Clapton Community FC vs Aylesford takes place on Sunday, December 1 2024 with a 1.30pm kick off at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.

After a break last weekend, the Clapton CFC Women’s First Team are back on Sunday with another shot at cup glory.

This is the London & South East Regional Women’s League Cup second round, and the draw hasn’t been kind to us. We face an Aylesford side who are soaring in the league and have only just been knocked out of the FA Cup, on penalties against much higher opposition.

It looks like the winner of this tie will travel to the winner of Barking vs AFC Whyteleafe in the third round.

In last season’s competition we beat Welling United away 5-3 but then lost 4-1 at home to Fulham.

Note the earlier kick off time in this competition

The opponents

Aylesford play at the same level as us in the L&SERWFL Division South, having been relegated last season by just one point. The Ford survived in tier 5 for a decade after rising quickly through the divisions. Like us, their women’s team is higher than their men’s team in the pyramid. Aylesford are based in the village of the same name just outside Maidstone and have a new neighbour there in London City Lionesses, of the WSL 2, who have moved their training base there.

Previous meetings

None.

Form guide

Aylesford are currently in fourth place but with games in hand so are still firmly in the promotion chase. They’ve only lost one league game – against leaders Saltdean United Development – and drawn one other. In the FA Cup, they beat both Tooting Bec and Richmond Park 5-0, Camden & Islington United 8-0, Reading 3-1, before playing Worthing United who are two divisions higher, losing heartbreakingly on penalties.

Players to watch 

Striker Kara Richardson has 13 goals in 9 games, including a goal in the FA Cup against former semi-finalists Reading.

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.

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