Clapton Community FC vs Bridon Ropes takes place on Tuesday, September 24 2024 with a 7.45pm kick off at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.

The Clapton CFC Men’s First Team have finished all their midweek home league games, but there will be some cup games under the lights for those who like a Tuesday night match.

First up is the first round of the 2024/25 Southern Counties East Football League Challenge Cup against Bridon Ropes. The winners play Croydon at home in the second round. Both those teams are in the same division as us, but the competition also includes teams one level up in the SCEFL Premier Division.

The opposition

Bridon Ropes FC was formed as a factory team in 1935 by workers at the British Ropes Works in Charlton. It was originally called British Ropes FC, before becoming Bridon Sports in 1990 and Bridon Ropes in 1992. The name Bridon originates from ‘British’ and ‘Doncaster’, where the company is headquartered. After spells in the London Spartan, Spartan South Midlands, London Intermediate and Kent County leagues, they’ve been in this division for over a decade. There’s been some near misses from promotion since (including 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th places) while last season new manager Lee Roots led them to 10th place safety.

Previous meetings

None.

Form guide

It’s been a defensive masterclass so far, conceding just six goals in the first seven games. They have beaten SC Thamesmead and Welling Town (who we drew with), and drew with Tooting Bec and Faversham Strike Force (who beat us).

Players to watch

Last season’s top scorer Lester Lawrence (10 in 16 games) has dropped down to play for Bexley at Step 7, opening up a spot for teenager David Makisi who was top scorer for Greenwich All Stars with 14 goals in 24 games in his first season in men’s football.

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 a 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