New Management Team Starts On Point - Punjab United vs. Croydon

Cloudy skies over Elite Venue

Last season I tried to visit Punjab United only to be denied by a late call off. All wasn't lost however as I made it to Dartford for a mud bath match with Hampton and Richmond (highlights here) which was one of my favourite games of last season. Due to a morning appointment I needed a match close to London and as the weather was fair I made another attempt to visit Punjab United. I also have good memories of visiting The Arena, in my early days of ground hopping I saw an epic FA Cup replay between Croydon and Whitehawk that ended 4-3 and is one of the best ties I've seen live. Croydon were bottom at the start of play and had appointed a new management team in midweek to try and stay up.

Sunshine at kick off

Croydon make use of the slope at the start of the match and the Punjab keeper makes a good save when the forward is played in. Then Croydon are gifted a chance of an opener as after a corner is played in, the referee awards a penalty for something he sees and Croydon don't waste the opportunity to go one up. Punjab's first chance comes from a shot from the edge of the area after the winger is able to cut in but the shot is straight at the keeper. There is a bit of a scramble at the end of the first half when Punjab have several chances to equalise and the Croydon defence stands tall to allow them to go in level at half time.

Punjab almost in during the first half

Croydon come close at the start of the second half with a header from a corner that goes just wide. Punjab get the equaliser when Croydon fail to fully clear after an attack breaks down and the ball is lashed in from close range. There is plenty of bluster from both sides in the remainder of the game but no more goals.

Punjab clear their lines in the first half

The closest station to The Elite Venue is Gravesend which can be reached in only twenty minutes on the high speed service from St Pancras. If you fancy a more sedate journey, the trains from Victoria take almost an hour longer. Beforehand I visited the excellent tried and tested Compass Ale House and Invicita Bar and I also added The Three Pillars to the list of brilliant pubs in Gravesend end which had four ales and numerous ciders on offer. From the town centre you can take the 483 to the end of the route and the ground is a short walk away. The bar at the ground offers bottles but it is the food that really excels. I had a kebab roll before the game and ended up also having three samosas all of which were great so for awesome football food, Punjab United comes highly recommended.