Barkingside vs Clapton CFC preview: Men’s first team in East London derby

Barkingside FC vs Clapton Community FC takes place on Wednesday, November 1 2023 with a 7:45pm kick off at Cricklefield Stadium, Ilford.

The Clapton CFC men’s first team head to Ilford on Wednesday evening once again for an away fixture against Barkingside FC.

The game was postponed on September 13 due to the failure of one of the floodlights at the Cricklefields Stadium and two subsequent dates fell through.

With the floodlights issue resolved, it’s game on this Wednesday, and it’s donate what you want for entry to make up for the previous disappointments.

The opposition

Barkingside FC was established in 1888. They have won a number of honours throughout their long history, including a couple of league titles and several league cup trophies, while playing variously in the London, Essex, and South Midland Leagues. They have played at this level since 2019, consolidating as a solid mid-table side.

Form guide

Barkingside are high in the form table with three wins out of the last five games, while they’re also still in the FA Vase.

Previous meetings

We have only faced Barkingside FC once before, when we were honoured back in March 2019 to be invited as the opponents in a friendly to celebrate their 120th season since their foundation. That game finished in a 0-0 draw, the first time a Clapton CFC fixture of any kind had ended in such a scoreline.

Players to watch

The team’s captain Fred Agyemang has scored 13 goals in 12 games so far, including a hat-trick on Saturday.

Match Information

Attendees at the first game should have received a card on the way out to use as a voucher for free entry at the rearranged game. If you attended the first game but can’t make the new date, or have other queries, please contact Barkingside FC.

Otherwise, entry is by donation, so anyone who wants to attend can donate anything they like.

There will be a bar with a couple of offers on, hot food and a tea bar.

The far side terracing near dugout is nowadays roped off but there is plenty of other standing and seating.

Directions

Full address: Cricklefield Stadium, 3 Cricklefield Place, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1FY.

The entrance is opposite the old Cauliflower pub next to Isaac Newton Academy.

For sat-nav users finding it difficult to get to the ground, add IG1 1UD as a postcode. There is free parking at the ground in the car park.

Buses: Bus 86 (the nearest to the ground) stops in Ilford High Road outside the Fire station. The 150, 145 and 128 routes stop near the corner of South Park Drive and all go down Green Lane. The 366 stops near the bottom of Green Lane and is about a 15 minute walk from the ground.

Trains: The nearest station is Seven Kings which is on the Elizabeth Line. It’s about a 10 minute walk from the ground. If you come out of the station, turn right, walk down the hill.