Guthrie gets double on home debut for Jersey Bulls

Kurtis Guthrie has returned to Jersey after a 14-year professional career

Kurtis Guthrie marked his home debut for Jersey Bulls with two goals as the islanders thrashed Horley Town 6-1 at Springfield.

The victory kept Bulls in second place in Combined Counties Premier South, three points off leaders Redhill with a game in hand.

Guthrie headed in from close range after 17 minutes to put the hosts in front, only for Coby Acquaye to equalise 10 minutes later.

But the former Colchester United, Stevenage, Bradford City and Port Vale forward ensured Bulls went ahead at half time as he coolly slotted home in stoppage time.

The islanders upped the tempo after the break as Luke Campbell volleyed in at the back post to make it 3-1 two minutes into the second half.

Fraser Barlow got a fourth soon after before goals from the impressive Miguel Carvalho and Joe Kilshaw completed the rout midway through the second half.

"I thought first half we were a little bit stuttery and gave a soft goal away, which is unlike us," Bulls boss Elliot Powell told BBC Radio Jersey.

"But we reacted really well and the lads rallied round.

"We got on the front foot, took the game to them and 6-1 I think is a fair reflection on the game, and maybe a couple more goals for us wouldn't have been unfair either."

Powell says Guthrie and fellow former professional Paul McKay - who once played for Leeds United - have been great additions to his squad since signing last month.

Guthrie returned to the island 14 years after leaving to go professional while McKay has moved to Jersey with his partner.

"They make a difference clearly," added Powell.

"Both of them, their attitude around the group has been really encouraging and been trying to up the standards of all lads around them

"They're having a really positive influence on the changing room, on us as coaches, and ultimately us as a team and hopefully go for promotion."