Clapton Community FC vs Comets vs kicks off at 2pm on Sunday, November 17 2024 at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.

It’s a break from league duty for the Clapton CFC Women’s First Team as we take on Comets in the Capital Cup Second Round. It’s one of our two chances for cup glory this season along with the league cup.

This is a competition for teams in the Greater London area playing at our level, the one above, or the one below. Comets are one division lower but that doesn’t necessarily make us hot favourites, as the difference between levels can be pretty slim.

Famously we’ve beaten higher opponents ourselves several times, particularly in the FA Cup, and were knocked out by lower league Tooting Bec in the Capital Cup last season.

It’s Comets’ first visit to us since we’ve bought the Old Spotted Dog Ground, but they were regular opponents before then, and hold the upper hand in previous meetings.

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

Comets were formed in 1999 by friends at London School of Law and joined the Greater London League Division Four in 2000. They have since added many Canadian and American players to the initial squad. They have risen up the divisions to the GLWFL Premier and also won the Capital Cup in 2019.

Previous meetings

It’s advantage Comets at the moment with three wins to two. In the GLWFL Division One in the Covid curtailed 2019/20 season, we won 5-2 at home but lost 4-2 away. In 2020/21, in the GLWFL Premier, we lost 2-0 away in the only meeting. In 2021/22 we won 2-0 away, but lost 4-2 at home. Marta Boiro scored in both of those games.

Form guide

Comets are near the top of the GLWFL Premier, one level below us, and had a good run in the Women’s FA Cup beating Cray Valley PM and Wycombe Wanderers. The last two seasons they have finished runners-up – including losing to eventual champions Richmond & Kew on the final day last season.

Players to watch 

Michelle Keating has scored five goals against us. However, newer names Marissa Wilkins and Audrey Reid are leading the scoring charts this season.

Admission

No tickets are needed, just turn up and pay. Spectator entry is via the Upton Lane turnstiles from 1pm.

This is because of building work around our usual entrance at the Disraeli Road end. The alleyway is also closed. So please go directly to 212 Upton Lane, E7 9NP (What3Words: option.dark.limes).

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 and stay open till after the game.

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.

The Clubhouse is ditching single use plastic and switching to returnable pint and half-pint cups. Just pay a £2 deposit, which is refunded when you return the cup to the bar. If you’d rather keep the cup, you’re welcome to take it home.

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.

Winter coats collection this weekend

With winter on the way, CCFC are asking fans to donate old coats as part of the Wrap Up London campaign.

There will be a collection box in the Clubhouse at both our home games this weekend, after which the coats will be dropped off.

All coats and jackets of all sizes are gratefully received, from puffa to parka and duffle to down.

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 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, pick one up for free, donations welcome to cover the printing costs.

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