Clapton Community FC vs Wormley Rovers takes place on Saturday, November 4 2023 with a 3pm kick off at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.

It’s the clash of the two most in-form teams this Saturday as Clapton CFC men’s first team – eleven unbeaten and six wins in a row – host Wormley Rovers, who have seven wins and a draw out of eight.

Both sides have risen into the play-off mix, with CCFC in twice and Wormley in seventh but with four games in hand. Something’s going to have to give!

The opposition

Wormley Football Club was formed in 1921 and moved to its present ground in 1954. Former England and Arsenal winger David Bentley and TV presenter Bradley Walsh are among the products of their youth set-up, which nowadays has 300 boys and girls playing. Wormley Rovers side finished third last season, losing to promoted Sporting Bengal United in the play-offs.

Previous meetings

The two teams met for the first time on a sunny opening day of this season, which finished 0-0. However, due to a change in management and in personnel, only 4 of the Wormley team that day played in their last game too.

Players to watch

Last season’s manager Ryan Wade has returned and he has brought back with him former players Charncey Dash, George Beattie and Cabhan Clarke from Step 3 Potters Bar Town, Step 4 Ware and Step 5 Stansted respectively. Beattie has 7 goals in 7 games while former West Essex and Grays Athletic striker Michael Mignot has also joined and hit 5 in 5. 

Form guide

Wormley have moved from 17th to 7th in the table under their new management while also being top of the form table. Clapton CFC are the second best form side so it should be a thrilling clash.

Admission

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

Spectator entry will be via the Disraeli Road turnstile from 2pm.

Standard admission is now £4 (the minimum we are allowed to charge by the FA at this level), concessions can pay what they want, and under 13s are free. A full list of concessions is available here

Cash and cards are accepted everywhere in the ground – cash is quicker at the turnstile to help prevent queues but card quicker elsewhere.

Food and drink

The Clubhouse bar will open at 2pm and close at 7pm.

Please help the club by purchasing drinks from the bar. The premises are licensed so we ask you not to bring your own alcohol into the OSD. The profits from the bar are invested in maintaining the grounds.

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.

Wrap Up London coat collection

Hygiene bank collection

The hygiene bank collection is back at all 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 be at the main entrance.

Merch

We will have an 8-page matchday programme available, pick one up for free, donations welcome to cover the printing costs.

There are limited numbers of shirts, scarves, pin badges and keyrings on the merch stall. The stall is open before the game, at half-time, and afterwards, 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.

If/when Clapton CFC wins a game, children are invited to join the players in their post-match celebration on the pitch.

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, next to the main stand. You can lock them to the fencing. 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