After 13 home games in a row, competitive and friendlies. the Clapton CFC men’s first team are finally on the road on Saturday.

And the opposition couldn’t be much tougher, as Cricklewood Wanderers have been consistently near the top of the table in the last few seasons.

They finished fourth in the division last season – one place behind us – following on from second place in 2019/20.

This season they’ve recorded 1 win, 1 defeat and 2 draws. A win on Saturday for Cricklewood would mean both teams have identical records.

CCFC have started solidly enough, 2 wins and 2 draws, but a win away at one of the division’s best teams would be a big statement of intent.

New signing Charles Yiadom-Konadu – aka Junior Konadu – has joined after a fine career taking him as high as Macclesfield Town and Boston United. He may make his competitive debut.

Saturday’s venue of Vale Farm, home of Wembley FC, is one of the better facilities in our league and is renowned for its excellent pitch – so much so that England used it as their training base for the 1966 World Cup.

Cricklewood Wanderers themselves have a short, but inspirational history. The club was formed in 2011 by a group of young people with help from homeless charity Ashford Place.

It is now run by Youth Engagement Solutions (YES), a charity which helps young people in education, employment, training, sport and health. They now have four teams – boys, girls, first team and reserves.

Match information

Cricklewood Wanderers vs Clapton CFC is on Saturday, September 24 at 3pm at Vale Farm, Watford Road, Wembley, HA0 3HG.

Sudbury Town (zone 4) on the Piccadilly Line is the closest tube station, a 14 minute walk away from the stadium. North Wembley (Bakerloo and National Rail) is 17 minutes’ walk and Wembley Central is 24 minutes. There is also ample parking.

Admission is free but donations are requested for their charity, Youth Engagement Solutions.

Food will be on sale, and programmes at £1.