Herne Bay (H) Match Preview

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Punjab United vs Herne Bay, Isthmian South East Division, The Steve Cook Stadium, Saturday 31st October 2026, 3:00pm Kick-Off

Punjab have come off a 4-0 win against Eastbourne Town with goals coming from Will Johnson-Cole X2, Chris Edwards and Jack Hopkins. Despite being level at half-time with multiple chances squandered, Punjab shot out the blocks in the second half and four goals without any reply secured their first away win in Step 4. That was their 3rd win in a row with only losing one league game in their last 7 games.

This Saturday they are back at The Steve Cook Stadium as they take on Herne Bay who are currently sitting 9th with only 2 points separating both teams. A win would see Punjab overtake Herne Bay and could even be in the playoffs come Saturday afternoon. A win for Herne Bay could see themselves jump to as high as 6th.

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

Our Opponents:

Herne Bay currently sit 9th in the Isthmian South East Division and play their games at The Crest Stadium. In the 2025/26 season, Cray Valley finished 13th in Step 4 and will be looking to improve on last year. They ended up on 55 points with 15 wins, 10 draws and 17 defeats. They are currently unbeaten in their last 4 games with 2 wins and 2 draws.

History:

Founded in 1886, Herne Bay FC has been at the heart of the local community for generations. The club quickly established itself, winning four consecutive East Kent League titles between 1902 and 1906. In 1953, Winch’s Field became the club’s home, with over 1,000 supporters attending the opening match. Further success followed with the Kent Amateur Cup in 1957/58, promotion in the Athenian League in 1970/71, and an FA Cup run that attracted a record crowd of 2,303. The club also lifted the Kent Senior Trophy in 1978/79 before enjoying a golden period during the 1990s, winning four Kent League titles. The famous treble-winning campaign of 1996/97 remains a standout moment in the club’s history.

In 2011/12, Herne Bay reached the FA Vase semi-finals, won the Kent League and secured promotion to the Isthmian League. The following years were built on local talent, community pride and exciting football, with the 2017/18 side particularly remembered for its youthful energy and fearless style of play.

A new chapter began in 2019 when a new chairman arrived and appointed Ben Smith, who had previously led Canterbury City to the FA Vase semi-finals. Despite two Covid-disrupted seasons, Herne Bay finished fifth with 51 points in 2019/20, demonstrating the potential within the squad. This promise was realised in 2021/22, when Smith guided the club through a remarkable late-season surge and dramatic play-off campaign, earning promotion to Step 3 for the first time in the club’s history.

The 2022/23 season proved more challenging, with Smith resigning after 13 games and Kevin Watson stepping in as manager. Herne Bay ultimately returned to Step 4, although the installation of a new 3G pitch provided an important investment in the club’s future. In March 2023, the chairman and CIC Board of Directors parted ways. Steve Lovell was subsequently appointed manager ahead of the 2023/24 season, bringing valuable

experience and stability as the club secured an impressive eighth-place finish.

In May 2024, Matt Barman was appointed Chairman following a recommendation from the CIC Members, signalling renewed direction, unity and ambition. The 2024/25 season delivered a memorable FA Cup run to the Third Qualifying Round, where Herne Bay

narrowly lost 1–0 to Maidstone United in front of 1,997 supporters at Winch’s Field.

Following Lovell’s departure in January 2025, the club finished 16th in the league.

For the 2025/26 season, Liam Friend took charge as Player/Manager. After an encouraging start, results proved difficult to maintain, leading to Ben Smith’s return to the managerial position in March 2026. His return has brought renewed optimism as Herne Bay FC looks ahead, determined to build on its proud history, strengthen its community foundations and create another successful chapter for the club and its supporters.

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.