Jersey Bulls' Goalkeeper Pierce Roche Out for Three Months After Injury

Jersey Bulls have been dealt a major early-season blow with goalkeeper Pierce Roche ruled out for around three months after breaking his collarbone in their FA Trophy exit.

The injury came in brutal fashion. Roche appeared to suffer the damage while diving in vain to keep out Hayes and Yeading United’s third penalty from Ross Derham in the shootout. He stayed on, gritting his teeth and continuing between the posts, but his discomfort was obvious as the kicks went on.

There was no late twist for him or for Jersey. Brendan Matthew stepped up and buried the decisive spot-kick for the hosts, sealing a 4-1 shootout win after a 2-2 draw in normal time and sending Bulls out of the competition.

For Roche, the timing could hardly be worse. He had started both of Jersey Bulls’ matches this season and made 11 appearances for the island side in the 2025-26 campaign, emerging as a key figure at the back.

Now the club must quickly reshuffle. Their schedule offers no pause: they are back in action on Tuesday evening, away to Moneyfields in the Isthmian League South Central. The question is no longer who takes the next penalty – it’s who fills the gloves.