Heybridge Swifts vs Clapton Community FC takes place on Saturday, September 12 2026 with a 3pm kick off at Scraley Road, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex CM9 8FJ
Clapton CFC Men’s First Team take a break from the Essex Senior Football League campaign with a trip to Heybridge in the FA Vase Second Qualifying Round.
This is the competition for teams in the ninth and tenth tier of football with a chance of playing at Wembley Stadium up for grabs. We’re eight rounds from the final!
It’s one of the hardest possible draws against Heybridge Swifts who are playing in the FA Vase for the first time in 27 years, having spent the last few decades at a much higher level.
That makes it a bit of a free hit, however, as CCFC look for the win that will spark the season properly into life.
So far we’ve earned £550 from beating Long Melford in the previous round and will collect another £725 if we win this, or £225 if we lose.
If level at 90 minutes, we’ll go straight to penalties, there are no replays.
About the opposition
Founded in 1880, Heybridge Swifts became founder members of the Essex Senior League in 1971. They won three consecutive Essex Senior League titles in 1981/82, 1982/83 and 1983/84, eventually being given promotion into the Isthmian League Division Two.
Their progress continued and in 1995/96 secured promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division. They subsequently established themselves at that level, almost reaching the National League in 2005/06 when they finished runners-up then lost in the promotion play-offs. Following relegation from the Isthmian League North Division at the end of last season, Heybridge have returned to the Essex Senior League for the first time in more than four decades.
The Swifts have reached the Men’s FA Cup First Round four times. facing Gillingham in 1994, AFC Bournemouth in 1997. Bristol City in 2002 and Exeter City in 2017. Their best performance n the FA Vase was reaching the Fifth Round in 1986/87.
Previous meetings
None. We have visited their Scraley Road ground twice, however, to play their ground sharers Dunmow Town.
Form guide
The Swifts have started the season well, as you’d expect for one of the title favourites. with three wins and a draw in the four league games so far. The only negative was a defeat in the Men’s FA Cup away ay White Ensign.
Player/s to watch
Attacker Callum Boylan has 4 goals so far having signed from Great Wakering Rovers, for whom he played at Wembley in the FA Vase final.
Admission
It’s £10, or £5 for concessions, which is over 60s and students.
Directions
The nearest station is Witham, which is 43 minutes direct from London Liverpool Street or 36 minutes from Stratford. From there you need to get the 90 bus for the six miles to Oak Road in Heybridge, and it’s a short walk.