Clapton CFC Men’s First Team are playing in three cup competitions this season.

With just 34 league games this season compared to 42 last season, everyone will be hoping for a run in one or more cup, otherwise we will have a lot of blank weekends.

We are making only our second foray into the FA Vase and will host former winners Hoddesdon Town on Saturday, September 21 in the second qualifying round. They of course are in the Eastern Counties League Division One South, where we played last season.

In the Essex Senior Cup, we host Harwich & Parkeston of the Eastern Counties League Division One North, so they are also the same level as us. The date is TBC. The winners of that tie will play at home to Benfleet or FC Clacton, both one division above.

On Tuesday, October 1 we’ll host Bridon Ropes in the SCEFL League Challenge Cup first round, with the winners playing Croydon at home in the second round.

Alas there will be no appearance in the Men’s FA Cup. For the last few years only teams in Step 5 or above qualify, so we are a promotion away from making our debut in that.

We also entered the London Senior Trophy this season. However, a London FA admin error meant we were not included in the draw.