watch to be honest, it wasn't pretty," Freeman told BBC Radio Jersey.

"It was a good goal, and that goal and probably the five minutes after was part of a 10-minute spell we had when we were okay, the rest of the game fair play to Harefield, they deserved plenty out of the game.

"We competed and we worked hard, but we didn't show any quality today which is a shame and who knows why?

"I can't put my finger on it, but the quality wasn't there and I can't remember too many times we put three passes together, but it's a cup game and we're in the next round."

The victory sees Jersey Bulls progress to the last 32 of the competition as they look to try and better their fifth-round appearance last season.

"We want to be in it into the new year and as you go into the latter stages of the season it makes a real bit of excitement," Freeman added.

"So it was always the aim and we've had two pretty tough games at the lower end of the Northern Premier in our level, but we'll just take it at the moment and look forward to the draw."

The islanders will host either Hamworthy Recreation or Wells City in the next round in mid-January.