Jersey Bulls Goalkeeper Pierce Roche Out for Three Months

Jersey Bulls have been dealt an early-season blow with goalkeeper Pierce Roche ruled out for around three months after breaking his collarbone in an FA Trophy penalty shootout defeat.

The injury came at the cruellest moment. Roche dived in vain for Hayes and Yeading United's third spot-kick from Ross Derham and appeared to land awkwardly, immediately showing signs of pain.

He stayed on. He insisted on finishing the shootout, clearly struggling as he tried to give his side a chance. By the time Brendan Matthew stepped up to take the decisive penalty for the home side, Roche was visibly in discomfort and unable to intervene as the winning kick went past him.

Hayes and Yeading United took the tie 4-1 on penalties after the sides had been locked at 2-2 over 90 minutes, ending Jersey Bulls' FA Trophy involvement and leaving them to count the cost of losing their first-choice keeper.

Roche had started both of Jersey Bulls' matches this season and made 11 appearances for the island side in the 2025-26 campaign, establishing himself as a key figure at the back.

Attention now turns to how Bulls cope without him. They are back in action on Tuesday evening, away to Moneyfields in the Isthmian League South Central, and must quickly find an answer in goal as the league season starts to gather pace.