We’ve had false alarms before, but this could well be the last men’s first team game on the Stray Dog pitch before we move to the Old Spotted Dog Ground in Forest Gate.
From our opening friendly vs Wanderers – when our away shirt went viral – to the promotion clinching game in front of 1266 against FC Roast, there’s been so many happy memories.
We do have another women’s first team here, and a men’s first team game in the Wadham Lodge Stadium, then we should be on the move… but you never know, we’ve said that before!
Get your tickets for the game here.
Our opponents Larkspur Rovers were promoted to the Middlesex County Football League Premier in 2017/8 and have been highly competitive since.
They are well poised to win the league as we enter the final stretch, although they have not applied for promotion due to ground grading rules.
CCFC have edged all four meetings between the teams so far, with two 2-1 away wins and a 2-0 at home in the league.
Then in January we beat them 6-0 in the Alec Smith Premier Cup quarter-finals, one of the best performances from Geoff Ocran’s team to date.
Larkspur Rovers were formed in 1950, joined the Middlesex County Football League in 2013/4, and enjoyed three rapid promotions since then.
They offer football for boys, girls, men and women from four-year-olds to vets based at their new £1million complex at Lord Halsbury Memorial Playing Fields.
Brighton & Hove Albion and England under 21 player Tariq Lamptey started out at Larkspur in their youth team, before signing for Chelsea and then the Seagulls.
Match Information
Clapton CFC vs Larkspur Rovers takes place on Saturday, April 23 2022 at 3pm at the Stray Dog, Wadham Lodge, Kitchener Road, Walthamstow.
Advanced tickets only – please book FROM HERE. You can donate what you want from £0 to £5, though we suggest £3 for waged adults
No alcohol allowed pitchside at this match, which means if you bring a bag, the stewards may ask what’s inside.
Don’t forget the hygiene bank collection for our charity partners Magpie Project at every home game. You can donate toothbrushes, toothpaste, shower gel, sanitary towels and deodorant at the entrance.
Fusion Foods will be selling hot and cold meat, veggie and vegan options and accept cards or cash. The Matchday Centres bar will be open.
Pick up the mini-programme for free or for a small donation.
Directions
Wadham Lodge is about 20 minutes walk from Walthamstow Central station. Turn onto Hoe Street and follow the road all the way along (past the junction with The Bell pub) until Chingford Lane. Continue past Sir George Monoux 6th Form College and take the first right onto Brookscroft Road then left onto Kitchener Road.
You can catch a bus along that route too. The 357, 34, 97, 215 will all take you to the top of Brookscroft Road from Walthamstow Central. It will take about 12 minutes. Traffic has been pretty heavy in recent weeks so if arriving by the Victoria Line or the Gospel Oak to Barking Line, you can alight at Blackhorse Road Station. The 123 from the stop opposite the station on Forest Road will take you as far as the crossroads with Hoe Street/Chingford Road – alight at the stop for Bromley Road.
There’s also car parking space available at the ground but it may be better to park on a street nearby.