Clapton Community FC vs Bromley vs kicks off at 2pm on Sunday, November 10 2024 at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.

It’s second versus third at the Old Spotted Dog Ground on Sunday as the Clapton CFC Women’s First Team take on Bromley.

Our visitors may be sat just behind us in the table but they have many games in hand and are best placed to challenge the favourites Brentford for the one promotion spot. CCFC meanwhile are in fine form ourselves with six wins in a row. This should be a cracker,

Due to the building works currently taking place at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, some of the match details will be different. So please do read on…

The opposition

Since merging with the men’s club in 2012/3, Bromley have progressed rapidly, winning a shed-load of trophies.  Last season they finished in second place in London & South East Regional Women’s Football League Division One South, before being laterally moved to the North with us.

Previous meetings

We’ve met twice before, in 2021/22 when both teams were promoted from the Greater London Women’s Football League Premier Division. At a muddy Stray Dog, we triumphed 3-0 thanks to goals from Emily Link (2) and Marta Casanovas in front of 202 spectators. In the return game at Hayes Lane, Bromley won it 2-0 and they eventually pipped us to the title.

Form guide

It’s been a superb season so far and The Ravens are still in the hunt for promotion despite Brentford’s unbeaten season. They’ve dropped points in just two games – a defeat at Dulwich Hamlet Reserves and a draw with Actonians Reserves. A win next month against Brentford would make it very interesting..

Players to watch

Recent signing Leen Ekwo has scored 10 in 3 games, having bagged 9 in 4 games for AFC Whyteleafe before her move. That’s not their only striking talent – Bethany Hull scored 40 last season and Charlotte Lee got 28.

Admission

No tickets are needed, just turn up and pay. Spectator entry is via the Upton Lane turnstiles from 1pm. (Not the usual Disraeli Road entrance).

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 1pm until 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 reusable cups now.

We also have hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Ovaltine and 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, baseball cap, scarf, badge 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 may be less space to leave your bikes inside the Old Spotted Dog Ground than usual due to building works. You can park your bike near to the main stand. 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