It’s a great achievement by everyone involved with the club to be playing in The FA Vase competition, says Punjab United boss Jugjit Sian

PUNJAB UNITED manager Jugjit Sian says it’s a great achievement to be making their FA Vase debut tomorrow.

The Gravesend based outfit travel to Lydd Town in the First Qualifying Round sitting in 12^th place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, with one win and three draws on the board from their opening six league games at this level.

Hosts Lydd Town play in the First Division and are in the bottom six with four points from six games.

Liam Smith’s side have suffered heavy home defeats over the Bank Holiday weekend, losing 5-1 to Holmesdale and 4-0 to Kennington.

But Chipie Sian will be a proud man when he leads out his side at The Lindsey Field on their FA Vase debut.

“It’s a great achievement by everyone involved with the club to be playing in The FA Vase competition,” he said.

“It’s amazing when considering we were playing Sunday League football only two years ago.

“The club has come a long way, it’s been hard work on and off-the-pitch but to now play in the FA competitions is unbelievable!

“We travel to Lydd tomorrow, it’s going to be a tough game. We played them last season and both games were really close.”

Sian admits to having to learn quick as Punjab United come to terms with playing in the ninth-tier of English football.

“This season has been a real eye opener, it’s something I was really looking forward to testing myself against experienced managers,” said Sian.

“I feel we can do well in this division. It’s not been a great start as I’ve had three or four injuries and the squad has been a bit light but I’m hoping to have everyone back in the next couple of weeks and try to get a settled squad.

“It’s been a good learning curve as we should have picked up wins against Chatham and Lordswood but came away with draws but that’s football. We have to stay positive and stick together and I’m sure the results will come!”

Lydd Town  v  Punjab United
The Buildbase FA Vase First Qualifying Round
Saturday 1 September 2018
Kick Off 3:00pm
at The Lindsey Field, Dengemarsh Road, Lydd, Kent TN29 9JH