Clapton Community FC vs Sporting Club Thamesmead takes place on Saturday, December 21 2024 with a 3pm kick off at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.

The final action at the Old Spotted Dog Ground of 2024 sees Clapton CFC Men’s First Team welcome Sporting Club Thamesmead.

Not for the first time this season we’re facing a team just when they hit the top of the form table – the fixture list hasn’t been kind in that regard. But to get in the play-offs, we will need to take points off the best teams.

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

Formed in 1900 as Royal Ordnance Factories Sports Association, in 1966 they changed their name to Royal Arsenal Sports and Recreation Association. In 2003, they renamed as Seven Acre Sports, in 2011 to Seven Acre & Sidcup then finally in 2016 to the current name after moving to their current ground.

Form guide

Sporting Club Thamesmead are the top form side in the division, without a defeat in 10 games, and winning 6 of the last 7. That run has seen them quietly creep up the table to eighth, one place and one point behind us. That has been based on their superb defensive form, with four clean sheets in a row.

Previous meetings

Earlier in the season, we grabbed a great 2-1 win away, with goals from Noah Adejokun and Julian Austin.

Players to watch

Former Erith & Belvedere, Cray Valley PM and FC Elmstead player Connor Dobson scored a cracking goal from distance in our meeting in August.

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.

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