Basildon United vs Clapton Community FC takes place on Saturday, September 5 2026 with a 3pm kick off at Gardiners Close, Basildon, Essex, SS14 3AW
It’s the first Essex away day of the season for the Clapton CFC Men’s First Team on Saturday.
Both teams are looking for their first win of the season although obviously it’s very early days.
It’s also milestone as Basildon will become the 100th different opponent that the Men’s First Team have played in a competitive match since we formed the club in 2018.
About the opposition
Formed in 1963 as Armada Sports before adopting their current name in 1967, Basildon United FC became a founder member of the Essex Senior League in 1970. The Bees enjoyed an initial golden era by winning four consecutive ESL titles from 1977 to 1980 – a record that still stands today.
They switched to the Athenian League the next season and were immediately promoted into the Isthmian League then promoted again two years later to the Isthmian First Division. Since then, they’ve been up and down between the Isthmian and the ESL, with this being their second season back in the ESL after a 15th place finish last time.
The club has played at Gardiners Close since 1970 and their logo features the town centre’s iconic Mother and Child sculpture, commissioned to symbolise the birth of the new town.
Previous meetings
None.
Form guide
New manager Ben Coleman joined from Bowers & Pitsea’s coaching staff in the summer and is building a brand new squad.
Like CCFC, The Bees are yet to win in the league this season, losing narrowly to Romford and then at high-flying Frenford despite leading at half-time. However, they did win in the Men’s FA Cup.
Player/s to watch
This season’s Basildon squad is almost entirely new signings, one of which Syros Lagopodis has scored twice so far.
Admission
Admission is £10, with concessions at £5, U16s at £2 and U12s free.
The clubhouse bar will be open for drinks, and the burger van will be serving hot food and hot drinks throughout the afternoon.
There will be a programme available at the gate at the cost of £2.
Directions
There are direct trains from London to Basildon on two different lines. Firstly, from Fenchurch Street via Limehouse, West Ham and Barking. Secondly, from Liverpool Street via Stratford and Barking. It’s a quick journey, between about 25 and 40 minutes from any of those stations.
When arriving by train to Basildon, you then need to walk five minutes to the bus station, then you get either the B3 or 25 to the Matching Green bus stop and a 15 minute walk. Or the B5 stops at the top of Paycocke Rd and it’s a 12 to 15 minute walk.