The boys have the potential to compete at this level and I want them to start showing it now, insists Punjab United boss Jugjit Sian

PUNJAB UNITED manager Jugjit Sian demands a reaction from his beleaguered side against 12^th-placed side AFC Croydon Athletic tomorrow.

The Gravesend-based club suffered a 6-3 home thrashing at the hands of Tunbridge Wells last weekend and Sian is concerned that his side are being dragged into a relegation battle towards the end of their debut season at this level.

Punjab United have collected 15 points from 21 games in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division and two clubs will suffer relegation at the end of the season.

Below them are Hollands & Blair (12 points), Croydon and Rusthall (both on six points and with a game in hand).

“We’re looking forward to playing AFC Croydon Athletic as we are at home and I’m expecting a good reaction from the players as we didn’t turn up against Tunbridge Wells a week ago,” said Sian, who is nicknamed Chipie.

“It was a flat and disappointing performance and not something that I want to see again!

“Nothing against Tunbridge Wells, they deserved the win and I wish them the best for the rest of the season but as a team we didn’t perform and have to step-up as we are getting ourselves in trouble down at the bottom.

“The boys have the potential to compete at this level and I want them to start showing it now!”

Sian has agreed with AFC Croydon Athletic not to play goalkeeper Nic Taylor tomorrow, having snapped the former Fisher stopper up from their next opponents.

“I have signed goalkeeper Nic Taylor this week to bring in some experience and hoping he’s available next weekend,” said Sian.

“I believe we can really push on but must start to grind out the results and be more compact at times.

“This season has been a tough one on and off the pitch due to new owners coming in and us leaving Elite Venue but we have now managed to sign a new long-term lease, which secures the clubs future at the ground, which is great news for us all and now we can focus on the football.”

Punjab United  v  AFC Croydon Athletic
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Saturday 12 January 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Elite Venue, Dunkirk Close, Gravesend, Kent DA12 5ND