Fan-owned FC United of Manchester will visit the Old Spotted Dog Ground for a double-header with both our men’s and women’s first teams on Saturday, July 15.

Almost 1000 tickets have been snapped up so far, so it should be another fantastic occasion ahead of the new season.

These games are the reverse fixtures of our visit to Broadhurst Park in August 2021, when hundreds of CCFC fans made the journey up despite no trains running.

The first game was a comfortable 9–0 home win although CCFC had their moments. At half-time in the second game, CCFC were unbelievably leading 2-1 through Arthur Wright and Noah Adejokun before FCUM triumphed 5-2.

Up for grabs will be two Football Supporters’ Association trophies – the Brian Lomax Supporters Direct Trophy and the Supporters Direct Women’s Shield. We’ve already played and lost in those trophies – the men at Enfield Town in 2018, and the women at that FCUM game.

This is the second big summer game for CCFC after FC St. Pauli’s women’s team visited the Old Spotted Dog on Tuesday, June 20, our women’s first team’s only friendly so far this summer.

The Clapton CFC men’s first team have played two friendlies – both against teams in the Essex Senior League one level above us.

We drew 1-1 with Woodford Town at the OSD, with Fred Taylor scoring our goal, then beat Takeley 3-1 with goals from Julian Austin, Suleyman Zahmoul and Trialist.

Meanwhile FCUM men’s team have played two home friendly games, a 2-0 defeat against League Two team AFC Barrow AFC last Saturday and a thumping 4-1 win over National League side Altrincham in midweek.

About FC United of Manchester

FC United are the trailblazing fans-owned club who set themselves up in 2005 as a reaction to the take-over of Manchester United by the Glazer family.

They have risen rapidly through both the men’s and women’s football pyramids, while off the pitch they’ve built their own stadium that’s become a vital community hub.

The FCUM teams are both three levels above their CCFC counterparts so will be strong favourites to take home the two trophies.

The women’s team were promoted as champions last season. However, like our women’s team, theirs are in a transition period. James Mulvihill quit as FCUM manager in late June while our own Claudio Gomes departed CCFC with a big farewell at our FC St. Pauli friendly.

Match information

Clapton CFC vs FC United of Manchester is on Saturday, July 15 2023 at 2pm and 4pm at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, 212 Upton Lane, Forest Gate, E7 9NP

Spectator entry will be via the Disraeli Road turnstile and gates from 1pm. Cash and cards are accepted everywhere.

If you have any further questions on the day, look for anyone wearing a pink hi-viz vest who will be happy to answer.

Tickets

The game is advanced tickets only so we know how many people are attending.

We are adding extra tickets as and when we have enough volunteers for a bigger crowd. Tickets are added to the CCFC store as and when on the link below.

You can donate what you like for the ticket, from nothing to £5, but we suggest £3 for waged adults. Please add 50p if possible to cover PayPal fees.

If you didn’t donate when you booked your tickets, there will be an opportunity to do so at the entrance should you so wish.

There are no physical tickets. Print your ticket or have it ready on your phone and show it at the gate to go straight in, or go to the desk with any other queries.

If for any reason you can’t make it, you can return the ticket(s) by emailing merch@claptoncfc.co.uk and we can reissue them.

Food and drink

The Clubhouse bar will open at 1pm. We will have an outdoor bar serving Pretty Decent and 40ft Brewery pints next to the Clubhouse. We will also have a cash-only can bar nearer to the Scaffold stand so remember to bring some cash.

As well as a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on sale, we also have coffee, tea, hot chocolate, Bovril, squash and water in the Clubhouse which are free, help yourself, donations welcome.

Old Dogs Disco and guests will be DJing in the Clubhouse.

Fusion Foods will be selling hot and cold food – meat, veggie and vegan options – near to the entrance gate. 

Weather

It’s due to rain so feel free to bring umbrellas etc as there is not cover for the whole crowd in the Scaffold and seats.

No pyro

This is a high profile game with a big crowd expected and two cups up for grabs. We will therefore be under the microscope just as much as any league game. Please do remember the OSD ground rules eg around pyro and make sure we create a brilliant impression.

Merch

We will have a matchday programme available, pick one up for free, donations welcome.

Our home and away shirts are back in stock in limited quantities. We should have stickers and scarves on sale too. Yes, scarves in summer… Our merch table is near the entrance.

Accessibility

There is an accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities next to the Clubhouse. The Clubhouse entrance is also step-free.

Children welcome

Due to the busy day with two games, children are welcome to play on the pitch but only after the second game is over.

Prams and pushchairs are always very welcome in the OSD, but please avoid blocking walkways.

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, to the right of the outdoor toilets. You can lock them to the fencing. It’s best to arrive early so you don’t have to push your bike through crowds. 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 system – watch this space.

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