Clapton CFC men’s first team’s pre-season continues as we take on higher division opponents Takeley on Saturday in a ‘home’ game in Hackney.

The pitch at the Old Spotted Dog Ground is being managed carefully so this game will take place on 3G at Mabley Green instead.

This will be the second friendly for both teams: Takeley are debuting against Harlow Town on Tuesday night while CCFC began on Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Woodford Town.

With both Woodford and Takeley having finished in the top five in the Step 5 division Essex Senior League last season, one division above our new level, it will be another tough test for Geoff Ocran’s team.

On Saturday, Fred Taylor’s tidy finish in the second half cancelled out an early Woodford goal in a good game with plenty of impressive performances from our trialists and regulars alike.

Mabley Green is a familiar venue for CCFC as our 5s teams play in the Super5League there, while the men’s first team have played several games there too.

Match information

Clapton CFC vs Takeley is on Saturday, July 8 2023 at 3pm at Mabley Green, Lee Conservancy Rd, Hackney E9 5HW.

Kick off is 3pm. It’s going to be a low-key one but spectators very welcome. Admission is free with donations welcome, suggested £2 for waged adults for friendlies.

Directions

Mabley Green is less than 15 minutes’ walk from Homerton Station, and less than 30 minutes’ walk from Stratford Station, Stratford International, Hackney Central Station and Leyton Underground.

Several bus routes stop right outside and there are 50 car park spaces too.