MATCH REPORT | Oakwood FC 0-2 Punjab United

In the opening round of the FA Vase, Punjab United travelled to Crawley to face Oakwood FC and came away with a deserved 2–0 victory.

Punjab looked dangerous from the very start, testing the Oakwood defence with early efforts on goal. Their pressure was rewarded in the 16th minute. Ritchie Hamill picked up the ball out wide and whipped a cross to the back post, where Will Johnson-Cole rose to head it back across goal. Roman Campbell climbed above his marker and nodded home to give Punjab the lead.

Punjab managed to double their advantage just nine minutes later from a set piece. The ball was contested in the air before Roman cleverly knocked it down for Ethan Okechukwu, who calmly slotted past the goalkeeper to make it 2–0.

Punjab remained in control for the rest of the first half but were unable to add to their tally before the break.

After the restart, Oakwood began to show more attacking intent, flashing dangerous crosses across the Punjab box. Their best chance came when a ball was cut across goal, but goalkeeper Lee Kidman produced a brilliant save, diving across his area to deny what looked a certain goal.

Oakwood continued to push forward, but Punjab’s defensive resilience and tireless work rate across the pitch ensured there was no way back for the hosts. The match ended 2–0, sealing Punjab United’s progression to the next round of the FA Vase.

They will now take on Wick FC in the Second Qualifiying Round at home on Saturday 20th September, 3pm Kick-Off.

Attention now turns to the next fixture, as Punjab welcome Tunbridge Wells on the 30th August.

Match Report by Harvey Puttick

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