Cannons Wood vs Clapton Community FC takes place on Friday, November 14 2025 with a 7.45pm kick off at Parkside Stadium, Park Lane, South Ockendon, Thurrock, RM15 4PX
Next up for the Clapton CFC men’s first team is a visit to Cannons Wood for a Friday night league clash. Having won four away games in a row, and scored in a club record 19 games in a row, CCFC should be full of confidence on the road.
However, we cannot underestimate a recently rebuilt Cannons Wood side who have managed to lure former CCFC fan favourite Noah Adejokun from the division above, having scored 9 goals in 12 games for Sporting Bengal United.
Due to the Cannons’ three-way groundshare at Aveley with Hashtag United, most of their home games are on Friday nights, which could give them an advantage.
About the opposition
Initially formed as DTFC in 2019 for a YouTube tournament, they joined the Essex Alliance League Senior Division in 2020/21. They finished top in their first season (curtailed by Covid) and again in 2021/22. Upon promotion to the Eastern Counties League Division One South in 2022/23, they changed their name to Cannons Wood with the name said to be inspired by the Canons Brook estate in Harlow, where they played at the time. They’ve since moved to groundshare at Aveley FC. In their three seasons in the ECL, they’ve just missed out on the play-offs in 9th, 7th and 7th. In the summer, the club was sold by founder Mr DT to a new and ambitious ownership group. Their five-year plan is to be at step 3 in their own stadium, with a women’s team and a youth set-up too.
Previous meetings
We’ve met twice which ended in a draw and a defeat. Our home meeting in September 2023 ended in a 1-1 draw thanks to sub Joel Akuwudike levelling it late on. The return game on a Friday night in December was a disappointing 3-0 defeat.
Form guide
It’s been a disappointing season so far for Cannons Wood, who find themselves third from bottom despite everyone at the start of the season expecting them to be challenging near the top again. With new management and lots of new players bedding in, however, you probably can’t read too much into the season overall. They recently beat FC Baresi, who drew with us last week.
Player/s to watch
Although many eyes will be on Noah, Cannons Wood striker Gabriel Odili is the team’s top scorer with 5 and was the division’s fourth top scorer when playing for May & Baker last time we were in this division.
Admission
Admission is £7, concessions £4 and u16 free. The bar was open on our last visit. No dogs are allowed at Parkside.
Directions
The nearest station is Ockendon, which is a 57 minute walk. However, if you go to Rainham instead you can then catch the 372 bus.