We know Bearsted are a hard-working team so we need to be on top of our game and are hoping we can perform to our strengths, says Punjab United boss Chipie Sian

PUNJAB UNITED manager Jugjit “Chipie” Sian says he is looking forward to their big FA Vase First Qualifying Round tie tomorrow.

The Gravesend-based club welcome their Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division rivals Bearsted to the Elite Venue in the First Qualifying Round.

Punjab United are in ninth-place in the table with a 50% league record after four outings, while Kevin Stevens’ side are in sixteenth-place with three points on the board.

“Really looking forward to The FA Vase game, it’s always the big cup games you look forward to as a manager and we got through a few rounds last season, so hopefully we can do it again this season,” said Sian.

“It’s going to be a tough one as we know Bearsted well and they beat us last year at their place.

“We know they’re a hard-working team so we need to be on top of our game and are hoping we can perform to our strengths.

“With penalties after 90 minutes it brings more excitement to the game and better I feel that the game finishes on the day.”

Punjab United were 1-0 up against Tunbridge Wells on Tuesday night but Richard Styles’ side scored two last-gasp goals to extend their 100% league record to sit proudly at the top of the table on nine points from three games, alongside Chatham Town, Sheppey United and Welling Town.

“I’m still struggling with the defeat to Tunbridge Wells in midweek,” said Sian, who wasn’t impressed with the referee Billy Woods.

“I think that everyone watching would agree we were outstanding and were robbed by awful refereeing decisions and if I really said what I feel, it would get me in real trouble, so I leave it there for now.

“I feel sorry for the boys who put in a great performance and didn’t deserve that performance by the officials.

“We have a great unity at the moment and hope we continue to build on that and the recent good performances this season. It’s going to be one of the toughest as everyone in this league can beat anyone on their day.”

Punjab United  v  Bearsted
The Buildbase FA Vase First Qualifying Round
Saturday 19 September 2020
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Elite Venue, Dunkirk Close, Gravesend, Kent DA12 5ND