Welling Town vs Clapton Community FC takes place on Saturday, August 31 2024 with a 3pm kick off at Erith Sports Centre Community Stadium, Avenue Road, Erith, DA8 3AT

It’s deja vu for the Clapton CFC Men’s First Team who head to the Erith area for the third Saturday in a row – and we’re at the Erith Sports Centre Stadium for a second Saturday in a row.

Both trips to this area of South East London have resulted in a win so hopes will be high. Welling Town, who were in the division above last season after a whirlwind rise up the divisions, will be looking for a first victory of the season but their results have been improving week on week.

The opposition

Welling Town (not to be confused with Welling United) only formed in 2014 as a Sunday league team but have packed in a huge amount during that decade. After their switch to Saturday football, they won three cups and a couple of back to back promotions in county football, then were rewarded with a three division jump into the Southern Counties East Football League. They won the title and promotion in their first SCEFL season too, but that upward curve took a knock with relegation last season. They’ve also played at five different groundshares during that period.

Form guide

Welling Town lost to two of the early pace-setters in Faversham Strike Force and Soul Tower Hamlets so far, but last week kept their first clean sheet with a goalless draw with Sporting Club Thamesmead.

Clapton CFC meanwhile are up in third spot now, although having played a game more than many teams around us. That’s 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat (also against Faversham).

Previous meetings

None.

Player to watch

Prolific striker Ryan Golding has joined Welling from Halls Athletic where he was top scorer last season. He grabbed his first of the season away at Greenways last week.

Admission

£6 adults, £4 concessions, £1 kids, U5s free

Meanwhile last week there was a can bar, also selling soft drinks and snacks, so hopefully the same again.

Directions

Do not enter the ground via the leisure centre reception – there is a separate football ground entrance in the car park, with a supporters’ entrance sign next to the turnstile.

The nearest railway station is Erith, which is a 12-minute walk to the ground.

If you’re driving, from Erith Roundabout, take Victoria Road, continue to T-junction, turn left onto Avenue Road, and then first right into Leisure Centre.

The Blackwall Tunnel is NOT scheduled to be closed this weekend.