Clapton Community FC vs Clapton FC takes place on Tuesday, October 17 2023 with a 7.45pm kick off at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.

The Clapton CFC men’s first team are at home for the fifth time in three weeks with a Tuesday night game.

The team got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win over May & Baker on Tuesday night and followed that up with a 3-0 win at Hackney Wick on Saturday after five draws in a row in the league.

It’s scheduled to be our last midweek home game of the season (subject to rearranged games / postponements).

Here’s what you need to know about the game…

Admission

Tickets have now sold out and the only tickets available will be returns.

We’ve hit the limit that we are comfortable with accommodating for our first big competitive match on a Tuesday night since we bought the Old Spotted Dog Ground.

Spectator entry will be via the Disraeli Road turnstile from 6.45pm. We’re expecting a big crowd so please do arrive early.

Please have your ticket (which is the booking confirmation email) printed or ready to show or on your phone.

Cash and cards are accepted everywhere in the ground.

Food and drink

The Clubhouse bar will open at 6.45pm and close at 10.15pm.

We have a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on sale. Two beers are on tap – Pretty Decent Lager and Old Scaffold Daze, our own IPA.

We also have hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Bovril) and water at the bar which are free, please help yourself.

We have crisps, nuts, and Hackney Gelato on sale in the clubhouse.

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

Hygiene bank collection

We’re now in a position to bring back the hygiene bank collection at home games.

Our charity partners Magpie Project support mums and young children in temporary accommodation. They need:

● Toothpaste ● Toothbrush ● Shower gel ● Shampoo ● Deodorant ● Sanitary towel

At the moment they’re also appealing for canvas/tote bags so please do donate if you have spares.

The collection box will either be at the main entrance or the OSD clubhouse area.

Merch

We will have a 16-page matchday programme available, pick one up for free, donations welcome to cover the printing costs, suggested £1. One per spectator please.

There are limited numbers of shirts, scarves, pin badges and keyrings on the merch stall. The stall is open before the game only.

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 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 at 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 games 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.

Any questions?

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

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