Richmond Park vs Clapton CFC preview: Women’s First Team on the road again

Richmond Park vs Clapton Community FC takes place on Sunday, October 5 2024 with a 2pm kick off at Tolworth Court Sports Ground, Old Kingston Road, Tolworth, KT4 7QH

It’s the second of three away games on the bounce for the Clapton CFC Women’s First Team as we visit Richmond Park.

Surroundings at the Tolworth Sports Ground are a bit different to last weekend’s visit to Brentford’s Gtech Stadium, but the same number of points are up for grabs. Hopefully we can get another win to move up the table.

The opposition 

Richmond Park FC is a community football club for Kingston, Ham and Richmond. The women’s first team formed for the 21/22 season and won the new Surrey FA Women’s League with a 100% record. In their two seasons at our level they’ve finished in tenth place twice. This season they were due to merge with men’s club Hampton & Richmond Borough, but they pulled due to an unexpected water bill. So Richmond Park are crowdfunding to keep going – any spare money would no doubt be very gratefully received.

Previous meetings

We’ve had the upper hand so far. Last season we beat Richmond Park 7-1 both home and away. The previous season’s games were played on the same day, back to back, at Richmond Park’s then home at Hampton & Richmond Borough. The first of the games – shortened to 60 minutes – ended 0-0 then we won the second 2-1.

Form guide

Richmond Park are yet to win this season, though recent results have improved. They grabbed a draw against Ashmount Leigh and were leading against Denham United last week before a comeback.

Players to watch

Last season’s top scorer Alina Kerl appears to have moved on, so too defender Carolin Engelhard who signed for Brentford and played against us last Sunday. But second top scorer Jesina Bansoodeb plus Evie Blackledge who scored a wonder goal against last season are still with the club.

Admission

Free entry. The game will be on one of the many pitches at Tolworth Sports Ground. There’s toilets but no cafe/bar so bring your own refreshments.

Directions

The venue has its own car park which is free.

It’s seven minutes’ walk from Tolworth station, which is about 30 minutes from Waterloo, so it’s easier to reach than it might appear.