Bulls close gap on leaders after win at Knaphill

Joe Kilshaw (centre) took his tally to 12 goals this season for Jersey Bulls

Jersey Bulls coach Dan Garton has hailed his side's commitment after their 3-1 win at Knaphill in Combined Counties Premier South.

The win was a 13th in 16 unbeaten away games this season and moved the third-placed islanders three points off second-placed Redhill and leaders Whyteleafe.

Bulls have a game in hand on Redhill and have played two fewer than the leaders as the title race hots up.

Substitute Kieran Lester gave Bulls a 36th-minute lead shortly after coming on for the injured Rai Dos Santos before Joe Kilshaw doubled the advantage three minutes after the break.

Veteran midfielder Luke Watson marked his 100th appearance for the club with a goal 14 minutes from full-time as he converted from the penalty spot.

"The most important thing at this stage of the season is getting the three points and obviously that's achieved," Garton told BBC Radio Jersey.

"But the lads had to dig in and work really hard again, especially after a tough game in midweek at Camberley. It required everything today.

"We lost Rai Dos Santos early, in the first 20 minutes, and Kieran Lester came on - he took his goal really well.

"He really deserves that after the season he's had, with his commitment and maybe not getting the opportunities that he wanted."

The win extended Jersey Bulls' superb away record - their only loss this season came at home to Whyteleafe last month - as they look to make up for the disappointment of losing in the first round of the play-offs last season.

Garton says the fact his side have to fly to the UK mainland for all their away matches, staying overnight if it is a midweek game, shows how committed his team are.

"It's huge testament to the lads and everyone that travels away so regularly and gives up their time and commitment," he said.

"That's what gels us together and it's been a big part of the fact that we've gone 16 games unbeaten now on the road, which is great.

"I think we've only had two two or three draws as well, so about 13 wins on the road - really proud of the lads.

"I couldn't ask any more of what they do week in, week out with work commitments and family life. It's always great to get over the line in games like today."