Staplehurst Monarchs vs Clapton Community FC takes place on Saturday, April 5 2025 with a 3pm kick off at the Jubilee Sports Ground, Headcorn Road, Staplehurst, Kent, TN12 0DS
This will be the Clapton CFC Men’s First Team’s fourth last league game of the season – though there is of course still a cup final to come too.
The team’s play-off interest was virtually extinguished with the last two results – a draw against Croydon and a defeat at Sheppey Sports, the two teams above us. However, the voluntary relegation of Canterbury City may yet provide some last minute drama.
With two home games and an away game just south of the river at Lewisham Borough to come, this trip to Staplehurst is going to be our last long distance away day.
About the opposition
The club was formed as Iden Rovers based in Staplehurst in 1893. Their most successful spell was in 1993, their centenary year, when both the first and reserve teams completed their respective league and cup doubles. They played in a local league before joining the Kent County League in 2001, but having to play home games in Loose and West Malling. That changed in 2009 when they were able to move back to Staplehurst due to ground improvements at Jubilee Field. That year they merged with a junior set-up and were renamed as Staplehurst Monarchs United, dropping the ‘United’ a few years ago. They were promoted to this level in 2021 and last season finished third, losing in the play-off final.
Form guide
Staplehurst were firmly in the play-off picture in the first half of the season, but suffered a winless run of seven games and weren’t able to make up the lost ground. At home they’ve had good wins against Tooting Bec, Rochester United, Sheppey Sports and Forest Hill Park.
Previous meetings
In the home game in November, we edged it 2-1 thanks to goals from Junia Charlton and Fred Taylor, before Staplehurst replied late on through Luke Adams.
Players to watch
Admission
Admission is £7, concessions £5, U16s £2.
Public transport
The ground is a 19-minute walk from Staplehurst railway station, which is on a direct line from Charing Cross, Waterloo and London Bridge.