Tunbridge Wells (A) Match Preview

Tunbridge Wells vs Punjab United, SCEFL Premier Division, Culverden Stadium, Tuesday 18th March 2025, 7:45pm Kick-Off

After sadly bowing out of the SCEFL Challenge Cup, Punjab were eager to get back to winning ways and certainly did as they fought back against Lydd Town on Saturday to win the game 2-1. Goals from Roman Campbell from the penalty spot and a header by Jack Hopkins at the stroke of half time gave Punjab a much needed three points. Punjab now turn their attention to tonight's game against Tunbridge Wells, a game which was previously postponed.

Tunbridge currently sit in 16th place in the Premier Division. They are coming off three defeats losing 3-0 to Holland and Blair, 3-1 to Lydd Town and 4-0 to Faversham. Regan Corke leads the way for Tunbridge, with 14 goals this season. He has already scored 3 braces this season, his latest one coming against Corinthians, where Tunbridge ended up winning 3-2.

It is important for Punjab to not be complacent at this stage of the season. A win on Tuesday is crucial for Punjab's playoff hopes, because the games in hand for Whitstable Town will allow them to go above Punjab with only being being four points behind. A loss could see Punjab fall to out of the playoff picture in just a few games. A win against Tunbridge will also give birth to a new run of form for Punjab, something they will need to go against league leaders VCD Athletic in just a few days.

Here’s all the stats that Punjab fans need to know ahead of the game…

Team and Match Stats:

• Tunbridge Wells are currently last for goals scored this season in the Premier Division.

• Punjab's win rate is over 10 percent higher than Tunbridge's Wells at this time in the season.

• Tunbridge wells hold the 2nd worst home record in the league this season, this is a positive sign for Punjab as they visit the home of Tunbridge.

Opposition:

Credit: SCEFL Website

Tunbridge Wells FC has a rich history dating back to 1886, with the club playing under various names and at multiple grounds before settling at Culverden Stadium. The 1930s were a golden era, with long FA Cup runs and matches against Football League opponents drawing four-figure crowds.

The club found success in the 1950s, winning a Kent treble in 1954-55, but financial struggles led to its collapse in 1967. Reformed by supporters, Wells won the Kent League in 1985 and made history in 2005 with the longest penalty shootout (16-15 over Littlehampton Town).

Under Martin Larkin, the club won the 2012-13 Kent Senior Trophy and reached the FA Vase final at Wembley. In 2019, Richard Styles took charge and had the team in strong form before the 2019-20 season was abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The following season was also cut short, halting further progress.

Styles led the club to an 8th place finish in 2021-22 before departing, with Luke Carpenter repeating that finish in 2022-23. The 2023-24 season saw a dip to 13th place, but the team remains focused on climbing the table.

With a fresh season ahead, Wells looks to push forward in 2024-25.

Getting There:

The journey from The Steve Cook Stadium to Culverden Stadium takes around 45 minutes when travelling by car.

Culverden Stadium

Culverden Down

Tunbridge Wells

Kent

TN4 9SG

Matchday & Ticketing Information:

Tickets for the game can only be purchased on gate and not in advance.

Ticket prices for the game are as follows:

• Adults: £9

• Concessions: £6

• Under 16s: £3

How to follow the game:

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

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 Culverden Stadium.

Pride Passion Punjab

Written by Ben Brown & Sahib Khera