Forest Hill Park vs Clapton Community FC takes place at 3pm on Saturday, September 14 2024 at the Ladywell Arena, Silvermere Road, Catford, London, SE6 4QX

Clapton CFC Men’s First Team have an away game in South London for the fifth Saturday in a row as we take on one of the title favourites in Forest Hill Park.

It’s been a whirlwind start to life in the SCEFL as this is already the ninth game of our 34 game season which means we’re past the quarter mark already. After a 3-3 draw at Welling Town and 4-3 defeat at Croydon FC, everyone at CCFC will be relieved with the 2-1 comeback win over Lewisham Borough at home in midweek. That keeps the team in and around the play-offs at this early stage of the season, although we have played more than most others.

The opposition 

Forest Hill Park FC formed in 1992 with a name derived from the Forest Hill and Honor Oak Park areas of Lewisham. After two league title wins and a cup triumph in the South London Alliance and Kent County leagues, they were successful, at the second attempt, in applying for promotion to Step 6 as part of a restructure in 2014. Their best finish since has been seventh, but things look on the up after a summer merger with Sunday league giants SE Dons. The plan is for the club to rename as SE Dons in time for 2025/26 but for now they are still FHP.

Previous meetings 

None.

Form guide

Forest Hill Park have started the season in fine form, with 11 points from 6 games leaving them just 3 points below us but with 2 games in hand. That is an even better haul when you consider they started the season with five away games in a row, due to the summer use of their ground by athletics. Defence has been particularly impressive with two clean sheets and just five goals conceded.

Players to watch

Long-standing SE Dons player Nathan Palmer is their record goalscorer in Sunday league football and has 3 goals already this season since joining them on their journey in Saturday football. He has pedigree at higher levels, including 20 goals for Erith & Belvedere when winning the SCEFL Premier title two seasons ago.

Admission

It’s £6 entry, £3 concessions and £1 for Under 16s. You can buy a ticket online here but you can pay on the day too.

A matchday programme is available for £2 and there’s alcohol, soft drinks, hot drinks and hot food available to buy.

Travel and Directions

The Ladywell Arena is a 11-minute walk from both Catford Bridge and Ladywell stations. However, there are many other stations within 30 minutes’ walking distance, including Lewisham DLR, Crofton Park and Honor Oak Park.