Punjab United coach Jindi Banwait: We deserve respect and will grow even bigger as a community football club. We need the wider footballing bodies to recognise us for that

PUNJAB UNITED coach Jindi Banwait says he wants the club to prosper but demands more respect from the football authorities.

The Gravesend-based side are in 12^th place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table with nine points from their opening seven games.

A penalty shoot-out victory over their league rivals Bearsted has set up tomorrow’s FA Vase Second Qualifying Round tie against Horley Town.

Horley Town are unbeaten in third-place in the Southern Combination Premier Division table with 16 points from their opening six games.

“It’s been fairly consistent the last few weeks from the players’ at Punjab United, following a week off,” said Banwait.

“We had a pretty physical training session leading to the game against Hollands & Blair on Wednesday. The squad is in good shape, mentally and physically were at the races. We know our individual and collective responsibilities.

“We know the top half of the Southern Combination Football League is competitive and Horley Town sit in third place, without a loss and looking in good form.

“But at home we’re solid all round and don’t know how too much how Anthony Jupp will set his team up, it’s up to them to come and open Punjab United up.

“We have had a good tempo recently and we’re very much looking forward to this match.

“We’re always fearless at home and this has shown with the performances against Tunbridge Wells and beating Bearsted in the First Qualifying Round.

“So the only Good Luck we wish our oppisition is on their journey down to Gravesend, as after that it’s winner takes all.”

Punjab United suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Hollands & Blair on Wednesday night.

“Without delving too much into the official’s decision making, as a club we feel let down again,” added Banwait.

“A dubious handball allowed Hollands & Blair to equalise and playing the second half with 10 men is always difficult.

“Both Chipie Sian and I give credit to the players though, as we looked dominant for long periods and if we got that second goal, I’m sure 3-3 was likely.

“George Goodwin is thriving higher up the pitch with another goal to add to his tally, but we need to stop letting the opposition back in too quickly when we take the lead. 

“Adam Cuthbert and Arun Suman are doing a solid job in the middle of the park, but we just need to compose ourselves a little more and this will bring a more assured performance.

“There's really been some good banter amongst the squad, we're got a few out with suspensions and the odd niggle.

“We've bought a few in to make it more balanced, especially in the wide areas, Fabrice Mbola and Henry Arnold are bedding in having only been with us a few weeks.

“The game's based on opinions and decisions and we need to start ensuring it's not predominantly against us, you earn respect the hard way, you cannot force your way through. 

“We deserve it, and will grow even bigger as a community football club. We need the wider footballing bodies to recognise us for that.

“On the progress at the club, the last five years has seen us double our Youth capacity, the past 12 months has seen the first girls side represent Punjab United at U11s, and a reserve team represent the Kent County League. 

“I think a lot of the work that's gone on behind the scenes shouldn't be forgotten either, we pride ourselves on the multicultural people that are at this club. It's been a pleasure to see it get to this stage, and I'm sure it will prosper further.”

Punjab United v Horley Town
The Buildbase FA Vase Second Qualifying Round
Saturday 10 October 2020
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Elite Venue, Dunkirk Close, Gravesend, Kent DA12 5ND