The Clapton CFC men’s first team’s pre-season schedule begins on Saturday with a second meeting in two seasons with Essex Senior League side Woodford Town.

The Woods will be among the favourites for the title this season after finishing third last season, just behind Enfield FC and Redbridge FC who were both promoted.

Clapton CFC have narrowed the gap in levels between us to one after our promotion by winning the Middlesex County Football League title.

The two teams met in a friendly on a very hot, yellowing pitch last summer. The game finished a creditable 1-1, with our goal scored by Fred Taylor.

This season the Old Spotted Dog Ground pitch is unrecognisably good thanks to further hard work from our grounds staff.

Player-manager Geoff Ocran‘s team started pre-season training a few weeks ago but friendlies can only begin in July so this is the first game.

Come along for an afternoon in the sun and a first glimpse of a handful of trialists who hopefully will impress.

Match information

Clapton CFC vs Woodford Town is on Saturday, July 1 2023 at 2.30pm at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, 212 Upton Lane, Forest Gate, E7 9NP

Spectator entry will be via the Disraeli Road turnstile and gates from 1.30pm.

Tickets

It’s donate what you want entry, no advanced tickets needed. For friendlies we suggest £2 for waged adults. You can donate on the gate (cash is quicker, card also accepted) or you can donate online here.

The bar will be open for soft drinks, alcohol and bar snacks from 1.30pm and close at 6pm but will likely be closed during the game itself. It’s going to be card only.

It’s forecast to be another hot day but there is plenty of shade from the sun in the bar and the Scaffold.

Merch

We have a limited number of shirts plus scarves and stickers available.

There’s no match programme being issued for this game.

Accessibility

There is an accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities next to the Clubhouse. The Clubhouse entrance is also step-free.

Dogs welcome

Spectators are welcome, in fact encouraged, to bring dogs to the OSD, but please keep on leads.

Bikes welcome

There’s space to leave your bikes inside the Old Spotted Dog Ground, near to the outdoor toilets.

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.

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

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

Map of the Old Spotted Dog Ground