AFC Croydon (H) Match Preview

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Punjab United vs AFC Croydon, Isthmian South East Division, The Steve Cook Stadium, Monday 28th September 2026, 7:45pm Kick-Off

After Punjab's 2-2 draw against Margate, Punjab will be looking to keep that performance going as they take on AFC Croydon Athletic, who will be expected to be at the top end of the table at the end of the season. Despite Punjab not picking up a win in their opening eight games, the fight and determination has been there. It's only a matter of time before that 3 points will arrive.

Punjab's opponents AFC Croydon have just come off a 7-1 away defeat in the FA Trophy against Step 3 side Waltham Abbey and will be looking to get back to winning ways.

On the other hand, Punjab will be looking to pick up their first win of the season as the wait for three points still eludes us.

The programme for this evening's game can be seen below:

Our Opponents:

Sheppey United currently sit 3rd in the Isthmian South East Division and play their games at Mayfield Stadium. In the 2025/26 season, Croydon finished 2nd and unfortunately lost on penalties in the play-off final against AFC Whyteleafe. They ended up on 85 points with 26 wins, 7 draws and 9 defeats. Croydon will be looking to gain promotion this season, most preferably by winning the title.

History:

AFC Croydon Athletic was officially formed on 6th February 2012 after a group of

supporters gathered at Selhurst Evangelical Church in South Norwood. The newly formed committee had just seven weeks to establish the club and secure a place at Step 6 of the football pyramid. Following the closure of Croydon Athletic FC in December 2011, the new club successfully began life in Division One of the Combined Counties League, finishing 8th in their first season and winning the Lemon Recordings Division One Cup.

The club returned to its spiritual home, Mayfield Stadium, in November 2014. That season saw a 2nd-place finish and victory in the London Senior Trophy. Following promotion to the Southern Counties East Football League in 2015, the club continued to compete strongly, later returning to the Combined Counties League after FA restructuring.

Kevin Rayner became manager and remained in charge through two Covid-interrupted seasons. In May 2023, Lee Roots joined as joint manager, before ownership passed to a consortium of Danny Young, Wilfried Zaha and Stormzy in June 2023.

The 2023/24 season began with a record 532 spectators watching an FA Cup victory over Sutton Athletic, followed by another win at Horley Town, broadcast live on BBC Red Button. After a difficult start, Jermaine McGlashan took over as manager in October. The team climbed from 17th to secure a play-off place, winning away at Jersey Bulls and Knaphill to earn promotion to the Isthmian League for the first time.

Following McGlashan’s departure in September 2024, Michael Kamara took temporary charge before Keith Millen was appointed in November. Danny Kedwell then became permanent manager in February, assisted by Dean Beckwith, guiding the club to a 12th-place finish.

Kedwell’s first full season brought new club records, including a 2nd-place league finish and the club’s best-ever FA Cup run. The season ended in disappointment with a play-off final defeat on penalties in front of a record 1,262 crowd at Mayfield Stadium.

Getting There:

The nearest train station to Punjab United is Gravesend. You can then either get the bus which takes 30 minutes or get a taxi from the station which takes 11 minutes.

The Steve Cook Stadium

Dunkirk Close

Gravesend

Kent

DA12 5ND

Extra Information:

The Steve Cook Stadium will be opening at 6:30pm, with many products on offer from simple soft drinks to beers. The Punjab Cafe will also be open and offer food and drink.

In terms of disabled parking, it is crucial that anybody who requires it, contacts the Punjab team via email (punjabutdfc@gmail.com). Parking may be busy and can fill quickly, if you do decide to park around residential areas, please be mindful and respectful of residents.