St Margaretsbury FC vs Clapton Community FC takes place on Saturday, January 13 2024 with a 3pm kick off at The Recreation Ground (Off Station Road), Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire SG12 8EH
There’s now just 13 games left for the Clapton CFC men’s first team this season, starting with a short trip up to Hertfordshire for a first ever visit to St Margaretsbury.
It’s going to be an intriguing battle of the team with the fewest draws in the division (one) hosting the team with the most (eleven).
CCFC have been hit by a wave of injuries and suspensions over the festive period but began 2024 with a good win against Barkingside and will hope to see key players continue to return.
That win took the team five points clear at the top, although some of the chasing pack have as many as seven games in hand. In the points per game table, we lie in third, which would be enough for a play-off spot.
The opposition
The club was founded in 1894 as Stanstead Abbotts FC, before renaming as St. Margaretsbury in 1962. Since they have played variously across leagues in the Hertfordshire, South Midlands and Essex regions. They dropped down to the Eastern Counties League Division One South last season, when they finished tenth. They also have an academy, many youth teams and a women’s team.
Previous meetings
Our first and only meeting so far was in August and was the CCFC men’s first team’s first home league game after promotion to Step 6. An exciting game ended up as a 4-2 win thanks to goals from Arthur Wright x 2, Julian Austin and Lewis Owiredu.
Form guide
The Bury are towards the bottom of the table but have enjoyed some big wins – 8-3 vs Basildon Town and 4-0 vs Enfield Borough.
Players to watch
Connor Bancans, Lanre Balogun and Billy Skinner are fighting it out for top scorer with 8, 8 and 7 goals respectively. Skinner scored twice in our clash at the OSD earlier this season.
Admission
£7, £5 concessions, free for U14s.
Directions
This one is super easy on public transport. The ground is an eight-minute walk from St Margarets station, which is on a direct line from Liverpool Street, Hackney Downs, Tottenham Hale etc. You can use your Oystercard / contactless as well.
There’s parking available at the ground.