EVEN the Bulls boss, the epitome of coolness and reason, was tested on Saturday on the south coast as his side left it late – as in to the last minute – to finally overcome a stubborn Shoreham side, with a 1-0 win booking their place in the first round of the FA Vase.
Francis Lekimamati was the hero in the end but for long periods the Bulls’ hosts, unbeaten in their Southern Combination League campaign, were obstinate in defence.
There was some consternation among the travelling support when the team sheets were released as Sol Solomon was named as a substitute and, post-game, the news all Bulls supporters had probably expected for some time, but refused to acknowledge as a reality, came to the surface.
It was announced the Island’s prized football asset had signed for a step-three club – two levels higher than the Bulls – and would be joining with immediate effect.
Solomon’s new home, Northern Premier Division outfit Marine, will be hoping that he will deliver much the same for them as he has done in the red and white of Jersey.
His tally of 60 goals in 71 appearances is a remarkable return at any level and Solomon’s reputation extends far beyond the Island.
But Freeman would have known that the jewel in his crown was destined for the relative glamour of the upper echelons of non-league football and those who have watched Solomon regularly do not believe that his rise will stop in the suburbs of Liverpool.
What may well keep Freeman busy in the coming weeks is finding someone to replace Solomon’s ability in front of goal.
Lekimamati, Lorne Bickley and Jake Prince – ahead of the tireless Ruben Mendes – offered plenty of effort and willing running, but it was Frank Tobin who came closest to breaking the deadlock, only to see his effort from close quarters hit the outside of the post.
As is their trademark, the Bulls enjoyed plenty of the ball but struggled to prize open a Shoreham unit which defended in numbers. Indeed, the Musselmen had only conceded two on home turf all season before the Bulls’ visit.
And, just as it seemed the tie would be decided by penalties, Lekimamati put his hand up to fill Solomon’s boots.
Jonny Le Quesne’s floated cross from the right was met by Tobin, who saw his header bounce off the crossbar and into the six-yard area.
Lekimamati was quickest to react, finishing intelligently back across goal and into the far corner, relief and delight evident in equal measure in the celebrations of his teammates.
The win sees the Bulls in the ‘hat’ on Monday as the draw for the first round is made, and Freeman will be looking to better last year’s run, which saw his men lose at the same stage at Fareham Town.
One thing that is for sure, though, is that – for now, at least – there will be no turning to that most familiar of faces when there’s a moment of magic required. Sol, an entire Island is behind you.
