MATCH REPORT | Punjab United 1-1 Rusthall

Written by Harvey Puttick

Down to ten men just before half-time, Punjab United dug deep to produce a defiant display, holding Rusthall to a 1-1 draw and showing immense character at The Steve Cook Stadium.

After a midweek win, Punjab United looked to carry their momentum into a home fixture against Rusthall.

The game started at a high tempo, with Rusthall immediately on the front foot. Owen Bushell was called into action twice within the opening three minutes, producing two outstanding saves to keep Punjab out of early trouble.

Punjab soon settled and began to apply pressure to the Rusthall defence. A clever flick from Roman Campbell spun in behind, perfectly into the path of Alfie Moynes, who composed himself and slotted past the keeper to give Punjab the lead in the 24th minute.

Spurred on by the opener, Punjab continued to press and Alfie Moynes again found himself through on goal, but the Rusthall goalkeeper stood firm with two brilliant saves to deny him.

Nearing the end of the first half, Rusthall grew into the game and created several chances that flashed across goal. They eventually found a way through in the 41st minute, capitalising on an mis-hit clearance from Owen Bushell to level the score.

Just before the break, the game turned when Roman Campbell was brought down in a late challenge. As players tumbled, Campbell was seen by the referee to have apparently pulled the hair of an opponent while trying to push a player off him. The decision saw him sent off, leaving Punjab down to ten men at half-time.

Despite the setback, Punjab came out fighting in the second half. In the 47th minute, a curling cross from Wayne Bushell, caught by the wind, almost deceived the keeper but thundered back off the crossbar.

Rusthall nearly took the lead in the 57th minute, but a crucial block from Wayne Bushell kept the scores level. Both sides looked threatening going forward yet remained disciplined at the back, making for an end-to-end contest.

As the game was nearing the final whistle, Will Johnson-Cole broke down the left flank, driving into the box and unleashing a shot across goal. However, the Rusthall keeper once again came up big, ensuring the match ended 1-1.

Punjab battled bravely with ten men in the second half, showing resilience and determination to earn a hard-fought point.

Next up, Punjab United welcome Sutton Athletic to the Steve Cook Stadium on Tuesday, 9th September.