FC Elmstead vs Clapton Community FC takes place on Saturday, October 26 2024 with a 3pm kick off at Lower Road Ground, Lower Road, Hextable, Kent, BR8 7RZ

It’s the fourth of five consecutive away games for the Clapton CFC Men’s First Team as we visit play-off contenders FC Elmstead. After a dip in form, CCFC have notched up two wins on the bounce, one in the FA Vase and the other in the league, and will hope to continue that upturn on their visit to Sutton Athletic’s ground.

The opposition

The club formed in 1958 as Elmstead Rovers and changed its name to FC Elmstead in 1964. Their distinctive scarlet and sky blue colours evolved when their original kit faded in the wash. The club badge is a Minorca cockerel. Former Elmstead players who have progressed into pro football include Colin Foster, Lee Martin and Grant Basey. They were promoted to this level in 2015, won London Senior Trophy in 2021 and finished sixth last season, just outside the play-offs.

Form guide

Elmstead are just a place and a point behind us with a game in hand. The stand-out result so far has been a 2-1 win away at Croydon, their only defeat of the season.

Players to watch

Former Lydd Town and Ashford striker Kieran Shrimpton has three goals so far this season – so too has Phil Headley, who joined from higher division Bearsted.

Admission

It’s £7 admission, £4 for concessions, and free for U16s. Printed programmes are available.

Directions

The nearest station is Swanley, which is a 39 minute walk away. Swanley is in TFL zone 8 with direct trains from lots of London stations including Charing Cross (30 minute journey), Waterloo East (27 mins) and London Bridge (21 mins) and Victoria 33 mins).

If driving, from junction 3 on M25 follow signs to Swanley, then Hextable, turn into Home Hill, then Lower Road. Ground half a mile away on the left.