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Larkfield & New Hythe FC vs Punjab United, SCEFL Premier Division, Eden Estates Stadium, Tuesday 21st January 2025, 7:45pm Kick-Off
After a hard fought 1-1 draw against Sutton Athletic this weekend, Punjab currently sit in 5th place in the Premier Division, and Tuesday's opponents Larkfield and New Hythe currently sit in 4th place, 3 points ahead of Punjab. This predicament only raises the stakes even further for this match, as a win will see Punjab be right behind Larkfield and will put them in good spirits to attack the 3rd place position which currently belongs to VCD Athletic.
This match will also determine Punjab's position within playoff contention. Corinthian FC currently sits behind Punjab in the table at 6th place with just 2 points separating the two, so a win is a must to see off the threat the Corinthians oppose to Punjab's playoff hopes.
Drawing our attention back to Lakefield, the team is currently in very good form coming off a 4-1 win over Bearsted in their last league game, where Tyler Ibe was able to shine with two goals. So, the Punjab defence will have to be on their toes to see off any threats, from players like Tyler Ibe and the team's top goal scorer, Bryan Zepo.
Here’s all the stats that Punjab fans need to know ahead of the game…
Team and Match Stats:
Larkfield are tied second for goals this season with 45 goals.
This is the second competitive game that Punjab and Larkfield have played in the SCEFL.
Punjab United last faced Larkfield at home in August 2024 where a header from Reece Deakin got Punjab a 1-1 draw.
Click below to watch Punjab vs Larkfield Matchday Vlog.
Opposition:
Credit: SCEFL Website
Larkfield & New Hythe Football Club, founded in 1961, bought its current ground in 1967. Originally fielding men’s teams in local leagues, the club expanded over time. In 2012, Larkfield FC (established in 1976) merged with Larkfield & New Hythe FC, creating a pathway for youth players to progress to adult football and bringing together over 30 youth teams and a Ladies team.
In 2015, the club earned the FA Charter Community standard and focused on growing within the local community. The men's team joined the Kent County League in 1996, winning their first silverware in 2016 with the Les Leckie Cup.
In 2020, the club was promoted to Division 1 of the Kent County League and improved facilities with floodlights and seating in preparation for SCEFL Division 1. Their promotion to Southern Counties East Football League (SCEFL) Division 1 came in 2021/22, after finishing third and reaching the playoff final. They also had their best-ever FA Vase run, reaching the third round proper.
Off-field progress included a £100k clubhouse extension, funded by Football Stadia Funds, KCC, and Kent FA, opened by MP Tracey Crouch in 2023.
The 2023/24 season saw historic promotion under the management of Danny Lye and Michael Philips. The new squad finished second in the league and secured promotion after a dramatic 13-12 penalty shootout win over Lewisham, followed by a 1-0 victory against Staplehurst in the playoff final.
By the end of 2023, the club signed a deal for a new stadium, including 3G pitches, a new clubhouse, and a 250-seater stand, expected to be completed within two years.
It is clear that Larkfield and New Hythe are no strangers to success, as they have quickly adapted to life in the Premier Division, but Punjab are no strangers to a challenge.
Getting There:
The journey from The Steve Cook Stadium to Eden Estates Stadium takes 22 minutes when travelling by car.
New Hythe is the nearest train station to the ground. You would then require to get a taxi which takes 4 minutes to get to the ground or a 22 minute walk.
Eden Estates Stadium
251a New Hythe Lane
Larkfield
Kent
ME20 6PU
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: £8
Concessions : £5
Under 16s: Free
Card payments are available across the stadium, including on the turnstiles and at any bars and catering facilities.
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 Eden Estates Stadium.
Pride Passion Punjab
Written by Ben Brown & Sahib Singh Khera
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