We move onto the final men’s first team friendly at the Old Spotted Dog against Essex Alliance League Premier side Jolof Sports on Saturday.

Jolof play at the same level as us and are in the same division as last week’s opponents Woodford East, who we managed to beat 2-0 thanks to a double from Noah Adejokun.

Formed in 2012 Jolof Sports Club are a West African, primarily Senegalese heritage team whose aims are encouraging a healthy lifestyle across London through physical activities.

Jolof’s pre season campaign saw them win last week 3-2 against Herongate Athletic.

Meanwhile CCFC are looking in good nick in the last few games, with two good wins against NW London and Woodford East, and a draw against Woodford Town.

Clapton Community FC and Jolof Sports have played once before in a pre season friendly (behind closed doors) in Aug 2020. Clapton Community coming out 1-0 victors thanks to a goal from Bogdan Panescu. 

The final pre season run out will give Clapton Community manager Geoff Ocran the chance to play with formations and team line ups before the season starts next week against our East London friends Stonewall FC.

That one is at the Stray Dog, Wadham Lodge, Walthamstow, as we continue to work on getting the Old Spotted Dog Ground up to scratch to host competitive football.

Match information

Clapton CFC vs Jolof Sports is on Saturday, August 6 2022 at 2pm at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, 212 Upton Lane, Forest Gate, E7 9NP

It’s donate what you want entry, no advanced tickets needed. For friendlies we suggest £2 for waged adults.

The bar will be open from around 12 noon until 6pm for soft drinks, alcohol and bar snacks. There is plenty of shade from the sun in the bar and the Scaffold.

Fusion Foods will be selling hot and cold food – meat, veggie and vegan options – and accept cards or cash.

Forest Gate station (Elizabeth Lane) and Wanstead Park (Overground) are 15 minutes’ walk away, Plaistow (District / Hammersmith & City) is 20 minutes’ walk, and Stratford (National Rail/Overground/Elizabeth/Jubilee/Central/DLR) is 25 minutes’ walk. 

There’s parking for bikes inside the Old Spotted Dog Ground too.

Parking is free on the streets to the north and west of the ground (e.g. Disraeli Rd) on Saturdays and Sundays. On Saturdays, parking is restricted on streets to the east and south of the ground (e.g. St George’s Rd and Upton Lane), but there are no restrictions on Sundays. Always check local signage for any changes. And if possible come by public transport, bike or walk.

Post-match mixer

After the game up until 6pm, meet the players including our new signings in the clubhouse. A great opportunity for players and members to get to know each other ahead of the new season ahead.