AFC Whyteleafe Women vs Clapton Community FC kicks off at 3:30pm on Sunday 28th January 2024. The game will take place at Church Road, Whyteleafe CR3 0AR.
It’s back to league action for the Clapton CFC women’s first team following last Sunday’s 1-0 cup win away at Hackney WFC in the middle of a storm.
We’re on the road once more, with a long trip to face AFC Whyteleafe down in Surrey. We’re actually not due back at the Old Spotted Dog Ground for another two months as it stands.
Note the kick off is now 3.30pm, not the 2pm originally listed, while Whyteleafe have a 3G pitch.
The opposition
AFC Whyteleafe was formed in 2021, to fill the void left by the loss of Whyteleafe FC which folded as a result of an Ian Rush-related property scheme.
Whyteleafe finished seventh last season but enjoyed good form in the second half of the season and were undefeated against eventual champions Dorking Wanderers twice – winning away, drawing at home.
Ahead of this season’s start, they appointed former Dulwich Hamlet Reserves manager Jack Badu to the top job.
Form guide
AFC Whyteleafe sit sixth in the table, 2 places and just 2 points below CCFC. They have won 5, drawn 2 and lost 4 of their fixtures to date.
Last weekend they edged out Sport London E Benfica – currently second place in our division – in the Capital Cup, taking the tie 6-5 on penalties. They also have gained a draw against them in the league and an impressive 4-2 victory over table-topping Dulwich Hamlet Reserves.
Recent results for Clapton CFC have been hugely encouraging. 4 consecutive victories following the narrow League Trophy defeat against Denham at the beginning of December. 16 goals have been scored in that time with just 2 conceded.
Previous meetings
Last season’s fixtures between the two teams ended with wins for Clapton CFC – 3-1 away, and 3-0 in the return game at the Old Spotted Dog. Their defeat at the OSD was their only loss in a 14-game spell.
Our home fixture back in early September of this season ended in a 2-0 win, with goals from Marta Boiro and Teju Callisto, and a standout performance in defence by Lesley McGowan. That’s her only appearance for us so far due to injuries.
Players to watch
AFC Whyteleafe have 2 players on 8 goals in all competitions – Isata Kamara reaching the total in 9 starts and 2 sub appearances, and Abigail Igbavboa has started 12 while appearing twice from the bench.
Meanwhile for Clapton CFC, Teju Callisto has netted 22 goals from 16 appearances. Emily Link’s winner at Hackney saw her draw level with Maria Mendonca with 10 goals.
Admission
Free entry. Alcohol is only permitted in the ground if purchased from the bar.
Directions
AFC Whyteleafe’s Church Road ground lies alongside the A22 between Purley and Junction 6 of the M25.
Parking is to the right once you turn into the ground. Please do not park in the area near the clubhouse as there is limited spaces for the home team only. Alternatively there is parking on the road but please be respectful of the neighbours.
By rail, the ground is within a 9 and 12 minute walk of Whyteleafe, Whyteleafe South and Upper Warlingham stations, respectively, and is in TfL Oyster card zone 6.