Clapton Community FC vs Sheppey Sports takes place on Saturday, November 23 2024 with a 3pm kick off at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.

It’s game #16 of 34 in the SCEFL season and the last of three Saturday home games on the bounce for the Clapton CFC Men’s First Team.

All three are some of our hardest opponents of the season – high-flying higher division Thetford Town, away specialists Staplehurst Monarchs, and up next the division’s in-form side, Sheppey Sports. So it’s another big test for Geoff Ocran’s team who are looking to get into the play-off places.

This is also a bit of a landmark – the team’s 150th league game across four divisions since we began this wild ride in 2018.

The building works are still ongoing at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, some of the match details may be different to usual, so please do read on…

The opposition

The club began life in 1919 as Aylesford Paper Mills and was nicknamed the Paperboys. Later they played under the names Reed International, APM Mears, APM, APM Contrast, then becoming K Sports in 2016. They became Sheppey Sports this summer, having moved to groundshare with Sheppey United after being forced to leave their home of 105 years, Cobdown Sports & Social Club near Maidstone. Sheppey Sports will bridge the gap between Sheppey United’s under-23s and their Isthmian League first team for talent on the Isle of Sheppey. Tragically, their player of the year Dylan Akue died in September at the age of just 21.

Form guide

They are the division’s top form side with five wins in a row – scoring twelve and conceding just two. The run, including beating second placed Faversham Strike Force last week, has taken The Rams from the fringes of the relegation zone into genuine play-off contenders. Now just below CCFC in the table, they’ll overtake us if they win their games in hand. 

Previous meetings

None

Players to watch

Former Sheppey United player Jez Hammond is captain and the only ever present. Ex-Bearsted striker Joe Wakefield is the team’s top scorer so far this season with 6.

Admission

No tickets are needed, just turn up and pay. Spectator entry is via the Upton Lane turnstiles, next to the Spotted Dog pub, from 2pm.

This is because of building work at the Disraeli Road end. The alleyway is also closed. So please go directly to 212 Upton Lane, E7 9NP (What3Words: option.dark.limes).

Standard admission is now £5, 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 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.

Food and drink

The Old Spotted Dog Clubhouse bar will be open from 2pm.

We have a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on sale. We have two beers on tap from Pretty Decent Brewery, usually a lager and Old Scaffold Daze, our own IPA.

The Clubhouse is ditching single use plastic and switching to returnable pint and half-pint cups. Just pay a £2 deposit, which is refunded when you return the cup to the bar. If you’d rather keep the cup, you’re welcome to take it home.

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.

Newham Christmas Toy Appeal stall and bucket shake

Our annual collection for the Newham Christmas Toy Appeal will take place at the game.

This year, as well as a bucket shake, there will also be a stall selling old Clapton CFC merch and memorabilia donated by the club and others. Old shirts, T-shirts, programmes, prints, scrolls… Come down to the Old Spotted Dog Ground and take a look at the unique items available.

All proceeds will be donated to the Newham Christmas Toy Appeal.

Hygiene bank collection

The hygiene bank collection is back at all home games, with the collection box at the 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.

We will have an 8-page matchday programme, pick one up for free, donations welcome to cover the printing costs.

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. In good weather, kids can also have a run round and a kickabout on the pitch after the game, but not when it’s muddy, please.

Dogs welcome

Spectators are welcome, in fact encouraged, to bring dogs to the OSD, but please keep on leads. It’s free entry for dogs.

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 the rear of 212 Upton Lane in Forest Gate, London E7 9NP.

Forest Gate station (Elizabeth Line) and Wanstead Park (Overground) are about 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