There were two divisions between Cray Valley PM and Punjab United a year ago but this evening they meet in the Isthmian League Premier South East division. 

Last season, the Millers were relegated from the Isthmian League Premier Division by two points while Punjab were promoted from the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division after winning the play-off decider at Rusthall on penalties.

So far this season, both teams have been involved in tight encounters. Cray Valley have drawn both of their games while Punjab’s one league game ended all square.

On Saturday, the Millers followed up their home nil-nil with Margate with a visit to Sittingbourne. Four minutes into the second half, veteran striker Chris Dickson put them ahead and it appeared that they were going home with all three points. However, Jordy Mongoy levelled in the seventh minute of stoppage time giving them no time to respond. 

Meanwhile, Punjab’s season started with an FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round three-nil win at home to Seaford Town before starting their league campaign with a home game against Eastbourne Town. They went behind two minutes before half time but parity was restored when Chris Edwards levelled ten minutes before the end. 

Both sides will be looking for their first league win of the season but neither will want to suffer their first defeat so it could be a cagey tight affair.

Picture supplied by Ed Miller.