MATCH REPORT | Punjab United 2-2 (9-8 Pens) SE Dons

Written by Harvey Puttick

Punjab United welcomed SE Dons to The Steve Cook Stadium for the opening round of the GoCardless Kent Senior Trophy.

The game began in tense fashion, with huge noise coming from the travelling Dons fans, but it was Punjab who created the first chance. The ball was flicked into the path of Harry Ottaway, who took a touch and struck at goal, only to see his effort blocked brilliantly by a Dons defender.

The intensity continued to rise as SE Dons began to apply pressure. In the 12th minute, the visitors had a big opportunity when Owen Bushell rushed out of his box, and the Dons winger flicked the ball over him, but it trickled just wide of the post.

The Dons kept pushing for the opener, sending dangerous crosses flashing across the box, but no attacker could get the final touch. Their persistence finally paid off in the 40th minute when a looping free-kick from Ben Wilson’s left foot flew into the top right corner, giving SE Dons a 1-0 lead just before half-time.

Punjab came out for the second half full of fight, determined to get back into the game. A floated ball towards Roman Campbell was nodded down into the path of Jack Hopkins, but his effort went straight at the goalkeeper.

The hosts continued to push, and in the 57th minute came agonisingly close to equalising. Hopkins chested the ball down to Campbell inside the box, but his strike whistled just over the bar.

Their persistence finally paid off in the 69th minute. A corner caused chaos in the Dons penalty area, and Wayne Bushell smashed the loose ball home to make it 1-1.

Both sides pushed for a late winner, but it was the Dons who struck next in the 81st minute. A whipped free-kick was met by Junior Aikhionbare, who rose highest and flicked a header into the far corner to restore the visitors lead.

Punjab refused to give up, throwing everything forward in the closing minutes. Their resilience paid off in the 87th minute when a long ball found Roman Campbell, who rose above his marker and nodded it into the path of Harry Ottaway. On his debut, Ottaway showed great composure to place a left-footed shot into the bottom left corner, making it 2-2.

Both teams pushed for a winner in the dying moments, but the match ended level, sending it to penalties.

In a dramatic shootout that went all the way to the goalkeepers, there were composed finishes and crucial saves from both sides. Ultimately, heroics from Punjab’s Owen Bushell sealed the victory, sending Punjab United through to the next round of the Kent Senior Trophy.

Punjab’s next match will also be at the Steve Cook Stadium on Saturday18th October, when they face Wembley FC in the Isuzu FA Vase First Round.

We look forward to seeing your continued support for the boys!