Clapton Community FC vs AFC Whyteleafe takes place on Sunday, September 3 2023 with a 2pm kick off at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.

Welcome back to The Old Spotted Dog for the first home game for our women’s first team, who will be looking for a first win of the season after losing the opening game away at Sport London e Benfica.

It was a hugely encouraging first season in the sixth tier with a fourth placed finish but now we’ll be looking to build on that despite last week’s setback.

We’ve said goodbye to fan favourites such as coach Claudio Gomes and keepers Polly Adams and Sophia Axelsson, but most of last season’s squad returns, and we also welcome some new faces into the fold. We’ll introduce those in due course!

Previous meetings

Last season we did the double over the Leafe women’s team, starting with a 3-1 away win in September. That was followed up with a superb performance in a 3-0 home win at the Old Spotted Dog Ground in March. Midfielder Ciara Monahan scored in both those games. 

The opposition

AFC Whyteleafe was formed in 2021, to fill the void left by the loss of Whyteleafe FC which folded as a result of an Ian Rush-related property scheme.

Whyteeafe finished seventh last season, but just four points behind us in fourth. Their defeat at the OSD was their only loss in a 14-run spell. They were undefeated against eventual champions Dorking Wanderers twice – winning away, drawing at home.

Ahead of this season’s start, they’ve appointed Dulwich Hamlet Reserves manager Jack Badu to the top job.

Players to watch

Striker Abigail Woollvin was among the top scorers in the division last season with 18 goals and is back this season.

Admission

No advanced tickets are needed, just turn up and pay at the turnstile.

Admission is pay what you want, with a suggested £4 for waged adults to match the charge for the men’s first team, but any amount or none at all is fine.

Spectator entry will be via the Disraeli Road turnstile and gates from 1pm. Cash and cards are accepted everywhere.

If you have any further questions on the day, look for anyone wearing a pink hi-viz vest or the bar staff who will be happy to answer.

Food and drink

The Clubhouse bar will open at 1pm and close at 6pm. As well as a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on sale, we also have hot drinks and water at the bar which are free.

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

Volunteer stall

If you’re interested in volunteering, pop along to a game and speak to a member. Look for the table by the merch stand. There’s loads of volunteering opportunities and we’d love for more people to get involved.

Merch

We will have a four-page matchday programme available, pick one up for free, donations welcome to cover the printing costs.

There are limited numbers of both home and away shirts plus scarves, a few bucket hats, pin badges and keyrings on the merch stall at home games.

The stall is open before games, at half-time and a bit after the game but not during the match itself.

Accessibility

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

Pitch access

The Grounds committee need to request all spectators keep off the pitch before games and at half-time. They need to carry out safety pitch inspections before play begins, which are voided if people have gone on the pitch.

Children welcome

Prams and pushchairs are always very welcome in the OSD, but please avoid blocking walkways. Make sure all children are behind the perimeter fencing during games please.

Kids can play on the pitch (weather permitting) after the game but not before or at half-time

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, to the right of the outdoor toilets. You can lock them to the fencing. It’s best to arrive early so you don’t have to push your bike through crowds. Please don’t leave them locked to the pitch perimeter as it blocks the walkway.

We are currently working on plans for a better bike parking and locking system – watch this space.

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