BULLS SET TO LOSE HOME ADVANTAGE!

Jersey Bulls FC are set to lose home advantage in this week’s FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round Replay.

Whilst we had pre-arranged for Sutton Common Rovers to come to Springfield Stadium if a replay was required it became apparent that it was logistically difficult for Sutton Common Rovers to travel to the Island. FA rules state that if an offshore Island club is drawn away on the mainland then any midweek replay must also be played on the mainland again (unless both clubs agree to play offshore in Jersey).

Sadly despite looking at various midweek options, we have had to agree to play Sutton Common Rovers back at Gander Green Lane on Tuesday 21st September with a 7.30pm kick off.

A statement from the clubs Board said “We are disappointed for the Island and the footballing community as a whole that we won’t have the opportunity to host the FA Cup replay this week in Jersey at Springfield Stadium.”
The commitment from our travelling support, players and management team is outstanding. We are very proud of the dedication and passion they have for their Island.

We would like to ask the FA to review the ruling. The FA Cup is a National competition for clubs from the Premiership (effectively known as Tier 1) all the way down to Tier 10. This ruling effectively means that no matter how far an off shore club, such as Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man progresses, they will never play a home midweek game in the FA Cup.

We understand that teams in Tier 1 to Tier 8 are already required to play away from home midweek against an off shore clubs who come into their League and we would like to request that this is mirrored in the FA Cup.

We now will focus and prepare to travel away for our FA Cup 2nd Qualifying round replay on Tuesday 21st September. We thank everyone for their understanding.