Canterbury City vs Clapton Community FC takes place on Saturday, February 1 2025 with a 3pm kick off at Hartsdown Park, Hartsdown Road, Margate CT9 5QZ

It’s the CCFC derby on Saturday as the Clapton CFC Men’s First Team visit league leaders Canterbury City.

Canterbury are working hard on finding a ground within their city, and we wish them the best on that. However, it does give us a chance for a trip to Margate instead, where they currently groundshare.

It can’t just be a jolly boys and girls outing, though, as we need wins to get into the play-off places.

The opposition

The club was formed in 1947 by members of Canterbury Waverley FC Supporters Club and Brett’s Sports FC. They’ve twice reached the FA Cup first round, losing 6-0 to Torquay United in 1964 then 1-0 to Swindon Town in 1968. Then in 2019 The City reached the semi-finals of the FA Vase, one game away from Wembley. They played at Brett’s Sports ground then moved to Kingsmead Stadium from 1958 until 1999 when they were forced out. The ground has now been demolished. In 2001 the now homeless Canterbury City folded but it was revived in 2007. The club is on its eight groundshare since then as it fights to return to a site in Canterbury. Until then they are the club that’s “Always on Tour”.

Previous meetings

The home game in September ended up in a cagey 0-0 draw.

Form guide

Last season Canterbury just missed out on the play-offs in seventh but were the third best side in the second half of the season. They’ve carried on that good form this season, sitting top of the division, though having played more games than anyone else.

Players to watch

Last season’s top scorer Mo Cham, with 18 goals, is set to surpass that. He’s on 13 so far, putting him fifth in the division’s top scorer table.

Admission

£8 adults, £5 concessions, £2 U18s, U5s free.

Programmes are £2 and are said to be very good.

There’s a bar and a food stall both of which are open approximately one hour before kick-off.

The ground has a covered terrace behind one goal, a decent sized seated stand and a smaller covered terrace along the side at the opposite end (excellent for noisy away fans). The other two sides are ‘under construction’.

Directions

The ground is approximately 15 minutes’ walk from Margate railway station, with direct trains from Stratford International (journey approx 1 hr 35 mins), London St Pancras (1 hr 40 mins) and Victoria (1 hr 45 mins).

There is parking available at the ground off Hartsdown Road.