It’s back to league action this Sunday after five weeks of cup games and postponements, and it’s another big game at the Old Spotted Dog Ground as second in the table takes on fourth.

Clapton CFC women’s first team face Dulwich Hamlet Reserves in what is set to be a tough encounter and another big crowd. Our home games so far have been watched by an average of 388 fans each.

Good news – we now no longer have a 450 capacity so there’s no requirement to book an advanced ticket, you can just turn up.

Since our away trip to South London in the early weeks of the season, both sides have been going well in the league with just 3 points and 2 places separating them.

The away fixture in early September was a fiercely competitive game, with Clapton CFC emerging victorious by 2 goals to 1. Both sides also had a goal ruled out for offside, after much deliberation by the officials on each occasion.

Dulwich Hamlet Reserves were promoted to London & South East Regional Women’s League Division One North the year before Clapton Community FC, previously sharing two seasons with us in the Greater London Women’s Football League Premier Division. They finished last season in an impressive 3rd place, winning their home fixtures against the teams in 1st and 2nd.

These performance levels have continued into the new season with four wins from seven games to date, including a 1-0 home victory over top of the table Brentford.

Across their nine games in all competitions, like Clapton CFC they have had ten different goal scorers! Isata Kamara leads the way for Dulwich with 5 goals from just 7 appearances, while our own Teju Callisto has 11 goals from 10 appearances in all competitions, but it is clear that both teams have goal threats all over the pitch.

Newham Toy Appeal collection

Clapton CFC are proud to again support the annual Newham Christmas Toy Appeal, organised by the Newham Recorder, Community Links and local charity Ambition, Aspire, Achieve.

Now in its 45rd year, this project provides a Christmas stocking of new gifts to children who may otherwise have nothing to unwrap on Christmas Day.

In Newham, the stark reality is that over 50% of local children are now growing up in poverty.

Please give what you can at the bucket shake at the game. If you can’t make the game but want to donate you can do so online at the JustGiving fundraising page.

Post-match gig

Clapton Punks presents The Dub Righters live and in person at the Clubhouse at 4pm, quality reggae/ska/dub immediately after the match. All ages. Entry is free. There will be an optional donation box for the band. Facebook event is here.

Match Information

Clapton Community FC vs Dulwich Hamlet Reserves takes place at the Old Spotted Dog Ground at 2pm on Sunday November 27 2022.

We no longer have a limited capacity so you do not need to book a ticket in advance.

However, if you want to do so, to save donating on the day, then you’re welcome to do so here.

Entry to all our games is free, but with donations welcome. We suggest £3 for waged adults for competitive games. If you’re donating online, please add 50p in order to cover PayPal fees. You can also donate at the turnstile.

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 1pm, with kickoff at 2pm, and the bar will remain open after the game.

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

There are 28 seats in the main stand, If these are all used and you need to sit, please ask a high-viz safety rep for a chair.

Directions

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

If you’ve not been to the OSD yet, here are some even more detailed directions.

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.

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.