Clapton Community FC vs Hackney takes place on Thursday, October 17 2024 with a 7.45pm kick off at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.

After three away games in a row for the Women’s First Team – five for the Men’s First Team – the Old Spotted Dog Ground finally sees some action again with this East London derby on Thursday.

It’s only the second ever midweek competitive game for the Women’s First Team, following on from last season’s match against the same opposition. Due to worries over fixture congestion later in the season in the event of a wet winter, the league mandates that this fixture must be played in midweek.

This is one of only two home games in October – the other being three days later against AFC Whyteleafe. With virtually no other football taking place on this night, and with the Men’s First Team having no more midweek home games, let’s hope for a good crowd.

The opposition

Hackney WFC was the first totally women-run team and the first out lesbian team in the country. It currently has around 100 players across its three teams. Their kit includes the club’s slogan, ‘Playing with Pride since 1986’, on the sleeve along with the progress flag and the black triangle which has been reclaimed by lesbians as a feminist symbol of pride and solidarity.

Previous meetings

We have 3 wins and 2 defeats from our meetings with Hackney so far. Last season we won 3-1 at the Old Spotted Dog Ground in the Women’s First Team’s first midweek night game but lost the return game 4-2 on the Wadham Lodge 3G. However, we also won 1-0 on the same pitch in the Capital Women’s Cup. The season before we won 2-0 at their then home at the Douglas Eyre Centre in Walthamstow but lost the return game 2-1 at the OSD.

Form guide

It’s been a decent start to the season for Hackney, who are still in the FA Cup after wins against Southminster United and Wootton Blue Cross. They’ve also won two away games in the league, at AFC Whyteleafe and Richmond Park.

Players to watch

Last season’s top scorers Lizzie Tucker (13 goals), Natalie White (8, including a hat-trick against us) and Amy Nicholson (7) are all still at the club.

Admission

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

Admission for Women’s First Team games is by donation, with a suggested £5 for waged adults, but any amount or none at all is fine. Cash and cards are accepted everywhere in the ground.

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 to the side of 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 a 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