Sporting Khalsa (A) Match Preview

Sporting Khalsa vs Punjab United, Pre-Season Friendly, Aspray Arena, Saturday 12th July 2025, 3PM KO

Punjab United head into their clash with Sporting Khalsa brimming with confidence

after a thrilling 4-3 victory over local rivals Ebbsfleet United. The win marked one of their

most entertaining performances of the season, showcasing attacking flair but also

underlining some defensive vulnerabilities they’ll want to tighten up ahead of the trip to the midlands. With momentum on their side, Punjab will be eager to test themselves against a well-established Step 4 side.

Our Opposition:

Sporting Khalsa FC play their football in the Northern Premier League Division One West,

which sits at Step 4 of the National League System, the eighth tier of English football. The

club, based in Willenhall in the West Midlands, has built a reputation as one of the most

progressive and diverse teams in non-league football, reflecting strong roots in the local

South Asian community while welcoming players and fans from all background, very similar

to how Punjab runs things.

Sporting Khalsa is headed by manager Ian Rowe, who first took charge in 2014. Rowe

quickly made his mark by leading Khalsa to the West Midlands Regional League Premier

Division title in his debut season, setting a club record points tally and capturing the

Staffordshire FA Cup. Since then, he has overseen the club’s steady rise through the

divisions, developing a side known for technical football.

For many seasons, Khalsa relied on Miracle Okafor to head the attacking front, however in

January Miracle moved onto Brackley Town, however Khalsa have found a new man to step

up. This season, Gurjit Singh has emerged as Sporting Khalsa’s standout performer. A

versatile and intelligent forward, Singh has become the focal point of the team’s attack in

the 2024/25 campaign. Known for his sharp movement, close control, and ability to score

in big moments, Singh has been instrumental in keeping Khalsa competitive despite losing

their former star striker.

Fans can expect a competitive, high-quality encounter with odds at stake for both clubs.

History:

Sporting Khalsa FC was founded in 1991 in Wolverhampton and became the first British

Asian football club to own their own ground, the Aspray Arena, in Willenhall. They climbed

steadily through the non-league ranks, winning the West Midlands Regional League

Premier Division in 2014–15 under Ian Rowe. Since then, they’ve competed in the Northern

Premier League system and earned a reputation as a progressive, community-driven club

with ambitions to rise even higher.

Travel:

The journey from The Steve Cook Stadium to Aspray Arena takes around 3 1/2 hours when travelling by car.

The closest station to Sporting Khalsa is Wolverhampton and then from there take the 529 bus to the ground.

Aspray Arena

Noose Lane

Willenhall

WV13 3BB

How to follow the game:

There will be live updates during the game on Punjab's’ Twitter / X page.

A post-match interview with the gaffer will also be posted on our YouTube channel and other social media platforms after the game.

We hope to see you there at Sporting Khalsa!

Pride Passion Punjab

Written by Sahib Khera