The men’s first team open the Middlesex County Football League Premier Division campaign with a home game against Stonewall FC on Saturday.

Please note this is taking place at the Stray Dog – the second grass pitch at Wadham Lodge in Walthamstow – at midday.

The men’s first team is going to be rather nomadic until we finally manage to sort the dressing rooms for the Old Spotted Dog Ground. Members will be voting on a resolution to that this week – hang tight, we’re nearly there!

About our opponents

Established in 1991 in London, Stonewall are currently the highest competing, openly LGBT+ football club in English football.

Having started when one of the founding members placed an advert in a gay publication, asking if like-minded people wanted to play competitive football, they now field three competitive 11-a-side teams, three competitive Women & Non-binary teams and offer regular training and recreational 5-a-side football.

Familiar opponents in each of our seasons, fixtures against our now fellow East Londoners have been competitive and often high-scoring occasions, although last season’s home tie finished in our first ever goalless draw.

Previously playing their home games in Barnes, Stonewall have more recently moved to Stratford, not too far from our own home in Forest Gate.

They finished the 2021-22 season in 6th place, just 4 points below 3rd place Clapton CFC. Oliver Rabie top scored with 12 goals, and Jay Lemonius was just one behind on 11.

Last time out

These games are always a big draw for fans and our away fixture at the end of October was no different. Limited to 300 tickets at the London Marathon Stadium, in the shadow of West Ham’s London Stadium, the game sold out within days.

Clapton Community fans were treated to a 4-0 away win, our first league away victory in over three months, with goals from Josh Adejokun, Noah Adejokun, James Briggs, and Fred Taylor.

Message from Geoff Ocran

Having finished third last season, winning the League Cup, and making the later rounds of two other cups, it’s fair to say we want to improve on that record this season. 

The league and promotion will be our priority. However, we do love a cup final day out and we have a good habit of bringing the trophy home too. 

In an ideal scenario, we would have been kicking our season off at the Old Spotted Dog where the majority of our friendlies have been held but we are hoping to move sooner rather than later. A big thanks and show of appreciation to all our volunteers who have been working round the clock.

Welcome all our new fans/members and also welcome back the veterans who could probably tell you that following the men’s first team may mean a sharp increase in your heart rate levels! 😅😂

Match Information

Clapton CFC vs Stonewall FC takes place on Saturday 13th August 2022 at midday, at the Stray Dog at Wadham Lodge Sports Ground, Kitchener Road, Walthamstow.

Advanced tickets are not needed, you can just turn up. Entry as usual is free but with donations welcome, with a suggested £3 for waged adults.

We will have a mini programme available at the entrance, pick one up for free, donations welcome.

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

Directions

There is a rail strike on the day which will affect London Overground. In turn the Underground is likely to be busier, so make plenty of time for your journey if that is how you will be travelling to the game.

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. E 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. You can also 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.

You can bring your bike into the ground or the bike rack near the Wadham Lodge clubhouse. There are some car parking spaces available at the ground but it may be better to park on a street nearby.