Clapton Community FC vs Leyton Orient takes place on Sunday, August 4 2024 with a 2pm kick off at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.

As friendlies go, this is a tasty one, an East London derby at our Old Spotted Dog Ground with Leyton Orient.

It’s a tough challenge against a fast-rising team who have started pre-season in fine form. However, Clapton CFC Women’s First Team upset the odds with a win at Enfield Town last weekend to lift the FSA Women’s Trophy. So confidence should be high in both dressing rooms.

Opposition

Leyton Orient as a club obviously needs no introduction, plus many Clapton CFC fans are also Os so there will be divided loyalties. The club took its women’s set-up in-house in 2021, leaving its previous team to go independent as London Seaward who are still going great guns in tier 4. The new Orient started again at the bottom of the pyramid but after a couple of quick promotions they play one level below us in tier 7 but will no doubt continue to climb.

Form guide

Orient have played two friendlies so far and notched two wins against higher opposition, Stanway Pegasus and Dulwich Hamlet Reserves. They missed out on promotion last season by an agonising couple of points.

Previous meetings

We’ve played the Orient reserves team before – losing twice in cups – although that club are now London Seaward. So this is the first meeting with the new Leyton Orient set-up.

Admission

Donate what you like for admission.

Food and drink

The Clubhouse bar will be open from 1pm until 6pm. We have a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on sale. We have two beers on tap from Pretty Decent Brewery, generally a lager and Old Scaffold Daze, our own IPA. We also have reusable cups now.

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 also have hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Bovril) and water and squash at the bar, please help yourself. There is no charge but feel free to put some change in the donation box.

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

Hygiene bank collection

The hygiene bank collection is back at all home games, with the collection box at the main entrance. Our charity partners Magpie Project support mums and young children in temporary accommodation. They need:

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

Merch

The merch stall just inside the ground is open before the game, at half-time, and after the game. You can buy a beanie, summer scarf, badge, tea towel and a few more items. We are very low on shirts at the moment, though, but more stock is due soon.

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

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 too please.

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