Clapton Community FC vs Thetford Town takes place on Saturday, November 9 2024 with a 3pm kick off at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.
The Clapton CFC Men’s First Team face Thetford Town at home in our first ever appearance in the second round of the FA Vase.
In only our second FA Vase campaign we have beaten two former winners, Hoddesdon Town on penalties and then higher level Stansted. But this is a significant jump in quality, against a side riding high in the Eastern Counties League Premier Division – one level above Clapton – having lost out on promotion in the play-offs last season.
We’re still six rounds from Wembley and it’s about as tough a draw as you could get but the dream is still alive…
Due to the building works currently taking place at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, some of the match details will be different. So please do read on…
Opponents
Thetford Town FC was founded in 1883 and has been based at its current Mundford Road ground since 1905. They were founder members of the Eastern Counties League in 1935. They’re now in the Premier Division – which is one level above us – and have finished runners-up in 1990 and again in 2023. For the last two seasons The Brecklanders have lost in the end-of-season play-offs. Player-manager Matt Morton, who has been in charge since 2019, appeared in the TNT Sports documentary Rylan: Homophobia, Football and Me earlier this year.
Previous meetings
None.
Form guide
Thetford are nestled in the play-off places once again this season, with games in hand too and are the top scorers in the division by some margin. In the FA Vase, they’ve beaten Swaffham Town and Conard United so far.
Players to watch
Former Scotland U21 international Cameron King has enjoyed an impressive career at Norwich City, Kings Lynn Town, FC Halifax Town and Shamrock Rovers. Daniel Gilchrist and George Diggens are both in double figures and among the top 5 scorers in the division. Former Sheringham FC player Diggens bagged a hat-trick in the last round of the Vase.
Admission
No tickets are needed, just turn up and pay. Spectator entry is via the Upton Lane turnstiles from 2pm. (Not the usual Disraeli Road entrance).
Standard admission is now £5, concessions can pay what they want, and under 13s are free. A full list of concessions is available here. Thank you to Thetford Town for agreeing these prices – FA Vase admission receipts are split between the two clubs.
Cash and cards are accepted everywhere in the ground but paying cash at the entrance will be speedier for all, so if you can bring the right money in hard currency, we would appreciate it.
Minute’s applause
There will be a minute’s applause and banner display from our youth players before the game for our much missed coach Stephen Jenkins, as it’s the first Men’s First Team game since his tragic death. As it’s also Remembrance Weekend, you may also wish to remember the dead in wars and conflicts during this minute as well.
Food and drink
The Clubhouse bar will be open from 2pm.
The rules for FA Vase games are slightly different because no cans, as well as glass, can be taken outside of the Clubhouse. So we will need to pour your alcoholic drinks into plastic cups, whether you order a can, a bottle or a pint.
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 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 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 an 8-page 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 may be less space to leave your bikes inside the Old Spotted Dog Ground than usual due to building works. You can park your bike near to the main stand. 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
FA Vase round dates
- First Round Qualifying – Saturday 24 August 2024
- Second Round Qualifying – Saturday 21 September 2024
- First Round Proper – Saturday 19 October 2024
- Second Round Proper – Saturday 9 November 2024
- Third Round Proper – Saturday 7 December 2024
- Fourth Round Proper – Saturday 11 January 2025
- Fifth Round Proper – Saturday 1 February 2025
- Sixth Round Proper – Saturday 1 March 2025
- Semi Final 1st Leg – Saturday 29 March 2025 / 2nd Leg – Saturday 5 April 2025
- Final – Saturday 10 or Sunday 11 May 2025
FA Vase prize funds
- First Round Qualifying £550 winners £160 losers
- Second Round Qualifying £725 and £225
- First Round Proper £825 and £250
- Second Round Proper £900 and £275
- Third Round Proper £1125 and £350
- Fourth Round Proper £1875 and £600
- Fifth Round Proper £2250 and £725
- Quarter Final £4125 and £1350
- Semi Final £5500 and £1725
- Final £30000 and £15000