Wembley FC (H) Match Preview

Punjab United vs Wembley FC, Isuzu FA Vase, The Steve Cook Stadium, Saturday 18th October 2025, 3pm Kick-Off

Punjab are coming off a fantastic victory over SE Dons in the Kent Senior Cup. The game

was a thrilling one as Punjab walked away with the win after overcoming the Dons in the

penalty shootout, 9-8.

The match itself was also hard fought. SE Dons pulled away in the first half to lead by 1-0, but Punjab were not done fighting as Wayne Bushell was able to equalise in the 69th minute. However, despair would descend over the Steve Cook Stadium as SE Dons scored in the 81st minute, looking to put the game to bed. However, Punjab had another thing coming for the Dons as Harry Ottaway was able to score in the 86th minute, making it level at 2-2. The final whistle blew, and extra time was played, but the deadlock remained.

Both teams stepped up to the spot. Owen Bushell stole the show in net for Punjab as he

was able to pull off some miraculous saves, keeping Punjab in the shootout when things

were looking bleak. And in the end, Owens' final penalty sealed the win for Punjab, allowing

them to advance in the cup.

Punjab hopes to use this momentum to propel them to victory in another cup competition,

the Isuzu FA Vase, where they will face Wembley FC at the Steve Cook Stadium.

Our Opponents:

Wembley FC currently compete in the Combined Counties Division One, which is the 10th tier of English Football. They currently sit 6th with 10 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses.

In the last round they beat Step 5 side Broadfields United on penalties showing that they can beat any team on their day. Last season, Wembley were relegated from the Combined Counties Premier Division North finishing bottom with 33 points.

Overall, Wembley will prove to be strong opponents for us, but it is important to remember

the resilience that was shown in the SE Dons matchup.

History:

Wembley FC was formed in 1946 following an amalgamation of various junior clubs, predominantly Sudbury Ratepayers Association and Sudbury Rangers. Nicknamed the 'Lions', (the symbol of the British Empire Exhibition held at Wembley in 1924/25, the emblem was also used by the local speedway and ice-hockey teams), they found a home at Vale Farm and have remained there ever since, developing a roped-off pitch into a respectable non-League football ground. 

Wembley began their first season in the Isthmian League (1975/76) in the second division (now the first division). The closest they came to promotion to the Premier Division was in 1985/86.  After completing their fixtures, Wembley headed the table, but missed out on going up by two points when both St. Alban's City and Bromley won their respective games in hand.  Only two teams went up in those days.

Despite failing to achieve promotion, Wembley obtained some minor compensation by recording various cup successes during this period.  In 1980/81 they reached the First Round Proper of the F.A. Cup for the one and only time, losing 0-3 to Enfield at Southbury Road.

Following two curtailed seasons in the S.S.M.L due to Covid 19, and further alterations to the non-League structure, Wembley were moved back into the Combined Counties League (2021/22).  However, last season they finished bottom of the newly formed Premier Division North and were relegated to begin the 2025/26 campaign in Division One.

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.

Adults £8

Concessions £5

U16's Free

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 Sahib Singh Khera