Henia-Kamau scores on debut as Jersey Bulls lose FA Trophy tie 2-2

Sammy Henia-Kamau scored on his Jersey Bulls debut, but his new side were knocked out of the FA Trophy after Hayes & Yeading United won their shootout 4-1 following a 2-2 draw. The Kenyan striker converted Jersey’s first clear opening in the eighth minute, finishing a move created by fellow debutant Luke Lister.

Henia-Kamau remained a threat during a strong first half for the Bulls and nearly added another goal. Tomas Goncalves sent an effort just above the crossbar, while Lumsden and Lister also made the Hayes & Yeading goalkeeper work. Amari Fashanu came close to an immediate response for the hosts, but his powerful attempt struck the post.

Jersey played away from their Springfield ground because construction work is continuing at the venue. Despite creating several chances before the interval, they carried only a 1-0 advantage into half-time. Hayes & Yeading levelled less than a minute after the restart when a deflected cross reached Dernell Wynter, who finished from close range.

The equaliser shifted the momentum towards the hosts, with Josh Edwards and Ben Schroll helping to keep Jersey under pressure. The Bulls nevertheless moved back in front with 13 minutes left. Casey Nixon linked up with substitute Darryl Mvalo before his deflected effort beat the goalkeeper.

That lead survived for only two minutes. Gianni Critchlow supplied Brendan Matthew at the far post, and Matthew headed Hayes & Yeading level. Jersey had one late chance to win in normal time, but Seanie McColgan headed wide. The visitors then lost Jarma Mohamed to a second yellow card before the tie went to penalties.

Henia-Kamau and Jack Lumsden missed Jersey’s first two spot-kicks, leaving the Bulls behind immediately. Jersey scored their third penalty, but Hayes & Yeading converted all four of theirs, with Matthew taking the decisive attempt. The result ended Jersey’s FA Trophy campaign despite Henia-Kamau’s instant contribution on debut.