Downton FC (H) Match Preview

Punjab United VS Downton FC, Isuzu FA Vase Quarter Final, The Steve Cook Stadium, Saturday 28th February 2026, 3:00PM KO

Punjab United stand on the verge of history as they prepare to host Downton in the FA Vase Quarter Finals, the furthest the club has ever progressed in the competition. Punjab have produced a remarkable cup run so far. A hard-earned victory over Fisher in the fifth round secured their place in the last eight for the first time, a landmark moment for the club.

Confidence is currently soaring for Punjab after a thrilling win against FC Elmstead in

the Kent Senior Trophy. A late comeback from 2-0 down with goals from Roman Campbell X2 and Harry Ottaway sealed a dying embers victory and booked Punjab’s place in the final of the cup and sealed their place at Maidstone United.

Momentum is clearly very much on Punjab's side; their attacking play and growing

belief have turned into one of Kent’s most fierce competitors.

Oakwood FC 0-2 Punjab United - Isuzu FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round

Punjab United 3-1 Wick FC - Isuzu FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round

Punjab United 1-0 Wembley FC - Isuzu FA Vase 1st Round

Punjab United 2-1 Tadley Calleva FC - Isuzu FA Vase 2nd Round

Burnham FC 1-2 Punjab United - Isuzu FA Vase 3rd Round

Benfleet FC 0-2 Punjab United - Isuzu FA Vase 4th Round

Punjab United 2-0 Fisher FC - Isuzu FA Vase 5th Round

Downton's run so far in the competition looks like this...

Downton FC 4-4 (4-3) Sidmouth Town - Isuzu FA Vase 1st Round

Downton FC 4-1 Shortwood United - Isuzu FA Vase 2nd Round

Bovey Tracey 1-3 Downton FC - Isuzu FA Vase 3rd Round

Downton FC 0-0 (4-3) Slimbridge AFC - Isuzu FA Vase 4th Round

Downton FC 3-0 Lymore Gardens - Isuzu FA Vase 5th Round

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

Punjab United Matchday Programme vs Downton FC - Isuzu FA Vase Quarter Final Edition.pdf

Download PDF • 15.65MB

Our Opponents:

However, Downton will be arriving to the Steve Cook Stadium with momentum of their own. While their league position has hovered around mid-table, the Wessex based side are currently on a five-game unbeaten run, a streak that shows their consistency heading into the quarter finals.

Their unbeaten run suggests they are a team that is difficult to break down and they are confident in tight moments, attributes that can prove decisive in knockout football.

With a place in the semi-finals at stake, both sides enter the contest in history-breaking

form. Punjab will look to capitalise on home advantage and their recent goal scoring

exploits, while Downton will aim to extend their unbeaten streak and continue their own

historic journey.

More history is within reach, Punjab fans!

History:

Downton Football Club was formed in September 1905 in Downton, near Salisbury, Wiltshire. They started out in local leagues after World War I and gradually climbed the English non‑league pyramid over the decades. The club has enjoyed success in county competitions, including multiple Wiltshire Senior Cup wins, and has competed in the Wessex League since the 1990s. In recent seasons they secured promotion back to the Wessex League Premier Division and are now experiencing their best run in the FA Vase, reaching the quarter‑finals in this campaign, another historic milestone for the club.

Getting There:

The nearest train station to Punjab United is Gravesend. It will take 10 minutes from Gravesend to the stadium by car.

The Steve Cook Stadium

Dunkirk Close

Gravesend

Kent

DA12 5ND

Extra Information:

The Steve Cook Stadium will be opening at midday, 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.

Written by Sahib Singh Khera