Clapton Community FC vs St Margaretsbury takes place on Sunday, September 10 2023 with a 2pm kick off at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.

The Clapton CFC women’s first team are in Women’s FA Cup action this weekend having memorably made history in the competition two seasons ago.

The team became the first Step 7 team to ever reach the third round when the big teams join in and the first to beat a team four tiers higher.

Last season we received a bye through the first few rounds as a reward for the run the year before but this time around we begin at the first stage.

The winners will receive £1,800 in prize money and go on to play Wodson Park away (in Ware, Hertfordshire) in the second qualifying round on Sunday, October 1.

CCFC notched up a first win of the league season on Sunday in a 2-0 win against AFC Whyteleafe with goals from Teju Callisto and Marta Boiro.

Previous meetings

This will be the first meeting between our women’s first teams, however our men’s first teams met earlier this season.

The opposition

St Margaretsbury Ladies were formed in 2021 and have enjoyed a meteoric rise of three divisions in two seasons since. In their first season came a rare double promotion with an amazing 100% record then achieved another promotion last season. So they now play in the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Women’s Football League Premier Division, one level in the pyramid below us. 

Today will be their first game in the Women’s FA Cup and their first game of the 2023/24 -season.

Players to watch

PKelly-Ann Westgarth scored 14 last season and 20 the season before. Summer recruit Paige Pryor joins from Colney Heath having previously played for Spurs and Stevenage.

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