Punjab United bowed out of their very first Isuzu FA Trophy campaign with something less than the roar that took them to Wembley’s doorstep six months ago in the Isuzu FA Vase.
Promotion to the Isthmian League meant the Gravesend side playing in non-league’s top knock out competition for the very first time but on a blustery wet day at the Steve Cook Stadium just wasn’t there and United bowed out tamely to Horley Town courtesy of two first half strikes.
The home side huffed and puffed but apart from one second half effort from Elliott Carey, Punjab couldn’t find a way through. How they missed the industry of the missing injured pair Will Johnson-Cole (helped off with shoulder problem in Tuesdays FA Cup defeat at SE Dons) and Chris Edwards who got injured in warm-up. What a difference both could have made to this ultimately disappointing afternoon for Punjab!
With a swirling wind and sweeping rain, conditions were tough for both sides yet the side from Sussex, perhaps because they were kicking up the slope in the opening half, played the more controlled stuff and took the lead when Allen slotted home comfortably as the Punjab back line stopped.
There were appeals for a home penalty when keeper Saward did well to claim a long bouncing ball into his box, but the question remained did he take more of Jack Hopkins too? Referee Joss didn’t think so and the game continued after treatment to the Punjab man.
The visitors all but booked their place in the next round when the impressive Perch was slid in to score although keeper Wayne Bushell will be disappointed not to keep the ball out. Allen was denied a third by the Punjab keeper from a free kick before Bushell did really well to claw out the corner that threatened to sneak under the bar.
Not even kicking up the slope could inspire the home side and Horley could have had a third when a long ball forward skidded off the wet turf, cannoned off Bushell’s knee outside the box – the ball could have gone anywhere, but fortunately it ricocheted to Punjab safety.
Bushell denied Antwi-Boasiako’s low shot before Punjab had arguably their best moment of the match when after a patient build up that went side to side, Carey’s shot was beaten away.
On a tough afternoon, this was a tough watch for Punjab fans who must now concentrate fully on the seasons number one objective and that is to remain in the Isthmian League.
PUNJAB UNITED – Wayne Bushell, Jordan Campbell, Lewin-Thomas (Probets), Wayne Bushell, Hopkins (Ratcliff), Mensah (Ottaway), Dawson (Roman Campbell), Vines, Wood, Carey
Sub – Edwards
HORLEY TOWN – Saward, McKimm (Haywood), Sheppard, Bell, Carrington, Percia, Olaniyan (Abdulazeez), Date, Allen (Low), Antwi-Boasiako, Gyeaboule (Trevatt)
Sub – Dyson
REFEREE – Mr Joss
Images courtesy of Jason Stanley