Punjab United boss Chipie Sian calls for Gravesham community to get behind side for massive FA Vase quarter-final home tie against Downton

Boss Chipie Sian wants a bumper crowd to come out for Punjab United’s massive FA Vase quarter-final tie.

Punjab - the final Southern Counties East League Premier Division side left in the competition - have been drawn at home to Wessex League mid-table outfit Downton on Saturday, February 28.

Teams are just two ties away from a Wembley final as they aim to emulate the success last season’s victors, Whitstable, enjoyed.

For now, Gravesend-based Punjab’s focus is on their Kent Senior Trophy semi-final at home to lower-division FC Elmstead and the push for a top-five finish for the promotion-chasing side.

“We’re so glad to be at home,” said Sian, the club’s owner and long-serving manager, on the draw. “But we have got a semi-final against FC Elmstead and league games before that.

“We were all in my office on Monday, watching the draw, and just wanted a home draw.

“We’re hoping we can get a really good turnout from Gravesham. Even if you’re not a football fan, just come and support us.

“If we can get through to the semi-final, that will be unbelievable for Punjab - and Gravesham as a whole. Not many would have done that, apart from Ebbsfleet when they went to Wembley (winning the FA Trophy in 2008), from the area.

“I’ve received a lot of kind messages from teams in our league this week.

“It’s always on the day. You can prepare as much as you want, but it’s up to the players to do the business.

“The players are excited for it. If we can get it right, this team can beat anyone.

“Credit to Whitstable for what they did last season.

"It just shows, if you get a good draw and a bit of luck, you can go all the way. They went out on penalties at the weekend (losing to Cockfosters after a 1-1 draw) but that’s football for you.

“We