Powell guides Bulls to 6-1 win on managerial debut

Elliot Powell took over from Gary Freeman as Jersey Bulls manager over the summer

New Jersey Bulls manager Elliot Powell got his tenure off to the perfect start as his side crushed Spelthorne Sports 6-1 in Combined Counties Premier South.

Toby Ritzema hit the post in the fourth minute before the islanders went 3-0 up inside the opening 20 minutes.

Joe Kilshaw blasted home from inside the box after 10 minutes, Lorne Bickley headed in a second two minutes later before Kilshaw made it 3-0 after 18 minutes.

Miguel Carvalho's excellent effort from the edge of the box made it 4-0 after 24 minutes and Bickley added a fifth a minute after the interval having been played through on goal.

Spelthorne pulled a goal back after an hour through Jordan Junior while last season's top scorer Bickley again went close.

But the result was wrapped up when Seaney McColgan made it 6-1 with two minutes left as he headed in Bickley's ball at the back post.

It was a debut win for Powell who succeeded Gary Freeman as Bulls boss in late May.

Powell, who had been in charge of the Jersey FA representative side, took over after Freeman resigned following defeat in the play-offs at the end of last season.

"It was a really, really quick start from the lads and we knew the game was won at half time, so I'm delighted to get off the mark and make the fast start in the league that we wanted to do before kick off," Powell told BBC Radio Jersey.

"It's only one game and we need to go again on Tuesday night, but preparation across pre-season's been really good and I'm delighted that the lads have got their rewards today.

"In particular Joe Kilshaw, I think he controlled the midfield in the first half but got himself on the end of two really good team moves and showed the change we want to make in the team and try and be more front-footed."