Playing their second Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division home game in four days, Punjab United host early season pacesetters Sutton Athletic this evening.

After six games, Punjab have won five points and find themselves two places above the relegation zone. Although Chipie Sian’s team were knocked out of the FA Cup at the first time of asking, they have progressed to the Second Qualifying round of the FA Vase and will host Wick later this month.

On Saturday, they hosted Rusthall and went ahead midway through the first half, courtesy of an Alfie Moynes goal. Jack Kirby levelled three minutes before half time then Punjab’s Roman Campbell was sent off in first half stoppage time. There was no further scoring in the second half and the spoils were shared.

Like Punjab, Sutton went out of the FA Cup in the second week of the season, but are also at home in the Second Qualifying round of the FA Vase and will host Corinthian-Casuals. They have won six league matches, including their last five. They have drawn once with their only defeat coming at Holmesdale. 

They hosted Hollands & Blair on Saturday and beat them two-one. Sam Bayford opened the scoring in the twelfth minute but Charlie Weston equalised with twenty minutes remaining. Bayford wasn’t to be denied, though, and scored the winner eleven minutes before the end.

In the corresponding game between Punjab and Sutton last season, the points were shared in a one-all draw. Will Johnson-Cole put the hosts ahead eight minutes before half time, however, Arlie Desanges ensured the match would end all square when converting from the spot quarter of an hour from time.

Both teams will want the three points for different reasons so another tight encounter could be on the cards.