Punjab United’s league debut at step 4 ended in an honourable draw against Eastbourne Town in their Isthmian South-East Division clash at the Steve Cook Stadium.

Boss Chipie Sian has kept faith in the majority of the squad that served him very well following their promotion from the SCEFL, and FA Vase exploits last season. So far, the only major signings announced have been exciting young full back Elliott Carey from Greenwich Borough, experienced midfielder Sam Wood, and former Faversham and Ashford keeper Jacob Russell.

It’s been a good start in the cup competitions so far this term for the Jab. Comfortably seeing off Seaford Town in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round last Saturday, followed by a penalty shootout victory over Erith Town in the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday.

Eastbourne Town should provide a good gauge for Sian as to how Punjab could measure up in the Isthmian South-East this term, having ended around mid-table in both seasons in step 4 since their own promotion back in 2024.

It was a quiet opening to the first half with Eastbourne kicking up the slope, although they nearly caught debutant Russell off his line with an early long speculative shot from Leon Greig.

Punjab’s first chance arrived on the quarter-hour mark. A Chris Edwards free-kick from the right touchline was headed over by Stephen Ratcliff.

The match finally came to life on 30 minutes. A long punt forward from the Eastbourne back line found Alfie Rogers in the area, but he shot straight at Russell.

A couple of minutes later, Roman Campbell squandered a glorious opportunity to open the scoring after an attacking throw-in fell to him in the penalty area, but he blasted over from 12 yards. The same player then headed just wide following some excellent passing play down the right from an Edwards cross.

However, with Punjab in the ascendancy, they were caught out from a long ball forward into the danger area that they failed to clear. The ball fell to Rogers whose shot beat Russell down at his near post to give the visitors the lead a couple of minutes from the break.

The home sides response was almost immediate. Firstly from an Edwards ball in from the right saw Jack Hopkins run onto the loose ball and send his rasping shot wide. Then from another Edwards cross, the ball found its way to Harry Ottaway, but he shot just the wrong side of the post.

The second period started with the visitors happy to quell any threat Punjab had going forward, whilst trying to catch them out on the break. JJ Walker had a glorious chance to increase the visitors lead with one of these counter attacks, putting his free header wide when he should have done better.

Punjab winger Will Johnson-Cole was starting to get some joy with his runs down the left flank. On the hour mark, he latched on to a wonderful through ball from substitute Sam Wood, took the ball to the byline, his ball in went across the goal line but couldn’t find anyone in a red shirt to apply the finish.

As the half wore on, Punjab gained several attacking throw-ins on their right, but they just couldn’t find that final killer ball into the danger area to cause the visitors any major issues.

Finally, the home side’s pressure paid off. Ten minutes from time it was that man, Johnson-Cole again, whose pinpoint cross from deep on the left found Edwards at the back post. His header was guided into the top corner to give Punjab a deserved equaliser.

Despite some late pressure from Eastbourne, including a couple of half-chances going wide, it was actually Punjab who could have won in at the death. Another great run from Johnson-Cole took him to the by-line again, this time his ball into the box was just too high for the on-rushing Edwards to meet.

In the end it was a thoroughly deserved point for Punjab on their league bow. Despite Eastbourne providing stern opposition, there is no doubt there will be tougher tests ahead for Chipie and his team. If they can show the battling spirit they displayed today, then they could very well cause a surprise or two in the weeks to come.

Punjab United – Russell, Edwards, Carey (Singh), Lewin-Thomas (Dawson), Ratcliff, Hopkins, Johnson-Cole, W.Bushell (c), R.Campbell, Mensah (J.Campbell), Ottaway (Wood)

Unused Sub – Gill

Eastbourne Town – Winterton (c), L.Greig (Simmons), Deda (Broughton), Jenks (H.Greig), Walker, Hover, Davies (Sisimayi), Emberson, Walsh, Rogers (Hopkinson), Ruda

Unused Subs – None

Referee – Mr. Cutler

Attendance – 151