Clapton Community FC’s women’s first team are back in FA Cup action this Sunday after last weekend’s game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

We visit Hounslow Women in the third qualifying round with the winners then facing Ashford in the first round.

Last season’s tie took place in the second round, and was the game that saw us break records – the first team from the seventh tier to reach the third round, and the first team to beat a side from four tiers higher. 

For large periods of that game, CCFC were under the cosh, with brave defending and outstanding goalkeeping keeping the hosts at bay. Eventually, on that bitterly cold evening in late November, we prevailed on penalties.

This season, we are facing The Tridents in the third qualifying round, with only two divisions separating the sides.

While Clapton Community FC gained promotion to the sixth tier, Hounslow were relegated from the third tier after three seasons severely disrupted by the Covid 19 pandemic.

It’s been a tough start to the 2022/23 season for Hounslow, sitting bottom of the FA Women’s National League Division One South East. However, they have only played three league games while several of their division rivals have played seven times, and QPR have played eight.

We’re massive underdogs once again. Hounslow will be keen to avenge last season’s loss, not only to progress in the competition, but to give their season a spark.

Match information

Hounslow vs Clapton CFC in the Women’s FA Cup third qualifying round is at 2pm on Sunday, October 30 at Rectory Meadow, Feltham.

Entry is £5 for adults, and free for under-16s with an accompanying adult. Tickets can be purchased online in advance at the following link: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/hounslow-women-fc/hounslow-women-v-clapton-cfc/e-oxyvpy.

Tickets for the postponed game are still valid for this one.

You will also be able to pay on the day, but you’re likely to get in through the turnstiles quicker if you buy an advanced ticket.

There is a licenced clubhouse and bar, serving drinks and hot and cold refreshments.

Directions

The nearest stations are Feltham on National Rail, a 31 minute walk and Hampton, a 38 minute walk. Hounslow East Station on the Piccadilly Line is over an hour’s walk. You can get buses from all three stations.

Hanworth Villa’s website points out that Rectory Meadows, or “The Ranch” as it is known locally, is easily accessible but the most difficult part of the journey is probably the last 400 yards once you have entered Park Road.

As you go down Park Road continue around a sharp left hand bend (Please note the entrance to the Rugby club is on this bend. You cannot get to our club via this entrance.) Continue until you are facing the wall of the motorway fly-over and our entrance is on the right.

If travelling by car, Hanworth Villa’s website provides full instructions including car parking detaisl.