Crowborough Athletic (H) Match Preview

Punjab United vs Crowborough Athletic, FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round, The Steve Cook Stadium, Saturday 2nd August 2025, 3pm Kick-Off

After an unfortunate 2-1 loss to Whitstable Town in the opening SCEFL game, Punjab turn their focus to the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie against East Sussex based side, Crowborough Athletic.

Our Opposition:

In the 2024–25 season Crowborough produced a standout campaign. They finished second in the SCFL Premier Division with 81 points from 38 matches, registering 25 wins, 6 draws and 7 defeats. They scored an impressive 86 league goals. This consistent form propelled them into the promotion play‑offs, where they defeated Petersfield Town in the semi‑final before winning the play‑off final against Eastbourne United, to secure promotion to the Isthmian League (Step 4).

The Crows are lead by first team manager, Sean Muggeridge. He spoke of an “absolutely fantastic season” and praised the togetherness of players, volunteers, staff and fans alike in an interview with the Sussex Express.

Crowborough is home to many quality players, but the stand out perfomer for them last season was Harry Forster, who was the clubs top scorer with 21 league goals. Forster’s clinical finishing and consistent contributions earned him recognition as the team’s best player of the season.

Even though Punjab United is coming off a defeat, they are known to get back up fast, with newfound confidence to be able to beat any team in front of them. It is crucial for Punjab to win this game, and move forward with their FA cup campaign.

History:

Crowborough Athletic Football Club, nicknamed The Crows, was founded in 1894 and is based in the East Sussex town of Crowborough. The club has a long and proud history in English non-league football, starting in local leagues before achieving senior status in 1974. Over the years, they have competed in the Sussex County League, Southern Counties East Football League, and had a brief spell in the Isthmian League during the late 2000s. Their home ground, the Charles Stadium, has a capacity of around 2,000 and hosts a loyal, passionate fanbase. Crowborough is known for its community spirit and emphasis on youth development. Under the guidance of manager Sean Muggeridge, the club has recently enjoyed a resurgence, finishing second in the Southern Combination Football League Premier Division in 2024–25 and securing promotion via the play-offs. With a strong squad and growing momentum, The Crows are aiming to make their mark at Step 4 in the upcoming 2025–26 season.

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.

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.

- Written by Sahib Singh Khera