Punjab United welcome Crowborough Athletic to the Steve Cook Stadium on Saturday looking for an FA Cup “giant killing” in the Extra Preliminary Round with Assistant Manager Jason Powell keen to progress.

The Sussex side travel to Gravesend after their promotion into the Isthmian League last season and they will face a Punjab side looking to get through this round for the third time in the last four seasons – United’s assistant boss Jason Powell has been talking to KSN about the task ahead of his side this weekend… 

“We had a tough start at Whitstable last week and we have another really difficult game in the Cup,” Powell told us.

“The game has to be a “free hit” for us. Whitstable doing what they did in the Vase last year was beyond dreams! If we get past Crowborough, we could face Deal Town if they get through their game in the next round.”

“They have done well and have pushed on into Step Four since wining our League two years ago and are a side to be reckoned with. If we can get through and we do get them at home, it would be great for the Club.” 

Looking at the season as a whole, Powell admitted, “The standard in the SCEFL is improving all the time. Players are coming down to this level as Step Four is becoming a lot of travelling – it’s tireless; Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.”

“So, there are some players thinking that they might as well come and play at Step Five – nice and local all-round Kent without much travelling!” 

“We have only ever been a Club looking over our shoulders at relegation! Now though we can compete and teams know that we can compete and that’s why me and Chipie (Sian, the Punjab boss) work tirelessly on and off the pitch… there’s a 4G pitch going in at the Club which is another game changer for the Club and our community with the kids and that’s what it’s all about for us.” 

“Our recruitment has been good – when you sit down in the summer and look at players we just try and get players who fit in nicely.”

“It’s all about the dressing room and if we get that right that’s ten or twelve points over the course of a season and that’s key for us.” 

“Chipie has built this team from Sunday League football to what it is now – we played against each other in those days. I only want to do my very best for him and the Club and sometimes he has admitted to needing help – making changes at the right time, picking the right team.”

“We work well together and hopefully it will keep working and we will keep progressing.”