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The Premier Division continues, with Punjab on the road as we take on Hollands & Blair at Star Meadow Sports Club. With just under 24 hours to KO, let's take a deeper look at our opponents.
Hollands & Blair's History:
In the 2003-04 season, Hollands & Blair won their fourth Rochester District League title and at the end of this season the team was able to gain promotion into the Kent County Football League where they would start in Division Two. They were able to climb the divisions and went on to be promoted twice as champions, and reached the Kent County Football League Premier Division in the 2005 – 06 season. The club then went on to win yet another treble three seasons after the promotion in the 2008-09 season.
Negotiations to form a new Step 6 division, to make promotion/relegation between the then Kent League (Step 5) and the Kent County League (Step 7) had begun in 2009 and these plans came into fruition for the 2011-12 season when the Kent Invicta League began – Blair being one of the 16 clubs invited to participate.
The 2013-14 campaign was a two man race for most of the season with Hollands & Blair and Lydd Town holding top spot at various times but it was the Blair that eventually eased clear during the last two months to claim the title by an impressive 10 points. Unfortunately promotion wasn’t forthcoming despite the SCEFL agreeing to admit the club because the F.A deemed that Star Meadow was not up to the required standard by the March 31 deadline. Even though the club appealed it was not enough for the FA so they had to go through it all over again. They easily won the league again a year later.
Blair had a bright time in the SCEFL during their first season, coming second by just 3 points. However, the next few years would be difficult as they would face issues with leaving managers and financial situations. They were able to avoid relegation in the 2018-19 season.
They were starting to get back on their feet in the 2020-21 season but this was brought to a halt because of COVID. Sadly they never regained their pace and have had a slow few seasons, currently sit in 19th position, 1 point out from safety.
Blair has proved they can bounce back, so they should not be counted out just yet.
Manager: Darren Blackburn
After Clint Goodling stepped down, Darren Blackburn has been brought back in to the drivers seat. Darren is an ex player and manger for the side, having coached them back in May 2019.
Key player: Charlie Weston
Their top goal scorer is currently their defender, Charlie Weston. Charlie has made 18 appearances so far this season, scoring 4 goals in the process. This highlights that Blair can get goals all across the pitch and Punjab will need to be on form to get a result tomorrow.
Head-to-head:
This will be the first time Punjab and Hollands & Blair have met this season. Last season, Punjab won 3-1 against them away from home but was unable to win at home as Holland & Blair won 1-0.
It’s sure to be a good contest with Punjab needing three points to keep at the top end of the table and Blair need three points to move away from the relegation zone. Kick-Off will be at 3pm and more details of the game will be on our social media channels (X, Instagram, Facebook & Bluesky).
Match Information:
Hollands & Blair FC vs Punjab United FC Gravesend
Date: Saturday 21st December 2024
Time: 15:00 Kick off
Venue: Star Meadow Sports Complex, Darland Avenue, Gillingham, Kent, ME7 3AN
Admission Prices: £8 Adults, £5 Concessions, £1 U16’s
Written by Sahib Singh Khera
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