Six weeks after ending the 2021/2022 season, the Clapton CFC men’s first team returned to action last Saturday with a pre-season match against the development team.

Goals from Arthur Wright and a trialist gave the senior side a 2-0 win at a sunny Old Spotted Dog Ground.

Some of the trialists on display will likely have another chance to impress with this Saturday’s second friendly against CSM London.

CSM play at the same level as us, over in the Essex Alliance League Premier. We’ve met once before in a friendly last summer, a 1-1 draw at Ashton Playing Fields in Woodford.

If you’re wondering, CSM stands for Centric Sports Management and as a non-profit foundation with charitable objectives they’re doing some excellent community work.

Some of their set-up are CCFC members and have played for the club too so it should be another good clash against familiar friendly faces.

Match information

Clapton CFC vs CSM London is on Saturday, July 2 2022 at 2pm at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, 212 Upton Lane, Forest Gate, E7 9NP

It’s donate what you want entry, no advanced tickets needed. For friendlies we suggest £2 for waged adults. The bar will be open from around 12 noon until 6pm.

Forest Gate station (Elizabeth Lane) and Wanstead Park (Overground) are 15 minutes’ walk away, Plaistow (District / Hammersmith & City) is 20 minutes’ walk, and Stratford (Elizabeth/Jubilee/Central/DLR/Overground/National Rail) is 25 minutes.

Forest Gate Festival

The annual free Forest Gate Festival also takes place on Saturday from 11am to 6pm so there’s plenty of time to visit before or after the game. It’s a street festival attracting thousands of people to Osborne Road E7 with music, food, entertainment and stalls including our own Clapton CFC stall.

More information on the festival website.