Clapton Community FC vs Bridon Ropes takes place on Saturday, December 7 2024 with a 3pm kick off at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.
The Clapton CFC Men’s First Team have now hit the half-way mark in the Southern Counties East League Division One season – 17 games gone, 17 to go – and we’ve played every team except for Rochester United.
This will be a real test against a team just below us in the table but who have beaten us twice already this season – once at home in the league cup, admittedly fielding a much-changed side, and once away in the league.
We come into this game buoyed by a good away win at Tooting Bec, which lifted us into the play-off places, although having played more games. Bridon are in fine form of their own, particularly against the top teams in the division. An intriguing game awaits.
The opposition
Bridon Ropes FC was formed as a factory team in 1935 by workers at the British Ropes Works in Charlton. It was originally called British Ropes FC, before becoming Bridon Sports in 1990 and Bridon Ropes in 1992. The name Bridon originates from ‘British’ and ‘Doncaster’, where the company is headquartered. After spells in the London Spartan, Spartan South Midlands, London Intermediate and Kent County leagues, they’ve been in this division for over a decade. There’s been some near misses from promotion since (including 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th places) while last season new manager Lee Roots led them to 10th place safety.
Previous meetings
It’s played two, lost two, against Bridon so far. In the SCEFL League Cup in September, we lost 3-0 here, albeit with a much-changed side. Then in the league, we lost 3-2 having led 2-1 late on.
Form guide
Last weekend they beat title contenders Forest Hill Park. They’ve also drawn with all three sides above us in the table, Croydon, Faversham Strike Force and Canterbury City. They can go level with us if they win their games in hand.
Players to watch
Ronan Dunphy has scored in both games against us so far, and has six for the season in total.
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, generally 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.
Hygiene bank collection
The hygiene bank collection is 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. You can buy a shirt, beanie, scarf, badge, tea towel and a few more items.
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 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
