Tunbridge Wells FC (H) Match Preview

Punjab United vs Tunbridge Wells, SCEFL Premier Division, The Steve Cook Stadium, Saturday 30th August 2025, 3pm Kick-Off

After Punjab's 2-0 win on the road in the Isuzu FA Vase First Qualifying Round against Oakwood FC, Punjab look revolutionise their poor start to the league campaign as they take on Tunbridge Wells to round off the month of August.

For a recap of our last game against Oakwood FC, you can check out our match report which you can access here.

As I mentioned earlier, Punjab now turn their focus back to the SCEFL, with a match against Tunbridge Wells, so let’s dive deeper into our opponents.

Our Opponents:

While being led by Steve “Ivesy” Ives, Tunbridge Wells FC delivered a solid 2024/25 campaign in the SCEFL Premier Division. They finished in 9th place, demonstrating competitive consistency throughout the season.

Goalscoring was a strength as well as Tunbridge Wells ranked in the top half of the division for goals scored, showing they were consistently dangerous in attack despite some defensive inconsistencies.

In particular, Regan Corke stood out as a key performer, finishing as one of the club’s top marksmen during the campaign.

History:

Senior football has been played in Tunbridge Wells since 1886, with the club playing under different names and across numerous grounds before settling at Culverden Stadium. In the pre-war years, the Wells were a major force in non-league football, attracting four-figure crowds and regularly enjoying strong cup runs, including the FA Cup First Round in 1954-55, the same season they won a treble of Kent Senior Cup, Kent Senior Shield and Kent League Cup.

After the original club folded in 1967, supporters reformed the present-day Tunbridge Wells, who went on to win the Kent League title in 1985 and the Kent League Cup four times. In 2005 they made European football history by winning the longest penalty shootout in a senior cup match, beating Littlehampton Town 16-15 after 40 spot kicks.

The club’s proudest modern achievement came in 2013 under Martin Larkin, lifting the Kent Senior Trophy and reaching the FA Vase Final at Wembley. Since then, several managerial changes have taken place, with Steve Ives appointed in 2023 and continuing into the 2025/26 season, supported by his experienced backroom staff.

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 1:30pm, 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.

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.

Written by Ben Brown