Clapton Community FC vs Lewisham Borough takes place on Tuesday, September 10 2024 with a 7.45pm kick off at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.

While Clapton CFC Men’s First Team are on a mad run of five consecutive Saturday games down in South London, we do have a break with a Tuesday night home game against Lewisham Borough.

It may only be early September, but due to the low number of teams in the SCEFL Division One, this is scheduled to be our last league home game in midweek. We do have one away league game and a couple of home cup ties for Tuesday nights, though, for those who enjoy a night game.

This is one of the more attractive games of the season, as Lewisham are a progressive club (for instance offering very affordable season tickets) and attract decent crowds. Their full name is Lewisham Borough Community Football Club so they are one of the few other teams with a CFC suffix.

The opposition 

The club was established in 2003 as a merger of three teams – Elms, Moonshot and Ten Em Bee. Among the latter’s former players was Joe Gomez of Liverpool. The Boro won the Kent County League Division One West in their first season and the Premier Division at the second attempt. They have played at this level since 2011. Last season lost in the play-offs after an epic 13-12 shoot-out but won the league cup. 

Previous meetings 

None.

Form guide

Lewisham have only played 3 league games so far, compared to our 6, and all away from home, due to their home ground the Ladywell Arena being out of action due to athletics season. They were due to play their first home game on Saturday against fellow tenants of the ground, Forest Hill Park.

Players to watch

Most of last season’s cup-winning, play-off side is intact but Bryan Zepo, the division’s third top scorer, has left. Stepping in up front are Emmanuel Oshinowo, who bagged 7 goals for Holmesdale in a higher division last season, and Ezekiel Kamara, who has 3 goals already this season.

Admission

No tickets are needed, just turn up and pay. Spectator entry is via the Disraeli Road turnstile from 6.45pm.

Standard admission is now £5 (we are not allowed to charge less), 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 – cash is quicker at the turnstile to help prevent queues but card quicker elsewhere.

Food and drink

The Clubhouse bar will be open from 6.45pm until 10pm. 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. We also have reusable cups now.

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 main 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 just inside the ground 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 available at the entrance and merch stall, pick one up for free, donations welcome to cover the printing costs.

Accessibility

There is an accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities next to the Clubhouse. The Clubhouse main entrance is also step-free.

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.

Dogs welcome

Spectators are welcome, in fact encouraged, to bring dogs to the OSD, but please keep on leads.

Bikes welcome

There’s space to leave your bikes inside the Old Spotted Dog Ground, next to the main stand. You can lock them to the fencing. Please don’t leave them locked to the pitch perimeter as it blocks the walkway. 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 around the ground after 6.30pm on week nights.

Map of the Old Spotted Dog Ground