MATCH REPORT | Chislehurst Glebe 1-2 Punjab United

Punjab United battled from behind to earn a superb 2-1 victory away at Chislehurst Glebe, securing Chipie Sian’s men their first league win of the season and a valuable three points on the road.

The first half was played at a high tempo, but with little to separate the two sides. Glebe carried a threat on the counter, while Punjab looked to break quickly through the wide areas. Both sides created half chances but neither goalkeeper was seriously tested before the interval, leaving the match finely poised at 0-0.

The deadlock was broken ten minutes into the second half, and it was the home side who struck first. A corner into the Punjab penalty area wasn’t cleared, and after a scramble in front of goal, Rolex Buiti bundled the ball over the line in the 55th minute to give Glebe the lead.

Punjab United, however, refused to let their heads drop. Chipie Sian urged his side forward, and the visitors responded with character and determination. In the 74th minute, their pressure paid off. Ethan Okechukwu was quickest to react when the ball broke inside the area, firing low into the net. Punjab’s players immediately appealed for a handball by a Glebe defender in the build-up, but with the referee unmoved, the goal stood and Punjab were back level.

With the momentum shifting, Punjab continued to push forward in search of a winner. Their persistence was rewarded late on. In the 86th minute, a long throw into the Glebe box caused confusion, the ball bouncing loose amongst a crowd of players. Jack Hopkins reacted first, rising to head home from close range and complete the turnaround, sparking jubilant celebrations from the travelling supporters.

Glebe pushed hard in the closing minutes, sending men forward in search of an equaliser, but Punjab’s defence stood tall. Goalkeeper and back line combined well to repel a series of balls into the area, ensuring that the points would be heading back to Gravesend.

This 2-1 victory marks a first win of the season. Not only did they show resilience to come from behind, but they also demonstrated composure in front of goal and defensive discipline to see the result through.

Chipie Sian praised his team’s effort and spirit after the match, highlighting the importance of the win as Punjab look to build momentum through a busy September fixture list.

Written by Ben Brown