Sheppey United (H) Match Preview

Sep 21

4 min read

Punjab United vs Sheppey United, Isthmian South East Division, The Steve Cook Stadium, Tuesday 22nd September 2026, 7:45pm Kick-Off

After Punjab's 6-1 defeat to Deal Town, the whole team will be looking for a reaction as they take on Sheppey United. It's been a tough start to the season for Punjab who have yet to pick up a win in their opening six games of the season and see themselves rooted to the bottom of the table. However, the one thing about this division currently is one result can move a team up the table with it currently being incredibly tight.

Punjab's oppenents have just come off a 1-0 away win in the FA Cup against Snodland Town which takes them into the 3rd Qualifying Round. Their recent league form has not been great also with one win and three defeats from their opening four league matches.

Punjab will be looking to stop the rot of five straight defeats in the league, whereas Sheppey will be looking to kick-start their season like they have done so far in the FA Cup.

The programme for this evening's game can be seen below:

Our Opponents:

Sheppey United currently sit 18th in the Isthmian South East Division and play their games at Holm Park. In the 2025/26 season, Sheppey finished 18th, only 3 points above the relegation zone. They ended up on 44 points with 12 wins, 8 draws and 22 defeats. The Ites will be looking to push on this season and pick up their second win of the season to push them further up the table.

History:

Sheppey United FC was formed in 1890 through the merger of Sheerness Victoria and Invicta, initially playing at the Sheppey United Cricket Club ground at Botany Road. Their first match was against Sittingbourne on 20 September 1890, which Sheppey won 3–1 despite having only ten players. The match report referred to them as “the Sheppeyites”, giving the club its famous nickname, “The Ites”, which remains today.

In March 2001, the club resigned from the Kent League and their record was expunged. The senior team was disbanded until reforming in 2003, joining Division Two East of the Kent County League. They finished second in their first season and were promoted to

Division One East. The club was renamed AFC Sheppey in 2007 before being disbanded and reformed under the original name in 2010.

In June 2013, the club merged with Sheerness East FC to become Sheppey & Sheerness United FC, competing in the Kent County League Premier Division and playing home matches at Holm Park. In 2014, the club returned to the name Sheppey United FC. Major investment was made at Holm Park, including new dressing rooms, floodlights, stands, perimeter fencing, clubhouse improvements and work to the pitch, including drainage and a sprinkler system.

The 2021/22 season was one of the most successful in the club’s history. Playing on their new 3G pitch, Sheppey won four trophies. They won the postponed 2019/20 Kent Senior Trophy final 3–1 against Corinthian and later won the 2021/22 final 2–1 against Hollands & Blair. They also won the SCEFL Premier Division title with 102 points, finishing two points ahead of Chatham Town, before beating Crowborough Athletic 5–1 in the SCEFL League Cup final.

Promotion to the Step 4 Isthmian League meant the Isle of Sheppey welcomed this level of football for the first time in 32 years. Sheppey finished seventh in their first season, matching their previous highest finish at this level, and finished seventh again in 2023/24.

The 2023/24 season was particularly memorable because of the club’s FA Cup run.

Sheppey defeated Southern League Premier side Merthyr Town 4–1 away from home before facing Isthmian Premier side Billericay Town. After two 1–1 draws, Sheppey won the replay on penalties to reach the FA Cup First Round proper for the first time in their history. A home tie against League Two side Walsall followed. Sheppey took an early lead, but Walsall’s experience and fitness eventually told as they came back to win 4–1.

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 6:30pm, 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.