DIVISIONAL CUP FINAL DAY PICTURE GALLERY LINK NOW OPEN

Punjab are pleased to announce that the Divisional Cup Final Picture Gallery link has now been set up with regular updates to the site.
Please click on the link named "Divisional Cup 08" where you will be able to see the pictures.

GAFFER'S VIEW ON CUP TRIUMPH

After an absolutely fantastic week for Punjab United the Gaffer Amrit Poonia has finally had a chance to settle down and reflect on what has been a very satisfactory season that could possibly get better.

Firstly I would like to congratulate all the Players, Staff, Families and fans who have contributed to the success of Punjab United this season especially the Divisional Cup Final Triumph.

It has been a very hard path to the final with all games being away from home.

We had an early scare when Kettering Orchard Park came close but a 2-1 win saw us progress to the Quarter Finals with Andrew Cox and Paul Hetherington finding the net.

In the Quarter Finals we travelled to Islip United whom we had beaten twice previously again the boys showed there true class by disposing of them 5-0 with Michael Chong's hat trick with one a piece from Gary Wilson and Paul Hetherington.

This bought us to the Semi Final another tough and tricky trip against free flowing Gretton who had beaten us 6-3 in December which followed a 7-1 thumping we gave them in the league at there place earlier in the season.

Semi Final's are renowned for the tight games but the boys put together one of the finest performances to win 3-0 with Michael Chong's double alongside Warren Barry's strike.

A testament to this squad that when we need to deliver results we always showed the strength and spirit to edge past teams.

So the final what an occasion and what a way to win it just when it looked like it was slipping from us Andrew Cox found the finish to force extra time and then Chris Bright becoming the hero.

Just like last season there was always someone else who stepped forward to become the hero of the hour.

A big well done to the whole squad.

The Gaffer - Amrit Poonia

WHAT THE COMBINATION HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE FINAL

With both these teams top of the table it was almost impossible to predict a result and as expected both teams gave a good account of themselves as they game was played at breakneck pace at times.Most of the early pressure came from Punjab with Finedon making just a few breaks into the opposition half.
As early as the 8th minute Punjab had the ball in the net but Andrew Cox was ruled off-side. After the early pressure from Punjab, some good build up play from Finedon almost lead to a goal, Chris Brown got a good cross into the box and as the defender lashed out at the ball it went straight up in the air and with John Savage battling to finish, the Punjab Keeper, Hassan Mumin just got a hand to it to punch the ball away. Punjab`s Michael Chong has had a good season and seems to be a crowd favourite and as the game went on he was more and more involved in the play, but he was let down by his finishing. As the half progressed past the 30 minute mark the game was starting to get exciting, although there were a lot of fouls from both sides which was breaking up the play. Finedon were now having a lot more of the ball having defended the earlier pressure well. The frenetic pace of the game lead to numerous errors from both teams and in particular Punjab`s passing was starting to let them down in all areas of the field, seeing this Finedon continued to press with Brown and Savage continually linking up well and but for some great stops the half could have ended with Finedon having the advantage.
Half time – Finedon Volta 0 v 0 Punjab United
As the second half began, Chong was extremely quick off the mark, making two early runs, but he was ruled off-side on both occasions.In the 52nd minute Finedon made a double substitution that seemed to work almost instantly as three minutes later some excellent build up play lead to Brown receiving the ball on the left hand edge of the penalty area and held his nerve as defenders bore down to slide his shot wide of the keeper into the back of the net for 1-0.
From this point on Punjab went all out for the equaliser, throwing everything they had forward in an effort to score. Chong did everything but score and Cox was in the thick of things regularly. Finedon were given no choice but to defend their narrow lead and defend they did, despite immense pressure from Punjab; the keeper barely had to make a save. Every time Finedon tried to launch an attack Punjab just punted it forward and countered.
With just two minutes of normal time left, Mumin received the ball from a throw in that appeared to be a foul throw and sometimes you need a little luck in cup finals, the error was not spotted and Mumin launched a long punt towards the Finedon area, Cox did well to control the ball before firing a low shot beyond Adam Watts for 1-1. With neither team able to regain the advantage so close to the end the full time score stayed at 1-1.
Full Time: Finedon Volta 1 v 1 Punjab United
The occasion seemed to spur both teams on in search of a winner and indeed early on Finedon looked the more likely to get it, but with a minute left of the first period Chris Bright picked up a loose ball for Punjab on the edge of the penalty area, after Finedon had failed to clear properly, and guided a well struck shot past the keeper for 2-1.
The second period was scrappy as neither team was prepared to finish runners up, but in fairness it was Punjab who had the lion’s share of the play in extra time and were worthy of their hard fought victory. Congratulations to this season’s winner, Punjab United.
After Extra Time: Finedon Volta 1 v 2 Punjab United

BRIGHTY THE HERO AS PUNJAB FINALLY OVERCOME VOLTA TO LIFT THE CUP

Divisional Cup Final - Raunds Town 7:30pm kick off 22nd April 2008

Punjab United 2 Finedon Volta 1 (After Extra Time)

Andrew Cox

Chris Bright

HT 0-0

FT 1-1

Punjab starting line up showed 3 changes from the side that beat Wellingborough Ranelagh at the weekend.

Julian Millington and Victor Carvalho made way for Warren Barry and Gary Wilson with the injured Gary Park replaced by Ahmet Huseyin.
Punjab started and finished this match very strongly as early exchanges saw Pitra, Logue go close with long range efforts.

Pitra and Logue bossed the game in midfield the back line brilliantly marshaled by Homer and the front two Cox and Chong were a threat all night.

Despite all the pressure Punjab could not force there way through from wide areas or down the middle with the Volta keeper in very good form.

Michael Chong in particular missed 3 good chances in the first half alone which could have ended this contest.

However both sides went in 0-0 at the break.

Second half was more one way traffic and with this happening there was always the chance that Finedon Volta could nick the goal.

This duly came when a long throw in was chested down by there front man to the winger running in who placed the ball into the bottom corner to give Volta a 1-0 lead against the run of play.

Punjab with this fantastic team spirit and "Never Say Die Attitude" put the Volta goal under siege with Gary Wilson being denied alongside Pitra, Cox, Chongy.

Punjab changed the shape of the side by introducing the speedy and powerful Julian Millington in a 3 pronged front line replacing Gary Wilson.

Fresh impetus and energy with Jules making plenty of good runs down the channels.

Again chances went begging continuously, Volta were tiring but Punjab stepped up another gear.

A further change saw Chris Bright replace Ahmet Huseyin as Pitra joined the front line as Punjab went 3 at the back.

Again plenty of chances but they could not force the breakthrough as again Volta's keeper denied Chongy and Pitra this time.

The final change saw Warren Barry make way for Victor Carvalho as more fresh legs tried to change the face of the game.

This time a long kick by goalkeeper Hassan Mumin was flicked on and Claudio Pitra danced round 3 players before letting the ball run to Andrew Cox who placed the ball into the bottom right hand corner.

The Punjab touchline spilled onto the pitch as this was a huge relief with so many chances created and such a dominating performance which looked like seeing them go home two years on the trot without a trophy.

The goal timed at 88 minutes.

Punjab pushed for a late winner but it never came and the game went into extra time.

The players came in but the adrenalin and the will to win meant they did not want to go home without the trophy.

The gaffers message was simply "Volta will have to rip the trophy from you"...no go and win it!!!!!!

Victor Carvalho now playing right wing back played a solid part as Pitra, Chong and Coxy were doing plenty to occupy the Volta back line, backed up by the sheer drive and determination of Logue and Bright.

Into extra time and Michael Chong won the ball that he played into Pitra whose clever ball fell to Sub Chris Bright who lifted it into the net to give Punjab a 2-1 lead.

Again the celebrations on the touchline were fantastic lead by Chairman Garinder Birk and Manager Amrit Poonia.

The 2nd period of extra time was more one way traffic when Michael Chong blazed over from 7yards.

Coxy struck the defender after taking a neat pass from Pitra.

The final whistle came as Punjab celebrations began this was a huge win and one that was fully deserved.

The trophy was presented to Skipper Paul Hetherington as the party began and ended around 4am Wednesday morning.
Punjab Starting Line Up

1) Hassan Mumin

2) Duncan Homer

3) Paul Hetherington

4) Ahmet Huseyin ***

5) Jaspal Saini

6) Michael Logue

7) Gary Wilson *

8) Andrew Cox

9) Michael Chong

10) Warren Barry **

11) Claudio Pitra

Subs

18) Victor Carvalho **

19) Julian Millington *

20) Chris Bright ***

21) Stewart Hetherington

22) Bruce Calder

BREAKING NEWS

Punjab battled back with the never say die attitude to win the Divisional Cup in Extra Time.

With Andrew Cox taking the game into extra time before a dramatic strike by Super Sub Chris Bright ensuring a famous cup victory.

Match Report and Pictures to follow once the heads have recovered.....

TEAM NEWS FOR CUP FINAL

Skipper Heads Ball under close challenge by Volta's John Tarry

Punjab came through a very tough game versus Wellingborough Ranelagh with just a couple a setbacks.
Defender Gary Park has Ankle Ligament damage which has ruled him out of the final.
Striker Michael Chong has a slight knock but should be ok for the game.
Garinder Birk, Bethel Ofoshene, Govinder Shergill and Sandeep Kumar are all ineligible for this game.
The squad looked very relaxed as they met up for a chat today ahead of a game between two very good sides.

Squad in full:- Bhandal, Homer, Hetherington, Wilson, Cox, Mumin, Barry, Bright, Millington, Huseyin, Saini, Logue, Carvalho, Chong, Pitra, Hetherington(s), Calder, Singh.

Players and Officials to meet at the Cordwainer at 3pm for lunch.
Coach to leave Cordwainer at 5:30pm to arrive at Raunds Town Football Stadium at 6pm.
Kick Off 7:30pm.
Hope to see all family and friends there to support the boys.

CUP FINAL LATEST NEWS....

Full Back Gary Park has been ruled out of Tuesday's nights Divisional Cup Final versus Finedon Volta.
The ankle ligament injury sustained in the 3-1 win over Wellingborough Ranelagh has finished his season.

All at Punjab wish him a speedy recovery in time for next season.

LATE SHOW SEES PUNJAB HIT THE SUMMIT

Punjab United 3 Wellingborough Ranelagh 1

Andrew Cox

Paul Hetherington

Michael Logue

Punjab's starting line up showed just one change from the side that beat Cold Ashby last weekend with Victor Carvalho replacing Warren Barry.

Punjab produced a great fightback to take 3 vital points as they moved to the top of the table with a 3-1 win over a very good Wellingborough Ranelagh side.

The visitors produced some nice movement in the early exchanges with Well.Ran main front man going close with Mumin producing a couple of smart saves.

Punjab produced some nice movement but couldn't find the opening with Logue, Pitra and Chong all going close.

The visitors opened the scoring when there Left Back played a neat ball that there front man bought down and rounded the keeper to make it 0-1.

Punjab then created some chances and finally a Andrew Cox effort was turned in by Michael Chong but the celebrations were short lived as a linesman's flag cut short the celebration.

Punjab with a renewed approach cut the visitors open with Michael Chong squaring for Andrew Cox to net his 33rd goal of the season to finish the first half scoring at 1-1.

The 2nd half saw an even better contest with Ranelagh thinking the had gone 2-1 up but for the flag.

Punjab attacked in numbers with Cox missing when clean through and also producing a smart save from the keeper.

Mikey Logue had a header cleared off the line.

With Wilson, Saini, Chong, Pitra all going close with the time ticking away.

Gary Park was unfortunate when he was stretchered off with an ankle problem.

Punjab making a double substitution with Carvalho and Park being replaced by Huseyin and Bright.

With the clock ticking down a long range free kick by MOTM Duncan Homer was met by Skipper Paul Hetherington who flicked home a header to give Punjab a 2-1 lead.

In the final minute Homer delivered another free kick that Michael Logue bought down beat two men and hammered the ball into the roof of the net to ensure Punjab grabbed 3 absolutely priceless points to end the scoring at 3-1.

A very hard fought win but Wellingborough Ranelagh deserve credit for there part.

But it puzzles everyone in the Punjab squad that Well.Ranelagh are so far down in the table.

Team:- Mumin, Park, Hetherington(p)(c), Homer, Saini, Carvalho, Millington, Logue, Pitra, Cox, Chong. (subs:- Wilson for Millington 60 mins; Bright for Carvalho 75 mins; Huseyin for Park 75 mins)

Man Of The Match:- (Duncan Homer - A good performance and two top crosses that keeps Punjab in the hunt.

BREAKING NEWS.....

A late show by Punjab saw them pick up 3 points in there last league game of the season against a good Wellingborough Ranelagh side.
Despite going a goal down goals by Andrew Cox and then two late goals by Paul Hetherington and Michael Logue gives Punjab the 3 points.

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

TEAM NEWS FOR HOME CLASH VS WELLINGBOROUGH RANELAGH

Great Goal last week....

Duncan Homer

Punjab enjoyed a 12 man training session in preparation for there last league game of the season this week when they host Wellingborough Ranelagh.
Punjab have a fully fit squad to pick from as they look to finish there league campaign on a high.
Returning to the squad sees Gary Wilson back in contention. Winger Warren Barry is missing for this game.

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

HOMER'S LONG RANGE EFFORT KEEPS PUNJAB ON TRACK

Punjab United 2 Cold Ashby 1

Andrew Cox

Duncan Homer

HT 0-1

Punjab starting line up showed 3 changes to the side that lost 1-0 last week to Cold Ashby.

Victor Carvalho, Gary Wilson and Bruce Calder making way for Claudio Pitra, Julian Millington and Duncan Homer.

Punjab ensured there was no hangover from the defeat last week by coming from behind to snatch 3 points from Cold Ashby.

The visitors scored in the first half when Ringer rolled in the opener to give Ashby the lead.

Good football by Punjab produced many chances in the first half that they couldn't take.

Punjab came out in the second half and duly levelled when Michael Chong squared for Andrew Cox to score. This being Punjab's 100th goal in all competitions this season.

Punjab attacked in numbers and pinned Ashby in with chances going begging Barry, Chong, Pitra, Millington, Logue all going close.

However the winner arrived when Duncan Homer hit home a stunning 43yard free kick to give Punjab the lead.

Man Of The Match Hassan Mumin produced a match winning double save to preserve the lead.

Late substitute Chris Bright could have given Punjab a bigger win but Ringer in the Cold Ashby goal saved superbly to deny him.

Punjab hung on to take 3 big points in what is still a 4 way fight for the title.
Team:- Mumin, Park, Hetherington(p)(c), Homer, Saini, Barry, Logue, Pitra, Millington, Cox, Chong. (subs Carvalho for Millington 65 mins; Bright for Chong 84 mins) (subs not used Hetherington(s),Huseyin and Bhandal)

Man Of The Match:- Hassan Mumin - (Matchwinning double save that keeps Punjab in the hunt)

BREAKING NEWS.....

Punjab United came back for 1-0 down to beat Cold Ashby 2-1.
Second Half goals by Andrew Cox and a long range effort by Duncan Homer sealed the points

Full match report and Pictures to follow

TEAM NEWS FOR HOME CLASH WITH COLD ASHBY

In Contention

Claudio Pitra, Chris Bright and Ahmet Huseyin

Punjab warmed up for the crunch game against Cold Ashby this weekend with a 19 man training session that was cut short with a floodlight failure.
Nevertheless the lads enjoyed the 40 minute session to get ready for this one at the weekend.
Squad news sees Gary Wilson and Govinder Shergill missing this one.
However returning to the squad sees Ahmet Huseyin, Chris Bright, Julian Millington, Garinder Birk, Claudio Pitra and Duncan Homer all in the frame.
Goalkeeper Amarpreet Singh is also back after deciding against a mid-season move to Kettering Orchard Park.
Squad:- Bhandal, Homer, Hetherington(p)(c), Park, Birk, Cox, Mumin, Barry, Bright, Millington, Huseyin, Saini, Logue, Carvalho, Chong, Pitra, Hetherington(s), Calder, Singh, Ofoshene.
Players and Officials to meet at Weekly Glebe Fields at 1pm.....

UNFORTUNATE OWN GOAL DENTS PUNJAB'S TITLE DREAMS

Punjab United 0 Cold Ashby 1

HT 0-0

Punjab made three changes to the side that beat Clipston with Hassan Mumin, Bruce Calder and Gary Wilson coming in for Bobby Bhandal, Duncan Homer and Chris Bright.

Punjab's title dream was severely dented in the last 8 minutes when an unfortunate own goal handed Cold Ashby 3 points in this highly tense contest.

Ringer in the Cold Ashby goal made a brilliant save to deny Michael Logue early on with Andrew Cox also knocking wide when clear.

Punjab for there dominance just could not force the breakthrough.

The longer the game went on the more tighter it got.

Cold Ashby thought they had gone ahead with a far post finish that was ruled offside.

However Cold Ashby got the goal when a unlucky clearance was diverted into the net with 82 minutes gone.

The home side defended well to take the points.

Team:- Mumin, Calder, Park, Hetherington(p)(c), Saini, Carvalho, Barry, Logue, Wilson, Cox, Chong. (subs:- Hetherington (s) for Calder 70 mins;subs not used Singh, Bhandal, Ofoshene and Poonia)

Man Of The Match;- Michael Logue

BREAKING NEWS

Punjab were denied a point by fellow promotion chasers Cold Ashby who netted a late goal to steal all 3 points.

Full Match report and pictures to follow in the next few days

TEAM NEWS FOR VISIT TO COLD ASHBY

Punjab will look to continue there good form in pursuit of promotion this weekend when they travel to fellow challengers Cold Ashby.

Team news sees many players not available for this game with Chris Bright, Ahmet Huseyin and Julian Millington unavailable.

Defender Duncan Homer will have a late fitness test to determine his selection.

Midfielder Claudio Pitra has also been ruled out with a calf injury.

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

Players and Officials to meet at Telford Lodge at 12:45pm to travel to Cold Ashby.