Clapton Community FC vs AFC Whyteleafe vs kicks off at 2pm on Sunday, October 20 2024 at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.

Just seven days after the away trip to AFC Whyteleafe, we face them again in the home game at the Old Spotted Dog Ground on Sunday. It’s an even quicker turnaround from Thursday’s home game against Hackney as well. Hopefully the squad won’t be too exhausted.

This is the only game at the OSD for three weeks for either of our sides so don’t miss out.

The opposition

AFC Whyteleafe was formed in 2021, to fill the void left by the loss of Whyteleafe FC which folded as a result of an Ian Rush-related property scheme. Whyteleafe finished fifth last season, one place below us, and seventh the season before. They are managed by Jack Badu, formerly of Dulwich Hamlet Reserves. Their men’s team won the Southern Counties East Football League Division One last season – the same division that our own Men’s First Team were moved into this season.

Form guide

It’s been a slow start to the season for Whyteleafe as they await their first win. However, it’s full marks for entertainment – the match against Denham United finished an astonishing 9-6 and overall their games are averaging over 7 goals.

Previous meetings

We won our first three games against Whyteleafe – 3-1, 3-0 and 2-0 – but then lost the next one away 1-0. However, last weekend it was back to winning ways with a 4-0 win at Whyteleafe’s Church Road home.

Players to watch

Leen Winner Ekwo has scored in all 4 of her appearances this season – 9 in total, including all 6 in that mad game against Denham. It puts the former Schalke 04 and Dulwich Hamlet striker third in the division’s top goalscorer charts. 

Admission

No tickets are needed, just turn up and pay. Spectator entry is via the Disraeli Road turnstile from 1pm.

Admission for Women’s First Team games is by donation, with a suggested £5 for waged adults, but any amount or none at all is fine. Cash and cards are accepted everywhere in the ground.

Food and drink

The Clubhouse bar will be open from 1pm until 7pm. 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, Ovaltine and Bovril) and water and squash to the side of 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 we have Simply Moreish Flavours, providing hot meat, vegetarian, and vegan Caribbean food. Simply Moreish Flavours are a family-run business based in Forest Gate. They will be selling a selection of Caribbean food from curry mutton, jerk chicken, vegan curry, patties and burgers and fries.

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 to the north and west of the ground (e.g. Disraeli Rd) on Saturdays and Sundays. On Saturdays, parking is restricted on streets to the east and south of the ground (e.g. St George’s Rd and Upton Lane), but there are no restrictions on Sundays. Always check local signage for any changes. And if possible come by public transport, bike or walk

Map of the Old Spotted Dog Ground