Larkfield & New Hythe (H) Match Preview

Punjab United vs Larkfield & New Hythe, SCEFL Premier Division, The Steve Cook Stadium, Saturday 9th August 2025, 3pm Kick-Off

After an unfortunate loss in the FA Cup Extra Premlinary Round Replay to Crowborough, Punjab will now be looking to get back to winning ways, in their 2nd SCEFL game of the season at home against Larkfield and New Hythe.

To recap, the replay against Crowborough was a tough fought battle, as Punjab only lost 3-2. Punjab came from behind twice to draw level with Alfie Moynes scoring in the 17th minute and Roman Campbell scoring in the 57th minute. Unfortunately Crowborough was able to score in the 67th minute, giving them the win after a hard fought battle.

As I mentioned earlier, Punjab now turn their focus back to the SCEFL, with a match against Larkfield and New Hythe, so let's dive deeper into our opponent's.

While being managed by Micky Philips, Larkfield and New Hythe had a respectable 24/25 season, where they finished 10th place with 49 points, and they found themselves 6th best in terms of goals scored. Matthew Day was a key player for the side as he was able to score 13 goals in 34 matches and remains with the squad going forward into the 25/26 season.

Larkfield and New Hythe have undergone some managerial changes. Tony Reid and Fraser Walker have taken the reins, so it will be interesting to see what changes they

intend to introduce, and how much stronger they can make the side.

Larkfield and New Hythe are also no strangers to success, as they were able to lift the Kent Senior Trophy last season against top SCEFL side, Whistable Town.

History:

In 2012 John Michel the Chairman of Larkfield & New Hythe FC and Adam Handy the Chairman of Larkfield FC Youth were instrumental in merging the two clubs for the mutual benefit of all the teams and the community. Larkfield FC who were established in 1976 have over 30 teams consisting of youth teams of both boys and girls between the age of 5 and 18, and also a Ladies team. The men’s first team were accepted into the Kent County League in 1996. In 2016 they won their first silverware in the Les Leckie Cup beating Rolvenden FC 3-2.

In 2020 the club was promoted to Division 1 and upgraded the stadium for SCEFL Division 1. Season 2021/22 saw acceptance into the Southern Counties East Football League Division 1. The club finished third and reached the playoff final. Season 2022/23 they finished 5th, lost in the playoff semifinal on penalties, and had their best FA Vase run. In 2023/24, under Danny Lye and Michael Philips, the team finished second and won promotion via the playoffs with a record crowd of 835. In 2024/25, the club finished 10th in their first premiership season and won the Kent Senior Trophy 3-2 against Whitstable Town.

In 2023, the club signed a contract for a proposed new stadium 1km away with 3G pitches, clubhouse, and 250 seater stand, subject to planning permission by the end of 2025.

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