Due to last week’s postponement at OIR, the men’s first team’s lead at the top of the table was cut to 5 points in the battle for promotion.

On Saturday we visit Polish heritage side PFC Victoria in a rearranged fixture from when it was postponed due to the January frosts.

Our old friends at PFC are eighth in the league but don’t be fooled, they are in good form and scoring goals for fun, including 2 players in the top 6 leading goalscorers.

Look out for hotshot duo Mateusz Kaczmarek and Pawel Kowalkowski, the latter having returned to the club after a short spell with Conference National high-flyers Wealdstone.

Last week, while Geoff Ocran fielded a Clapton CFC XI against Cobham Reserves in a behind closed doors friendly, PFC Victoria lost out in a five goal thriller to Shepherd’s Bush.

That victory meant the Bushmen closed the gap at the top of the table although they have played a game more than us.

You may remember, the MCFL Premier Division promotion race is a two-way fight, though both CCFC and Shepherd’s Bush also need to pass the ground grading regulations.

Our previous meetings with PFC have all been close. In August 2022, a topsy-turvy game ended in a 5-3 win, following a 3-2 win and a 2-2 draw in the 2019/20 season.

PFC now play at the Spelthorne Sports Club in Ashford, home of Step 5 side Spelthorne Sports FC, which is a new ground for us.

About PFC Victoria London

They were formed in 2016 as a club for the Polish community in London and had a phenomenal rise.

They started in Division 2 of the Middlesex County Football League in 2016/7 and gained back-to-back promotions straight to the Premier Division.

They came agonisingly close to gaining a triple promotion, but ended up second in the Premier just behind St Panteleimon.

After struggling in the two seasons shortened by Covid, they unfortunately dropped down to MCFL Division One South & West.

However, they bounced back at the first attempt last season, gaining promotion after finishing third behind Shepherd’s Bush.

Match information

PFC Victoria vs Clapton CFC takes place on Saturday March 4 2023 at 3pm at the Spelthorne Sports Ground, Ashford Common, TW15 1RY.

Admission is by donation – donate what you want. The game is due to be played on the main stadium pitch and Spelthorne’s bar will be open for drinks and snacks.

Travel

If you are travelling by car from the M3 Junction 1, follow the signs to Staines. The ground is 1 mile along Staines Road West, on the left hand side.

The nearest rail stations are Upper Halliford, a 16 minute walk, and Sunbury-upon-Thames, 17 minutes. Note these are outside the London Travelcard zones so you may need to buy a ticket rather than swipe in.