Stansfeld Stun Punjab with Thrilling Fightback
Two goals down after just 23 minutes, few inside the ground would have predicted what came next. But Stansfeld tore up the script, exposing Punjab United’s shaky backline to seal a remarkable 5-2 home win in the SCEFL Premier Division.
Punjab started brighter and looked in control when Danny Parish won a penalty, coolly dispatched by Roman Campbell, before adding a fine debut strike moments later. At 0-2, the visitors looked set for a comfortable evening.
But just before the break, Stansfeld found a lifeline. Tom Calvert’s sharp footwork and deflected finish halved the deficit and changed the mood entirely.
The second half became all about the hosts’ relentless pressure. Punjab keeper Owen Bushell, solid early on, began to struggle under the barrage. Calvert’s corner caused chaos, Rob Hughes bundled in the equaliser, and Adam Wallis unleashed a 25-yard rocket to complete the turnaround.
Within two minutes, it was 4-2 – Hughes again pouncing after Bushell spilled another Wallis strike. Punjab looked shell-shocked and never recovered.
Deep into stoppage time, Chris Alhassan sealed it with a low drive that Bushell couldn’t keep out, sending the home crowd into raptures.
From sinking without trace to sailing home in style, Stansfeld’s comeback was as ruthless as it was unexpected – a night Punjab will want to forget, and one their hosts will remember for a long time.
Man of the Match was awarded to Cemal Osman by the Matchday Sponsor, Colin Lush.
Main Photo Credit; Vijay Bedesha