Clapton Community FC vs Soul Tower Hamlets takes place on Tuesday, August 27 2024 with a 7.45pm kick off at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.

The next home game is a midweek night under the lights for the Clapton CFC Men’s First Team against Soul Tower Hamlets.

It’s a derby between the only two East London teams in the Southern Counties East Football League after we were both shunted sideways in an FA restructure.

In last season’s meetings, it was two draws, and our visitors have changed their name and strengthened their squad too.

Opposition

Soul Tower Hamlets were known just as Tower Hamlets until this summer, when they merged with Soul FC from the Essex Alliance League. The club formed as Bethnal Green United FC in 2000 in the Middlesex County Football League and were promoted into the Essex Senior League in 2008. They’ve won the Gordon Brasted and ESL Cup trophies and reached the last 16 of the FA Vase. Meanwhile Soul – which stands for Soul Organisation For Unity and Leisure – is a community organisation formed in 2003.

Form guide

STH are unbeaten so far, starting the season with two straight away wins at Welling Town and Meridian VP then a draw at home to Canterbury City.

Previous meetings

The teams met twice last season in the Eastern Counties League, with an entertaining 2-2 draw at Mile End Stadium followed by a 1-1 draw at the Old Spotted Dog Ground. 

Players to watch

Former Chelmsford City and Wingate & Finchley striker Tim Monsheju has scored three in two appearances. Ex-Exeter City defender Kamarl Duncan and former Leyton Orient defender Romauld Boco have long careers much higher in the pyramid. Step 4 side Walthamstow’s captain Ade Cole is also dual signed with STH.

Admission

No tickets are needed, just turn up and pay. Spectator entry is via the Disraeli Road turnstile from 6.45pm.

Standard admission is now £5 (we are not allowed to charge less), 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 be open from 6.45pm until 10pm. 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.

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 please put some change in the donation box if you can.

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.

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 shirt, beanie, scarf, badge, tea towel and a few more items. 

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 around the ground after 6.30pm on week nights.

Map of the Old Spotted Dog Ground