Bearsted FC (H) Match Preview

Punjab United
Dec 19
3 min read

Punjab United vs Bearsted FC, SCEFL Premier Division, The Steve Cook Stadium, Saturday 20th December 2025, 3:00pm Kick-Off

Following a clutch 3-2 win against Faversham Strike Force in the SCEFL Premier Divison with goals from Chris Edwards, Will Johnson Cole and Wayne Bushell, Punjab moved forward with all 3 points, rising to 5th place and very much in play-off contention.

Punjab will now hope to carry forward this momentum against Bearsted in the SCEFL

this Saturday at The Steve Cook Stadium.

The programme for this afternoon's game can be seen below.

Our Opponents:

Bearsted have a very strong start to the season as they find themselves with 35 points and sitting in 3rd place and only 9 points behind first place Whitstable Town.

This is a stark difference in performance compared to their 24/25 season where they finished the season with just 48 points, they are now projected to beat that with a final tally of up to 65 points.

In terms of recent results, Bearsted's latest win came against Rusthall in a 2-1 victory

with Richard Jimoh snatching a brace. They also had two formidable victories against

Corinthian and Holmesdale at home winning both games 4-0.

In terms of standout players, Jake Embery has scored 17 goals this season racking up 2

hat-tricks and a brace. He is a tactical forward with great vision and a decent amount of

pace. He has sturred up a storm against every defender he has played against this

season and Punjab will be hoping to stop his red-hot form in its tracks.

History:

Bearsted Football Club played its first competitive match in 1895, a 0–2 defeat against Bower F.C., and was based on Bearsted Green for over 100 years. After the First World War, the Club reached the Maidstone Hospital Cup Final on three occasions, winning once, and enjoyed further success in the late 1920s and early 1930s, winning Division Two three times.

Despite on-field success, inadequate facilities at Bearsted Green restricted progress, leading to relocation in 1998 to Honey Lane, Otham. Shortly after, the Club achieved Senior status and reached the Kent Senior Cup semi-final in 1999/2000, followed by another final appearance in 2006/07.

Bearsted has operated a thriving youth and junior section since 1978, now running teams from Under 7 to Under 18, alongside a development school for ages 5–8. The Club achieved FA Charter Standard status in 2006, receiving the National Award at Old Trafford.

The Club was a founding member of the Kent Invicta League in 2011/12 and, following promotion in 2016, entered the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division, finishing 12th in its first season. Bearsted made its FA Cup debut in 2017, recording its first FA Cup win in 2018/19, and reaching the last 32 of the FA Vase.

In April 2024, Bearsted welcomed back former player Alessia Russo, now of Arsenal and England, who supported the Club’s future facility development plans. The Club finished 7th in the SCEFL Premier Division in 2023/24, followed by 12th in 2024/25.

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 1:30pm, 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.

Adults £8

Concessions £5

U16's Free

How to follow the game:

There will be live updates during the game on Punjab's’ Twitter / X page.

A post-match interview with the gaffer will also be posted on our YouTube channel and other social media platforms after the game.

Overall, this will be an exciting match to witness as the top 3 chaser Punjab takes on a

challenger for the lead. Punjab came out on top back in September with a 3-2 or will

Bearsted turned the tides and stop this fixture from becoming a rut? We will find out this

Saturday at The Steve Cook Stadium.

Written by Sahib Singh Khera

PUFC