Clapton Community FC vs Canterbury City takes place on Saturday, September 28 2024 with a 3pm kick off at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.

It’s a return to league action for the Clapton CFC Men’s First Team after successive cup games in the FA Vase and the SCEFL Challenge Cup. And it’s another crunch game against a promotion contender as third-placed Canterbury City visit the Old Spotted Dog Ground. It’s also our last Saturday home game till November…

Geoff Ocran’s seventh placed team haven’t had much luck in games against teams above them in the league, having lost to leaders Croydon and second place Forest Hill Park away, and fifth placed Faversham Strike Force at home However, the team have won four games so far, plus the dramatic FA Vase win against Hoddesdon Town.

The opponents

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 now 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

None.

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 with four wins and four draws in the league. The only blot has been defeat against title favourites Forest Hill Park.

Players to watch

Last season’s top scorer Mo Cham, with 18 goals, has started this season on fire again with 6 in 9 games.

Admission

No tickets are needed, just turn up and pay. Spectator entry is via the Disraeli Road turnstile from 2pm.

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 – cash is quicker at the turnstile to help prevent queues but card quicker elsewhere.

Food and drink

The Clubhouse bar will be open from 2pm to 7pm.

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 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.

Outside we have Simply Moreish Flavours, providing hot meat, vegetarian, and vegan Caribbean food. Simply Moreish Flavours are a family-run business based in Forest Gate. They will be selling a selection of Caribbean food from curry mutton, jerk chicken, vegan curry, patties and burgers and fries.

We have crisps, nuts, and Hackney Gelato on sale in the clubhouse.

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 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