Basildon Town vs Clapton Community FC takes place on Saturday, September 16 2023 with a 3pm kick off at Rookery Hill, Corringham, Essex SS17 9LB

After three home games in a row which only yielded one point, it’s back on the road for Clapton CFC men’s first team with the hope that our luck changes.

It will be a tough task against last season’s runners-up Basildon Town, who will be among this season’s promotion favourites too.

The opposition

Basildon Town – not to be confused with Isthmian League side Basildon United – were a major force in the Essex Olympian League for many years, but were unable to be promoted due to the ground grading.

So in 2021/22 they moved to groundshare with United and promotion came at the first attempt as runners-up. In their first campaign at Step 6 last season, they finished second again, an agonising point behind champions Frenford, and then lost in the play-offs to Stanway Pegasus.

This season Bas have moved to Rookery Hill, the home of East Thurrock United, who have recently folded their men’s first team.

Previous meetings

This is our first return match of the season. The two teams drew 2-2 at the Old Spotted Dog Ground in August, with Noah Adejokun and Jeff Twumasi grabbing our goals.

Form guide

After a storming start to the season, CCFC are without a win in three games, with a 0-0 draw against Hoddesdon Town last time out.

Basildon Town meanwhile are just outside the play-off places, having notched an impressive 3-1 away win at Southend Manor on Tuesday.

Players to watch

Graham Harrison has 3 goals in 4 games, including one against us. Connor Barnby, who was with Brightlingsea Regent in the Isthmian League last season, has gone one better with 4 goals so far.

Admission

£5 for adults, £3 for concessions and free for under 16s if accompanied by an adult. Cash or credit card accepted. Turnstile will open around 2ish.

Food and drink

Within the ground there is a burger bar which serves drinks and hot food and cans of beer. We don’t think the clubhouse bar will open.

Merch

Programmes available priced at £1. Club pin badges priced £5 on turnstile.

Directions

Nearest stations are Stanford-le-Hope, which is a 40 minute walk, or Basildon, which is four miles away but is a 25 minute bus journey or a cab fare away. Both are on the Fenchurch Street to Southend line.

There is limited car parking within car park, however outside the main entrance to ground there is sufficient street parking on either side on road, only a very short distance away.