Hutton FC vs Clapton Community FC takes place on Saturday, March 9, kick off 3pm, at New Lodge, Blunts Wall Road, Havering’s Grove, Billericay, Essex CM12 9SA

As we enter March, we all look forward to the clocks springing forward and the days getting longer and brighter. But there’s also the realisation that there are 7 games left of the 2023/24 Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League Division One South for the mens first team. Yep 7 games.

As most of the teams around us play two games a week to catch up, Clapton CFC have had several blank weekends and had to arrange a couple of friendlies to keep the team competitive. It’s been a bit stop start and then they throw this massive fixture in the mix. Second placed Hutton away.

The opposition

The Tons, as they are nicknamed, were formed in 1928 and groundshare at Billericay Town. They are one of the largest clubs in Essex with a massive 70 teams and are building a new ground at Wynbarns Farm in Shenfield for all its youth teams, which is due to open next season.

Like Clapton CFC, Hutton came up from step 7 (the Essex Olympian in their case) this season and have been in and around the top of the league from the start. Manager Matt Singh has been in charge since 2020.

Form guide

Hutton sit second in the table having beaten Cannons Wood 1-0 last week and will looking to cement their place in the play-off position and perhaps aim for the one automatic promotion spot. Clapton CFC, who are in fifth, will be looking to get back to winning ways and stay in contention themselves.

Previous meetings

Earlier in the season we lost 2-1 away in the league cup, despite taking the lead through Julian Austin. Then in the league the teams saw out an entertaining 1-1 draw back in early February with a penalty from James Briggs. Prior to that, CCFC actually had its first competitive home fixture against Hutton in September 2018 in the BBC Essex Senior Cup, losing a 5-4 thriller in front of a crowd of over 400.

Players to watch

Andrew Webster is their top scorer, having excelled in the EOFL for Leigh Ramblers last season. Stephen Judge is also in the top 20 scorers in the division despite a long-term injury. 

Admission

Adults: £5. Concessions: (16-18, over 65) £3. Under 16: Free.

Hot food is available within the ground and there are two bars. They have a digital programme which is free – QR Code at the gate and around the ground.

Direction

By rail: Billericay station is located on the Liverpool Street – Southend Victoria line; trains run approximately every 20 minutes on most days. Billericay Town Football Club is approximately 25 minutes walk from the station. Mayflower Taxis are located just outside the station and will transport you to the ground for a modest fee.

By road: Leave the M25 at the junction with the A12 (J28) and take the A1023 through Brentwood. When you get to Shenfield take the A129 towards Billericay. Alternatively on leaving the M25 continue down the A12 towards Chelmsford until you reach the next exit (Mountnessing). At the roundabout take the first exit (turn left) then take the first right (just after the scrap yard). Continue along this route until you reach a mini-roundabout. Turn left, then you are on the road into Billericay. Note there is a height restriction of 13’3″ on this route. Both of these routes will bring you into Billericay on the same route. On entering Billericay turn right at the first set of traffic lights (near the Texaco Garage). Blunts Wall Lane is a little way along on the right. Car parking is available in the community astro car park or further down in the cricket club car park.