Sittingbourne FC (H) Match Preview

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Punjab United vs Sittingbourne FC, Isthmian South East Division, The Steve Cook Stadium, Saturday 12th September 2026, 2:00pm Kick-Off

It's been 11 days since the Punjab lost 5-1 to Erith Town and they will hope this time off will get them ready to get back to winning ways as they take on Sittingbourne FC. Both clubs are out of the FA Cup and FA Trophy and will therefore be looking to focus on their league campaigns. Punjab have yet to win their first game in Step 4 with a 1-1 draw vs Eastbourne Town, a 2-2 draw with Cray Valley and a 5-1 defeat against Erith Town. Sittingbourne are currently unbeaten in their first four league games and will be looking to gain promotion this season. Their last game came in a 2-1 defeat in the Swale derby against Sheppey United in the Kent Senior Cup.

Punjab will be looking to get back to winning ways and pick up their first ever win in Step 4 whereas Sittingbourne will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

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

Our Opponents:

Sittingbourne are currently 4th in the Isthmian South East Division and play their games at The Staxson Stadium. In the 2025/26 season, Eastbourne finished in the playoffs in 5th place with 23 win, 10 draw and 9 defeats. However they lost in the semi-final against AFC Croydon. This will be the first time that Punjab have played Sittingbourne and will be looking to pick up their first three points of the season.

History:

Sittingbourne FC can trace its history back to 1881, when Sittingbourne United began playing at the Recreation Ground. In 1886, the club became Sittingbourne Football Club, later merging with the Nil Desperandums in 1888. The club adopted its famous black and red colours in 1890 and eventually moved to the Bull Ground.

Sittingbourne gained senior status in 1893/94 and joined the Kent League in 1894. They enjoyed early success, winning the Kent League in 1902/03 and the Kent Senior Cup in 1902. Further trophies followed during the successful 1920s and 1950s.

The club continued to achieve success in the 1970s and 1980s, winning the Kent League in 1984. In 1990, Sittingbourne moved from the Bull Ground to Central Park. Their first season there was hugely successful, as they went unbeaten throughout the1990/91 Kent League campaign. In1992/93, they won the Southern Division championship and gained promotion to the Premier Division, the highest level reached in the club’s history.

However, financial difficulties soon followed, and Sittingbourne came close to going out of existence during the 1990s. The support of the club, supporters and local

organisations helped save the team. In 2002, they moved to Bourne Park, before

relocating to Woodstock Park in 2012.

Sittingbourne won the Kent Senior Cup in 2009/10 and have remained in the Isthmian League. In recent years, the club has enjoyed a strong revival. They finished 3rd in 2023/24, reaching the play-off semi-finals. The 2024/25 season was even more

successful, with a 2nd-place finish, 101 points and 117 goals, as well as a run to the FA Trophy quarter-finals. They narrowly missed promotion after losing the play-off final on penalties.

In 2025/26, Ryan Maxwell left to manage Welling United and was replaced by his

assistant Reece Prestedge. Sittingbourne once again reached the play-offs but lost 2–0 to AFC Croydon Athletic in the semi-final. Despite this, the club continues to build on its recent success and remains an established part of Kent non-league football.

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 12:30pm, 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.