Hythe Town FC (H) Match Preview

Punjab United vs Hythe Town FC, SCEFL Premier Division, The Steve Cook Stadium, Thursday 23rd April 2026, 7:45pm Kick-Off

Punjab United are at home this evening against Hythe Town after 48 hours ago beating Stansfeld 1-0. A strike from Roman Campbell gave the games only goal in a tight affair but put Punjab into the playoffs. A win tonight would put Punjab three points inside the playoffs and almost secure their space in the playoffs.

Just like Tuesday's opponents Stansfeld, Hythe Town have also already been relegated and in their last match, they lost 9-0 at home to Faversham Strike Force.

Punjab have a lot to play for in this game as with a win, it could put Punjab in a firm position inside the playoffs and could finish the evening as high as 3rd with a massive swing of goal difference.

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

Punjab United Matchday Programme vs Hythe Town FC.pdf

Download PDF • 14.77MB

Our Opponents:

This is the second time that Punjab have played Stansfeld this season. In the first game, despite Punjab going 3-1 up, Stansfeld came back to level the game at 3-3. Punjab will be wanting to seek revenge after the previous result.

Since being relegated, Hythe Town's results have not been good with 13 goals conceded in their last two games with a 9-0 defeat against Faversham Strike Force and a 4-0 defeat to Sutton Athletic.

History:

Hythe Town Football Club was formed in August 1910, although football in the town dates back to the previous century. The club initially competed in the Folkestone and District Leagues and enjoyed considerable success after the First World War, winning four championships and finishing outside the top three only once in fourteen seasons. In 1936, Hythe moved up to the Kent Amateur League and achieved promotion to Division One before the outbreak of the Second World War.

League success was limited during the 1950s and 60s, but fortunes improved in the early 1970s under manager Bob Davis, with three successive league titles and a Kent Junior Cup victory. Senior status was granted in 1977, and the club joined the Kent League, playing at Reachfields, a former army sports ground. Hythe finished as runners-up on three occasions before a major turning point in 1988 when property developer Tony Walton took over.

Significant investment followed, including major ground improvements and a strengthened playing squad. Hythe won the 1988/89 Kent League title by 14 points, scoring a record 133 goals, and were promoted to the Southern League. The following seasons saw strong league performances alongside notable cup runs, including reaching the FA Vase semi-finals and winning the Kent Senior Trophy and Eastern Professional Floodlight Cup. However, financial difficulties emerged, and after reaching the Kent Senior Cup Final in 1992, the club was placed into liquidation.

Supporters regrouped to form Hythe United, entering the Kent County League while retaining Reachfields. After regaining senior status, the club returned to the Kent League in 1995. Progress was gradual, but the appointment of Paul Fisk in 2002 marked a turning point, establishing Hythe as a competitive side.

The 2010/11 season stands as one of the most successful in the club’s history, as Hythe won the Kent League title and secured promotion to the Isthmian (Ryman) League. This campaign also featured a remarkable FA Cup run to the First Round Proper, where they faced Hereford United.

Hythe continued to compete strongly in the Isthmian League, achieving several top-half finishes and reaching the play-offs, while also lifting the Kent Senior Cup in 2012. The club developed a reputation for nurturing talent, notably Alfie May, who earned a move to Doncaster Rovers after an impressive goal-scoring spell.

In recent years, Hythe have remained competitive but have narrowly missed out on play-off positions on several occasions. The 2022/23 season saw them reach the Isthmian South East play-off final, while 2023/24 included a strong FA Trophy run to the fourth round. However, inconsistency followed, leading to managerial changes.

The 2024/25 season proved challenging, culminating in relegation and further changes both on and off the pitch. Multiple managerial appointments followed during 2025/26, and the club is currently in transition, seeking stability and a new direction as they look to rebuild for the future.

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.

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 Ben Brown