Clapton Community FC vs Staplehurst Monarchs takes place on Saturday, November 16 2024 with a 3pm kick off at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, Forest Gate, East London.

It’s SCEFL matchday #15 for the Clapton CFC Men’s First Team and we finally have a home league game for the first time since September.

So far we’ve had only three Saturday home league games this season, but we now have four in the next month. In fact seven of the next ten games are at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, so Geoff Ocran’s team have the springboard to move up the table, if (and it’s a big if) we can get the home form right.

Fixture list strangeness aside, it looks to be an intriguing contest between two top-half teams looking to move into the play-off places. CCFC have two wins and a draw in the last three league games, whereas Staplehurst are away specialists.

Due to the building works currently taking place at the Old Spotted Dog Ground, some of the match details may be different to usual, so please do read on…

The opposition

The club was formed as Iden Rovers based in Staplehurst in 1893. Their most successful spell was in 1993, their centenary year, when both the first and reserve teams completed their respective league and cup doubles. They played in a local league before joining the Kent County League in 2001, but having to play home games in Loose and West Malling. That changed in 2009 when they were able to move back to Staplehurst due to ground improvements at Jubilee Field. That year they merged with a junior set-up and were renamed as Staplehurst Monarchs United, dropping the ‘United’ a few years ago. They were promoted to this level in 2021 and last season finished third, losing in the play-off final.

Form guide

With four wins out of their six games away from home, the Monarchs have one of the best records on the road in the division. They’ve also beaten title chasing Forest Hill Park at home.

Previous meetings

None.

Players to watch

Striker Luke Adams has notched 8 goals already this season. The ex-Corinthian, Bearsted, Punjab United and Holmesdale player has previously scored 20 in the division above before.

Admission

No tickets are needed, just turn up and pay. Spectator entry is via the Upton Lane turnstiles, next to the Spotted Dog pub, from 2pm.

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

Standard admission is now £5, concessions can pay what they want, and under 13s are free. A full list of concessions is available here.

Cash and cards are accepted everywhere in the ground but paying cash at the entrance will be speedier for all, so if you can bring the right money in hard currency, we would appreciate it.

Food and drink

The Old Spotted Dog Clubhouse bar will be open from 2pm.

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 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, scarf, badge, tea towel and a few more items. 

We will have an 8-page matchday programme, 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. It’s free entry for dogs.

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