It’s the first round of the Women’s FA Cup this Sunday, kick off 1pm, and it’s taking place at London’s oldest senior football ground.

Thanks to the FA and our visitors Ashford United for agreeing to play the game at the Old Spotted Dog while we continue to work on the dressing rooms situation.

We are still currently limited to 499 capacity including players and officials, under the terms of our temporary bar licence. So, there will be 450 tickets available for spectators and volunteers. Book yours now!

Kent-based Ashford have enjoyed a remarkable start to the season in the London & South East Regional Women’s Division One South, the same level as Clapton CFC’s Division One North.

Both sides currently sit top of their respective league tables. However, Ashford have won all of their league fixtures so far and have a phenomenal goal difference of +56 after 7 games.

As a team, they have hit double figures in three fixtures in all competitions; two 17-0 wins, and one 15-0.

They have four players with a goals per game record above 1, with one player – Rebecca Wyatt – having scored 29 goals in 10 games (Vidiprinter: TWENTY NINE GOALS IN TEN GAMES). A record that you are unlikely to see matched anywhere.

CCFC have in-form forwards of our own, having adjusted well to our new level following promotion to the 6th tier.

Following her own promotion from the Development Team in the summer, Teju Callisto has also bettered a goal per game, with 11 goals from 8 starts including 5 goals across our 2 FA Cup ties.

Both sides have come through two qualifying rounds to qualify for the first round.

CCFC have won away Sittingbourne and then at Hounslow to get through the qualifying round stage for the second season in a row.

Meanwhile, free-scoring Ashford beat Headstone Manor in the third qualifying round tie having put 15 goals past Borough Green in the previous round.

Match Information

Clapton Community FC vs Ashford United in the Women’s FA Cup First Round takes place at the Old Spotted Dog Ground at 1pm on Sunday 13th November 2022.

Tickets are £3.50 (including PayPal fee) and can be purchased online from the club store, and are limited to four per order. Tickets are not needed for children under the age of 5 or dogs.

There may be tickets available on the gate, but at present they are selling fast so it is advisable to guarantee your place at what is an historic game.

A mini programme will be available at the entrance, and donations will also be welcome on the day.

Spectator entry will be via the Disraeli Road gates only. The gates and the clubhouse bar will open from 12 noon, with kickoff at 1pm, and the bar will remain open after the game. Old Dogs Disco will be DJing after the game.

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

Directions

The Old Spotted Dog Ground is at 212 Upton Lane in Forest Gate, London E7 9NP.

Forest Gate station (Elizabeth Line) 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.

The District and Hammersmith & City lines will be closed between Plaistow and Upminster, with rail replacement bus services calling at stations between Plaistow and Upminster Bridge.

There’s parking for bikes inside the Old Spotted Dog Ground, you can chain your bike to the railings.

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.

If you’ve not been to the Old Spotted Dog Ground yet, here are some even more detailed directions.

2022/23 Women’s FA Cup Records

Clapton Community FC

2nd Round Qualifying Sittingbourne 1-3 Clapton Community FC
3rd Round Qualifying Hounslow 1-8 Clapton Community FC

Ashford United Ladies

2nd Round Qualifying Ashford United 15-0 Borough Green
3rd Round Qualifying Ashford United 4-0 Headstone Manor

Dates for the road to Wembley

First Round – Sunday 13 November 2022
Second Round – Sunday 27 November 2022
Third Round – Sunday 11 December 2022
Fourth Round – Sunday 29 January 2023
Fifth Round – Sunday 26 February 2023
Quarter-Final – Sunday 19 March 2023
Semi-Final – Sunday 16 April 2023
Final – Sunday 14 May 2023