Sunday will see the second competitive game at the Old Spotted Dog – London’s oldest senior football ground – with Clapton CFC as owners.
Our opponents Denham United are the largest all female club in the south east of England with an impressive number of teams across a large age range.
They’ve also got their own ground (not one shared with a men’s team) which we visited earlier in the season, CCFC running out 2-0 winners at The Den in a tough clash.
Striker Teju Callisto scored her first goals for the first team in that game and has since gone on to a hat-trick in the Women’s FA Cup.
Since that game, Denham’s form has improved and they have won two of their next three games, with returning striker Jenny Nagle netting four goals.
That game was our first ever meeting after CCFC were promoted from the seventh tier this summer, while Denham were relegated by just a single point in a very tight fifth tier.
A win for the visitors will see them draw level on points with us, while a CCFC win would put us top of the league as leaders Dorking Wanderers and second placed Dulwich Hamlet Reserves are not in league action.
But, given there’s been no draws in the league at all this season, maybe that’s overdue?
Match Information
Clapton Community FC vs Denham United takes place at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, at 2pm on Sunday, October 9 2022.
Spectator entry will be via the Disraeli Road gates only. The gates and the clubhouse bar will open from 1pm, with kickoff at 2pm, and the bar will remain open after the game.
There are no advanced tickets needed, it’s first come first served on the day, up to a maximum capacity of 450 spectators, including 28 seats.
Tickets are free, but please make a donation at the entrance on the day if you can, we suggest £3 for waged adults.
Food and drink
The Old Spotted Dog Ground bar is open from 1pm until well after kick off serving alcohol, soft drinks and hot drinks, plus bar snacks.
Fusion Foods will be selling hot and cold food – meat, veggie and vegan options – and accept cards or cash.
A mini programme will be available at the entrance, also free, but donations welcome.
Directions
The Old Spotted Dog ground is at 212 Upton Lane in Forest Gate, London E7 9NP.
Forest Gate station (Elizabeth Lane) and Wanstead Park (Overground) are 14 and 17 minutes’ walk away, Plaistow (District / Hammersmith & City) is 19 minutes’ walk, and Stratford (National Rail / Overground / Elizabeth / Jubilee / Central / DLR) is 28 minutes’ walk.
There’s parking for bikes inside the Old Spotted Dog Ground.
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.