SKIPPERS STUNNING STRIKE CAPS PUNJAB COMEBACK

Punjab United 6 Clipston 3

Michael Chong (3)

Andrew Cox (2)

Paul Hetherington

HT 0-2

Punjab starting line up showed just one change from the side that beat Gretton last week.

With Midfielder Chris Bright coming in for Claudio Pitra.

Punjab produced an astonishing second half performance to beat Clipston 6-3 despite going 2-0 down at the break.

Clipston scored after 15mins to take the lead that was tucked under the keeper for 1-0.

Punjab created some good chances but could not convert with Logue,Cox, Chong and Carvalho all going close.

Clipston duly made it 2-0 when another half hit shot nestled in the net to give them a comfortable advantage.

Punjab came out instantly and halved the deficit when some good work by Victor Carvalho and Andrew Cox gave Michael Chong a easy tap in for 2-1.

Strike Partner Andrew Cox then tapped home to make it 2-2 after a keeper error.

Skipper Paul Hetherington then posted his contender for "Goal of The Season" by putting Punjab in control with a stunning 30yard strike that went into the top right hand corner of the net for 3-2. This being his 10th of the season

Michael Logue then fed Michael Chong in to make it 4-2 with a neat finish.

Chong then wrapped up his hat trick when he placed home a delightful free kick into the bottom right hand corner for 5-2.

Clipston were then awarded a penalty which they converted for 5-3 before Andrew Cox curled home the 6th for his 31st strike of the season.

A brilliant second half performance that keeps Punjab in the hunt.

Team;-Bhandal, Park, Homer, Hetherington(p)(c), Saini, Logue, Bright, Barry,Carvalho, Cox, Chong (Subs Logue for Calder 70 mins; Carvalho for Mumin 80 mins; Chong for Hetherington(s) 84 mins) subs not used Millington and Huseyin.

Coxy makes it 2-2

Man Of The Match;- (Michael Chong - A good Hat trick and lead the line brilliantly as Punjab battled back)

BREAKING NEWS.....

Punjab produced a comeback to maintain there promotion challenge to beat Clipston 6-3 despite being 2-0 down at half time...
A hat trick by Michael Chong a brace by Andrew Cox and a stunning strike by Skipper Paul Hetherington put the seal on the win.

Full match report and pictures to follow........

TEAM NEWS FOR VISIT TO CLIPSTON

Bruce Calder,Chris Bright,Ahmet Huseyin,

Hassan Mumin and Julian Millington looking to break into the side

Punjab enjoyed a lively21 man training session for what is anticipated as a great game versus Clipston this weekend.

The last time these sides met a Hassan Mumin header looked like being enough until a late free kick by the visitors denied Punjab all 3 points.
Team news sees just two missing from this fixture with Garinder Birk and Govinder Shergill not available.
Returning to the fold sees Gary Wilson available alongside Bethel Ofoshene.
Midfielder Claudio Pita will have a late fitness test to determine his selection.

Manager Amrit added "This is a great part of the season and the challenge is there for the players to rise to".

Squad:- Bhandal, Homer, Hetherington(p)(c), Park, Wilson, Cox, Mumin, Barry, Bright, Millington, Kumar, Huseyin, Saini, Logue, Carvalho, Chong, Pitra, Hetherington(s), Calder, Ofoshene.

Players and Officials to meet at Telford Lodge at 12:45pm-1pm.

THE GAFFERS VIEW ON THE SEMI-FINAL

Punjab United Manager Amrit Poonia reflected on the weekends win with great satisfaction.

He said "The boys produced an excellent performance with great movement and fantastic will to win to book there place in the Divisional Cup Final.

It was difficult to pick from a squad of 20 players but one headache I love having.

All the lads involved in the game, on the bench and not in the squad were fabulous in there collective support for each other.

Again it shows the excellent team spirit within the squad that will hopefully see us push for the promotion spot as well as look forward to the Cup Final.

However before the Cup Final we have 4 huge games to look forward to and 4 games in there own right that are "Cup Finals".

We find ourselves in a "Four Way Title Challenge" which will hopefully bring the best out of the squad in what promises to be a very exciting end to the season.

With 16 places up for grabs each game the hunger to hold onto the shirt will present a great challenge to all the players which will bring the best out of each other.

So far a well done to all at the club and lets see what happens in the next 4 weeks.

The Gaffer

WHAT GRETTON MATCH REPORT READ.....

A Fair assessment of the game by the hosts Gretton.......

A poor all-round performance with gretton 2-0 down after 20 minutes, it could have been 5 !!! stephen chilton could have given gretton a glimmer of hope just before half-time, but his free-kick struck the bar. gretton worked hard to get back into the game but failed to score.
Punjab got the third just before time, killing the game off 3-0.
The next target for gretton is to win the last three remaining games for the chance of 5th position, to end a season of ups and downs.

EXQUISITE PERFORMANCE SEES PUNJAB BOOK A FINAL PLACE

Punjab United 3 Gretton 0

Warren Barry

Michael Chong (2)

HT 2-0

Punjab's starting line up showed 2 changes to the side that drew 3-3 with Ringstead Rangers with Duncan Homer and Skipper Paul Hetherington coming back in place of Ahmet Huseyin and Garinder Birk.

Punjab booked a place in the Divisional Cup final with a resounding 3-0 win over Gretton.

Straight from kick off Punjab put the Gretton goal under siege with numerous chances.

Winger Warren Barry hit the post in the 5th minute from a Andrew Cox pass.

But for the heroics of the keeper Punjab were denied.

However Punjab finally made the breakthrough when Man Of The Match Warren Barry smashed home the loose ball to give Punjab a deserved lead.

Punjab soon doubled there lead when Warren Barry turned provider for Michael Chong to lift the ball over the advancing keeper for 2-0.

In all fairness it was nothing more than Punjab deserved, the lads produced brilliant movement on and off the ball to cut open the Gretton rearguard time and time again.

The second half bought half chances at either end but Punjab produced the killer goal on 80 minutes from Andrew Cox placed a brilliant cross into Michael Chong who slid home his 2nd and Punjab's 3rd to book a final spot.

Team:- Bhandal, Hetherington(p)(c), Homer, Park, Saini, Barry, Logue, Pitra, Carvalho, Cox, Chong. (subs Millington for Carvalho 70 mins; Mumin for Chong 82 mins; Bright for Pitra 84 mins subs not used Calder, Huseyin)

Man Of The Match:- (Warren Barry - Scored the first, made the second and was a constant menace down the channels)

BREAKING NEWS..........

Punjab have booked a place in the Divisional Cup Final with a 3-0 win over Gretton FC today.
A brace from Michael Chong and one from Warren Barry sealed the win.

They will play Finedon Volta in the final on April 22nd at Raunds Town FC.

Report and pictures to follow............

TEAM NEWS FOR THE DIVISIONAL CUP SEMI FINAL AWAY TO GRETTON

Back In Contention..

Skipper Paul Hetherington

Striker Hassan Mumin..

Punjab enjoyed a 17 man training session in very wet and windy conditions ahead of the Semi Final away versus Gretton FC.

Team news sees Bethel Ofoshene and Gary Wilson missing from the squad.

Versatile player Gary Park will have a late fitness test ahead of the game.

No fewer than six players return to the squad Captain Paul Hetherington, Duncan Homer, Julian Millington, Govinder Shergill,Stewart Hetherington and Hassan Mumin.

Manager Amrit added "This is a game that all the players are really looking forward to and the hunger in training to impress and earn a starting place".

The full 20 man squad as follows:-

Squad:- Bhandal, Homer, Hetherington(p)(c), Park, Birk, Shergill, Cox, Mumin, Barry, Bright, Millington, Kumar, Huseyin, Saini, Logue, Carvalho, Chong, Pitra, Hetherington(s), Calder.

Kettering based players to meet at Beeswing Car Park at 12:15pm

Corby based players to meet at Gretton at 12:45pm

PUNJAB FIGHTBACK TO GRAB A POINT IN PROMOTION CHALLENGE

Punjab United 3 Ringstead Rangers 3

Victor Carvalho

Claudio Pitra

Andrew Cox

HT 1-3

Punjab starting line up showed 3 changes from the side that beat Kettering Orchard park last week. Ahmet Huseyin, Jaspal Saini and Garinder Birk coming in for Duncan Homer, Paul Hetherington and Sandeep Kumar.

Chris Bright was added to the squad alongside Bethel Ofoshene aswell.

Punjab fought back from 2-0 to earn a point against Ringstead Rangers.

Ringstead's number 10 converted an early chance when the referee ruled the linesman's decision when it appeared he was at least 10yards off but he duly obliged by placing the ball home for 0-1.

Ringstead scored again when the same player executed a brilliant overhead kick to double the lead.

Punjab fought back when Victor Carvalho won the ball and clipped home an excellent finish into the far corner to make it 1-2.

Ringstead duly went forward and the No 10 scored his hat trick with a good finish for 1-3.

Punjab came out in the second half with a renewed approach and played some good football at times and then cut the deficit to 2-3 when Andrew Cox played a nice ball into Claudio Pitra who took a touch past the defender and then clipped the ball into the top left corner to evade the onrushing keeper for a brilliant finish.

Punjab created plenty of chances before they finally levelled when Andrew Cox cut in from the right side and delivered a cross that evaded everyone and nestled into the corner for 3-3.

Team:- Bhandal,Huseyin,Park,Saini,Birk,Barry,Pitra,Logue,Carvalho,Chong,Cox

(Subs:- Bright for Huseyin 65mins subs not used Calder, Kumar, Ofoshene)

Man Of The Match;- Claudio Pitra - (Great Goal and showed all the quality to ensure fightback)

TEAM NEWS FOR VISIT TO RINGSTEAD RANGERS

8 Goals So Far Michael Chong

Punjab warmed up for this away fixture versus Ringstead with a good training session.
The boys enjoyed a good run out and will be hopeful of winning to continue there promotion charge.
Team News sees Duncan Homer, Paul Hetherington, Gary Wilson, Stewart Hetherington, Govinder Shergill and Julian Millington all out.
Returning to the squad sees Garinder Birk, Chris Bright and Ahmet Huseyin return to the fold alongside Jaspal Saini.

Squad:- Bhandal, Park, Birk, Cox, Barry, Bright, Kumar, Huseyin, Saini, Logue, Carvalho, Chong, Pitra, Calder, Ofoshene, Poonia.

Players and Officials to meet at Odeon Cinema Car Park at 12:45pm to travel to Ringstead.

CHONGY AND COXY KEEP PUNJAB ON COURSE

Punjab United 2 Kettering Orchard Park 0
Michael Chong
Andrew Cox

HT 0-0

Punjab starting line up showed 3 changes from the side that drew with Wollaston Vics last week.
Ahmet Huseyin, Gary Wilson and Julian Millington making way for Michael Chong, Victor Carvalho and Sandeep Kumar coming in.
Punjab saw off Kettering Orchard Park with a 2-0 win to maintain there push for promotion.
The first half saw Punjab denied a couple of stone wall penalties and miss a few chances to score.
However the break came 10 minutes into the second half when striker Michael Chong on his return to the starting line up came inside and crashed an excellent shot past the keeper to give Punjab the lead.
A hatful of chances went begging before Andrew Cox was sent clear he then came inside the defender and curled an excellent shot into the bottom right hand corner to ensure the points were safe.
Team:- Bhandal, Logue, Hetherington(p)(c), Homer, Park, Kumar, Barry, Pitra, Carvalho, Chong, Cox (Subs not used Saini, Calder and Poonia)

Man Of The Match:- Duncan Homer - (A solid performance at the heart of the defence)

TEAM NEWS FOR VISIT TO KETTERING ORCHARD PARK

Punjab's preparations for this weekend game sees many faces missing however they still boost a very strong squad.

Missing from the squad Julian Millington, Chris Bright, Ahmet Huseyin, Hassan Mumin, and Govinder Shergill.

Returning to the squad sees Michael Chong, Sandeep Kumar and Bruce Calder, as the surprise name in the squad after missing games through a sinus operation.

Squad:- Bhandal, Homer, Hetherington(p),Park, Wilson, Cox, Barry, Kumar, Saini, Logue, Carvalho, Chong, Pitra, Hetherington(s), Calder, Ofoshene,Poonia, Birk

Players and officials to meet at Weekley Glebe at 1:30pm away Fixture

TRAINING CHANGE FOR THIS WEEK ONLY

Punjab have switched training night for this week only from THURSDAY to WEDNESDAY 7pm to 8pm at CTC.

SKIPPERS BULLET HEADER NOT ENOUGH AS PUNJAB ARE HELD

Punjab United 1 Wollaston Victoria 1

Paul Hetherington

HT 0-0

Punjab's starting line up showed 4 changes to the side that lost last week to Wellingborough Ranelagh.

Ahmet Huseyin, Julian Millington, Gary Wilson and Claudio Pitra came in for Jaspal Saini, Michael Chong, Chris Bright and Stewart Hetherington.

Punjab made a bright start against Wollaston vics in this top four clash as both teams looked to keep the pressure on Finedon Volta and Cold Ashby. With chances going begging from the early exchanges when Andrew Cox well placed could only turn a Julian Millington cross into the keepers arms.
Michael Logue header was only inches wides and other chances were well thwarted.
Punjab came out in the second half and produced some nice football at times that cut open the Wollaston Vics defence with Warren Barry, Gary Wilson and MOTM Claudio Pitra combining well.
The breakthrough finally came when a Warren Barry corner was brilliantly met by Skipper Paul Hetherington who headed home powerfully into the bottom left corner of the net. It was nothing more than the home side deserved.
The visitors applied some pressure with Bhandal making 3 smart saves to keep it at 1-0 however the visitors scored when a Punjab attack on the left side broke down and the visitors broke to roll the ball into the net.
Punjab could still have won it in the last minute, Sub Hassan Mumin's effort was saved and from the follow up corner Julian Millington and Andrew Cox had chances that were well blocked.

Defender Duncan Homer marks closelyWinger Victor Carvalho in action

Team;- Bhandal, Huseyin, Homer, Hetherington(p)(c), Park, Wilson, Barry, Logue, Millington, Cox, Pitra

(Subs:- Logue for Carvalho 25 minutes; Wilson for Mumin 75 mins subs not used Hetherington(s), Ofoshene and Saini)

Man Of The Match:- Claudio Pitra - Controlled the game well from the middle of the park on his return to the side

BREAKING NEWS

Punjab were denied the chance to go top when a late Wollaston Victoria goal denied them 3points after Skipper Paul Hetherington had put Punjab in front...

Full report and pictures to follow......