Clapton v Tower Hamlets by Spotted Dog

VIRTUAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME

CLAPTON v

TOWER HAMLETS Essex Senior League

Tuesday 13th August 2013

Available only to Virtual Spectators on www.claptonfc.info This programme is available free, 24 hours before the match, to those who buy a virtual match ticket or who are Clapton FC Virtual Season Ticket Holders.

CLAPTON FC â&#x20AC;&#x201C; VIRTUALLY THE BEST TEAM IN LONDON @FO_ClaptonFC

CLAPTON v TOWER HAMLETS Thank you for buying our first virtual programme. If you haven’t bought it, and are accessing it from elsewhere, shame on you! Our first match sees the visit of local rivals Tower Hamlets FC. Who? I hear you ask. Well, today’s visitors are one of two teams in the Essex Senior League who have changed their name during the close season. Formerly known as Bethnal Green United, our visitors enjoyed a steady, if not spectacular, season last term and no doubt they will be wishing to make a good start under their new moniker. Equally the Tons will be looking to make a solid start to the season. Pre-season from and matches are of no relevance now. Chris Wood and Neil Day have assembled a squad who they believe will compete well in the Essex Senior League this season. Whilst we should not necessarily look back at last, there were encouraging signs that belied out final league position, not least the draws at Burnham Ramblers and Great Wakering Rovers. The final game of the season at the Terence McMillan Stadium against London Apsa was an event itself, having been postponed in bizarre circumstances the week before. The Tons turned in a superb performance in front of the travelling Clapton Ultras who were boosted by the recruitment (one night only) of Leyton Orient drummer Liam Giles. Group celebrations, pitch invasions were just part of a night that, I doubt, any Essex Senior League games have seen for many a year. The 4-2 win meant that we climbed off the league basement and left everybody, who cares for the club, looking forward to the new season. Since the Apsa game we have lost the services of a number of players. Our congratulations go to 16 year old George Whitelock who has been signed by Margate FC. We wish him all the very best of what we hope will be a step towards a success career on football. Other departures include Hussein Jaffa (Redbridge), Brandon Martin (Enfield) and Sonny Lindsey (Eton Manor). They all leave with our best wishes and thanks for their service to our great old club. Chris Wood and Neil Day remain in charge of team affairs and they are joined by Godfrey Obebo and Marc Nurse. Godfrey has playing experience in the Conference, The Ryman League and League of Wales and was curiously known as the ‘Lion of Halifax’ for his exploits at that club. Marc is a young coach with FIFA level 2 qualifications. As well as the departures we welcome back some familiar faces for this season, Craig Greenwood is club captain whereas Ben Lowes captains the team. Notable additions include Sam Naylor, Matt Tacey and Billy Rungay, a young player who was breaking into the Thurrock set up last season before injury. Unfortunately the club will not be entering the London Senior Cup this season as we failed to affiliate with the London FA in time. We will also not be competing in the Essex Senior Cup. However, in the League Challenge Cup we have been drawn at HOME to Great Wakering Rovers and this maytch will be played next Tuesday 20th August 2013 (kick off 7.45pm) In thee Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy we have been paired with tonight’s opponents, Tower Hamlets and the match date has yet to be arranged. Well, it’s the start of another season and one hopes that we can look forward with optimism that events on, and off, the field at Clapton FC will change for the better. Support the lads, support the team management and support the real Clapton FC. GVO

CLAPTON FC VIRTUAL PROGRAMME The Clapton FC Virtual programme which will be available on-line to Vitual Matchday Ticket holders for Clapton matches this season. A Virtual Ticket costs just £1.50 and, as well as a virtual programme it is guaranteed to give you a warm glow off self content when purchasing. Join the Friends of Clapton FC at http://www.friendsofclaptonfc.org

OUR VISITORS

TOWER HAMLETS FC Tower Hamlets FC is the new name of the club who played as Bethnal Green United for the past five seasons in the Essex Senior League. It’s early days but a chang of name and a change of club colours from the green and white of BGU to a white and black strip heralds a new era for the club. Bethnal Green United Football Club was established in 2000 by Mohammed Nurul Hoque and Akhtar Ahmed as a community club. The club played in several leagues, including the Canary Wharf Summer League, the Inner London Football League and the London Intermediate League, before joining the Middlesex County League. They were granted Senior status after winning the league's Premier Division in 2009, and were promoted to the Essex Senior League. In the 2009–10 season they finished fifth in the ESL and won both cups operated by the Essex Senior League, beating Burnham Ramblers 4–1 in the final of the Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy. Last term the Tons took four points from Bethnal Green United. A 3-3 draw at the Dog was followed by an equally exciting 3-2 victory at the Mile End Stadium last January when victory was secured by a disputed Neil Matthews free kick in the dying seconds. We wish our visitors a pleasant, but not too, enjoyable evening at the Old Spotted Dog and hope they enjoy a successful season under their new name.

This season’s Non league Day takes place on Saturday 7 th September. This is the day when Premier League fixtures don’t take place and fans of the big clubs are invited to go along to their local team and support the. This season we are away at Hullbridge Sports, whilst we appreciate it is hardly a local fixture, we cordially invite any West Ham fans to come along to he game and show support for the Tons. (It’s closer than Swansea!) Further details of the game will follow in our next imatch programme but please, stick this in your diary and get behind the lads !

Clapton FC Stickers are now been spotted in Denmark, France, at Sporting Lisbon FC as well as East London. If you would like to stick one up for the Tons, contact the Clapton Ultras at @claptonultras. There are a selection of stickers available.

In times gone by the Tons even appeared in bubble gum packets. This wax paper insert was produced by the Anglo bubble gum company in the 1960s

This old Clapton FC Supporters Club badge from the 1950s was recently auctioned on ebay and fetched £40 !

PLAYER SPONSORS 2013/14 PLAYER

SPONSOR

CRAIG GREENWOOD (Club Capt.)

ANDREW BARR

PEPE DIAGNE GAVIN CLARKE NICK READ

G.V.O

SAM NAYLOR

STEFAN NEILSEN

ROB ARUNDEL

IAN & PETER SIMPSON

PETER MOORE

ZAC ATTAN

BILLY RUNGAY

MATT TACEY

LEWIS ROWLAND

JERRY JANNETTE

JOHNNY BRIGGS

NEIL MATTHEWS

JOHNNY HUGHES

FEMI COKER

SPONSOR

BEN LOWES (Team Capt.)

CORY ALLEYNE

JAMIE POOLEY

DJRIBREL

PLAYER

MITCH LEWES

ROY JONES WES DE OLIVERA

MARK NURSE (Coach) OKIE SAYLER

It costs just £50 to sponsor a player for the season. In return we will give you, or your business, an acknowedgement in each of the Virtual Programmes and on our website thoughout the season. PLUS - A FREE CLAPTON REPLICA SHIRT (L or XL) or a CLAPTON SCAFFOLD BRIGADA SCARF Email info@claptonfc.info All proceeds from the player sponsorship, virtual tickets and iMatch Programmes will be used to help the team, buy equipment, assist with travel costs to away matches, wash the kit etc. (the expenses which would normally be incurred by a football club at this level).

CLAPTON PLAYERS OF THE PAST W.V.T (Viv) GIBBINS FA Amateur Cup Winner, England International at Full and Amateur Level William Vivian Talbot Gibbins was born in Forest Gate on 10th August, 1901. ‘Viv’ began his football when he signed as an amateur for West Ham United and he made his debut in a game against Nottingham Forest on 15th December 1923. He also played in games against Aston Villa and Sheffield United that season. The next season Viv Gibbins moved to Clapton, still as an amateur. Whilst at Clapton, Viv moved from left back, to left half and centre half before establishing himself as a match winning centre forward. In 1924 and 1925 he was a member of Clapton FA Amateur Cup winning teams and scored both goals in the final that beat Southall at Millwall FC. Gibbins was a phenomenal scorer at Clapton and represented the full England Team on two occasions scoring three goals. Gibbins also won amateur international caps for England. During his time at Clapton, Viv Gibbins was training to be a schoolteacher and with studies completed, he was persuaded to return to Upton Park to try his luck and was persuaded to play in 22 games for West Ham. The team that season included another famous ex-Clapton name in their ranks, Stanley Earle. Gibbins continued to play for West Ham and was a regular goal scorer for the Hammers until 1931 when he joined Brentford. He later played for Bristol Rovers (1932) and Southampton (1933) before returning to the amateur game. He appeared in another FA Amateur Cup final for Leyton in 1934 and then turned out for Catford Wanderers. He retired as a player in 1939. After retiring from football Gibbins served as headmaster of Harold Road School and returned to the Old Spotted Dog as a team trainer. He was made a life Vice president of the Clapton club. Vivian Gibbins died in Herne Bay on 21st November, 1979 and the gates of the Old Spotted Dog at Disraeli Road were dedicated to his memory by the club.

Viv Gibbins (right) in acrobatic action in the 1925 Amateur Cup Final.

BRIAN JEEVES £1 from all sales will be donated to the Friends of Clapton FC.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO TINA FILLERY?

Brian Jeeves has documented his (and his family's) travels around some of the less welldocumented areas of football. From wasted trips up north in the snow, to foreign tours, these stories will ring a bell with nearly all football fans. Southend United, Walsall, Great Wakering Rovers, Canvey Island, Leamington, Accrington Stanley, Crystal Palace, Leyton Orient plus many more clubs get a mention; from the old ground at Chelmsford to an 1880s referee with a very unfortunate name, Brian details stories that will stir the memories of football fans of all ages.

AIRSHIPS, ENGINES AND THE FA CUP

Following the success of his first book "Whatever Happened to Tina Fillery?" Southend United supporter Brian Jeeves scribes some more of his memories and unusual tales of the beautiful game. The stories are evidence that every football team, match, player and supporter has a tale to tell if you take the time to delve a little deeper. Along with an airship, a steam engine and of course the F.A. Cup, Jeeves' tales also include a cricket world record, a couple of murders, a rugby league Ghost and a careless duck!

Order your copies from @badgershrimp

mailto:Badgershrimp68@yahoo.co.uk

THE FRIENDS OF CLAPTON FOOTBALL CLUB Upon it’s formation in November 2012, the primary objectives of the Friends of Clapton FC was to help and not hinder those who run, administer and play for the Tons. In the ensuing months it has become apparent that support of the present regime who run, what they purport to be, Clapton Football Club, is a difficult task to reconcile with these objectives. It has become clear, that our hope for a club run by fans, with an open membership, democratically elected officers and committee and transparency in its affairs is not on the agenda of the present incumbent(s). Our concerns are not only for the club but for the tenure on the ground and the continuance of Clapton FC to be able to use the ground as they have since 1887. The Newham Community Leisure Trust Limited (NCLT) holds a 99 year lease on the Old Spotted Dog Ground. NCLT was formed by members of the club in 1992 and the company attained charitable status shortly thereafter. In 2000, the present Clapton ’Chief Executive’ gained control of the club and the Trust and since then, poor management, coupled with no little self interest, have seen the lease on the brink of forfeiture, the company struck off for 4 years (although now re-instated) and membership of Clapton FC closed, apparently for re-structuring. We are aware that, in spring 2013, the FA was told by the Chief Executive that there were all of ten members of the club, now calling themselves the Clapton Members Club. Our offers of help, both with administration and, most recently, financial help towards kit etc, has been met with either silence, deluded diatribes in the local paper or, more recently, aggressive and intimidating correspondence implying interference with affairs at the club. Despite this, the Friends of Clapton will continue to support the team. Issues relating to the club and the NCLT will be resolved eventually and we are continuing to lobby football supporters and journalists to help us in achieving our above objective of a fan owned, accountable club. There is plenty more information available, most of which is of public record and we make this available to our members and those interested in helping restore our great old club to credibility within the game. Our group is not maverick, vindictive or opportunistic. Within our membership we have the three existing life members of the club, two of which were the original subscribers to NCLT and signatories on the lease. We also have ex-Clapton players and staff, relatives of legendary Clapton players from the early 20 th century, all of whom wish to return our club to the values which served it so well until recent times. A year’s membership of the Friends of Clapton costs just £5. You can join us by clicking here. forward any questions or enquiries to secretary@friendsofclaptonfc.org

Please

NEXT HOME MATCHES Saturday 17th August 2013.

Kick Off 3.00pm

Tuesday 27th August 2013.

Kick Off 7.45pm

CLAPTON v STANWAY ROVERS

LONDON BARI v CLAPTON

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Buy A Virtual Ticket Here

Essex Senior League

CLAPTON SOUVENIRS AND MERCHANDISE CLAPTON SCARVES AVAILABLE NOW

ONLY £7.00 OR £5.00 UNWAGED ETC Click here

CLAPTON ENAMEL BADGES 100 YEARS AT THE OLD SPOTTED DOG

£ 3.50 each click here

CLAPTON FC FIXTURES 2013/14

Sat 10/08/13 Tue 13/08/13

ESL ESL

Sat 17/08/13 FA CUP Tue 20/08/13 LCC Sat 24/08/13 ESL Tue 27/08/13 Sat 31/08/13

Tue 03/09/13 Sat 07/09/13 Sat 14/09/13 Sat 21/09/13 Sat 28/09/13 Tue 01/10/13 Sat 05/10/13 Sat 12/10/13 Sat 19/10/13 Sat 24/10/13

ESL

Bowers and Pitsea Tower Hamlets

0-0 HOME

7.45PM

Stanway Rovers Great Wakering Rovers Takeley

HOME HOME HOME

3.00PM 7.45PM 3.00PM

London Bari

AT THE OLD SPOTTED DOG

7.45PM

FA Cup Prelim Rd (provisional)

HOME

COME ON YOU TONS !!!

If we beat Stanway Rovers we will play Mildenhall or Sawbridgeworth at home Haringey Borough HOME 7.45PM ESL Hullbridge Sports AWAY ESL 3.00PM London APSA HOME 3.00PM ESL Wotton Blue Cross AWAY FA VASE 3.00PM Basildon United AWAY 3.00PM ESL Ilford HOME ESL 7.45PM Stansted AWAY 3.00PM ESL Sawbridgeworth Town HOME ESL 3.00PM Eton Manor HOME ESL 3.00PM Southend Manor AWAY 3.00PM ESL

UNABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE GAME?

Buy a Virtual Match Ticket from just ÂŁ1.50 Includes a Virtual Matchday i-programme WWW.CLAPTONFC.INFO

Support Your Local Team ! The next i-Match Programme for the visit of Tower Hamlets FC will feature articles on our visitors, the Clapton Ultras, former player Vivian Gibbins, the save the Spotted Dog campaign and an exclusive interview with a Clapton player. Buy a virtual match ticket and make sure you get your copy! www.claptonfc.info/virtickets/towerh.htm

This article is written by Brian Jeeves, a Southend United supporter, football journalist and a Friend of Clapton FC.

London Calling –A Date with Destiny Forget your West Ham’s, Tottenham’s and Arsenal’s, if it’s a real piece of the Capitals football history you want then look no further than the Old Spotted Dog, Upton Lane, Forest Gate. Yep, Clapton Football Club is special. Not only do they play at the oldest senior ground in London, dating back to 1888, but they also boast a rich history including International players, historic European tours and a clutch of honours. However, why do I have a soft spot for them? Simple, they were my dad’s local team, not only did he watch them as a child, but also turned out for the club’s youth and reserve team’s under an assumed name so that his stepfather didn’t find out that he was playing football! During my own childhood, dad and I could often be found at the Dog, watching Clapton in the Isthmian League, pitting their wits against the likes of Leytonstone and Walthamstow Avenue. Thirty-odd years later and things are very different. The old ground is looking a bit worse for wear and the team are perennial strugglers towards the foot of the Essex Senior League. Not only that, but since those glorious day’s at the Dog with dad, I have acquired a grim supporters’ statistic, I have not seen them win for 29-years! Pretty bad huh! Well it gets worse! I’ve not seen them win at the Old Spotted Dog for 30-years, yes, I guess I’m the unluckiest follower in Clapton’s history. Of course, the last time I witnessed a victory I was supporting the other side! Clapton’s last couple of triumphs with yours truly in attendance were both against my proper team Southend United, and to make matters worse, on both occasions (Essex Senior and Thames side Trophy finals) the Shrimpers fielded their strongest team! In a huge twist of fate, this week of all weeks, is the anniversary of both victories (or for me, defeats). Clapton are, as ever, at the foot of the table with just one game to play. In short, a victory over local rivals London APSA will lift Clapton off the bottom of the league, just one problem; I am going to be there! London APSA have been in a bit of form of late. Recently they saw off champions Burnham Ramblers and you don’t need to be a genius to work out that with “lucky Jeevesie” in the stands, success is gonna be a tall order. Nonetheless, in a week where my footballing planets appear to be in line with each other, I sense a change in the air. At a first glance, London APSA’s home, the Terrence McMillan Stadium isn’t the most inspiring of venues for re-writing history, however, it has a piece of green, a goal at each end, and most importantly, a few hardy souls to share this date with destiny, as far as I’m concerned, that is all that matters. Even madcap commentator Neil Collins is here along with Leyton Orient’s “terrace drummer” Liam Giles, the scene is set. The team’s line-up for the kick-off and already there is drama. A hawkeyed linesman (that is an assistant referee to all you modern fans) has spotted that a corner flag is missing. Quickly a home official races to address the situation as the phantom flagger waves frantically to inform the whistler. The Weather is worsening, a strong wind has brought in a sporadic rain shower, I question whether the condition might assist the visitor’s dogged style, and they certainly have got off to the better start, really good in fact! After just 5 minutes, Clapton stun APSA and take the lead. A series of crisp passes has created an opening for Ben Lowes, who in turn beats keeper Mark Richardson with a rasping drive, sending

the visiting supporters, known as the Clapton Ultras, into raptures. I look at my watch, only 85 minutes to hold on! London APSA immediately go in search of an equaliser, Geoffrey Ocran has a shot blocked while Saiid Jaffa strikes the outside of an upright. At the other end, Richardson does well to prevent Dave Armstrong from doubling the visitors lead by saving low to his right. The Clapton Ultras make up the vast majority of the crowd; they burst into song, “Your ground’s too big for you,” they croon, a bit harsh, it’s probably too big for all the ESL clubs put together! As the tea break approached, I think to myself that the Clapton goal has been under little threat, at that, Jaffa misses the easiest of opportunities to level the match, the Ultras burst into a Dexys Midnight Runner medley! As the player’s trot off for a cup of half time wisdom, an air of uneasy came over me. On the one hand, I’m only 45 minutes from ending the worst run in the history of supporting a football team, on the other what will be left for me if the record goes? Anyway, the second period gave me no opportunity to dwell. Amidst the sweeping rain, Clapton set about climbing off the bottom and ending my own person hell for good measure. Firstly, Lowes made it 2-0, reacting the quickest after Richardson’s parry, then Brandon Martin beat the custodian with a composed finish after racing clear of the APSA rearguard. For the first time, I witnessed pitch invasion’s to celebrate goals at an Essex Senior League match, the Ultra’s follow this up with a chorus of “Can we play you every week”. My air of uneasy had become a bout of butterflies, a part of the Jeeves footballing heritage was drawing to a close, how the old man would have enjoyed tonight! But, just when you think it’s safe to assume, Clapton reminded me what has gone for almost three decades before. Firstly, Jagbir Birring thumps an effort high into the net. 3-1, surely just a consolation, if it’s not going to happen tonight then it never will, I reflect. Nevertheless, Clapton are determined to make me sweat. Daniel Matthew adds a second for APSA after a great work down the right flank; suddenly the butterflies seem to be kicking my insides with size ten hobnail boots! As the home side pile on the pressure, the Ultras roar encouragement to their charges. The songs have been somewhat jovial up until this point, but now it is serious. Anyway, remember those footballing planets, well they have just formed a line straighter than a Tony Adams offside trap. Clapton break down the left, the ball is swept across to the far post where unlikely hero Chris Rothon has raced from his defensive post to put the outcome beyond doubt. Arise my new footballing hero, if I could buy a Clapton shirt right now it would have “Rothon 2” on the back! Ultra’s race onto the pitch again, the rain is falling by the bucket load, but nobody cares, my run from hell is over. Chris Rothon’s name is now firmly etched into this particular footballing epilogue as a line is drawn under our painful past. At the final whistle, Clapton players and fans embrace each other and generally celebrate as if they had lifted the World Cup, in some ways, perhaps they had! There is a belief that this wonderful football club has turned a corner and is heading for better times. As for tonight the football has been entertaining and the crowd have been humorous but above all it has been bloody good fun! I’ll leave the last words to the Clapton Ultras, who undoubtedly played a huge part in making this a very special occasion (to the tune of The lion sleeps tonight) “We’re the Clapton the mighty Clapton we’re gonna win away” Clapton: Mason, Rothon, Jaffa, Matthews, Lindsay, Greenwood, Bouho, Lowes, Pooley, Armstrong, Martin. Subs: Jones, Woods, Day, Alberto, Moore. Brian Jeeves has contributed to Sky Sports, Football.com, Backpass Magazine, My Layer Road (Matt Hudson & Jim French) Match Programmes of Southend United, Walsall, Canvey Island, Great Wakering Rovers. All at Sea (Southend United Fanzine). Football League Paper, Non-League Paper, Southend Echo, Southend Times. Southend Cricket Festival Magazine and Programme Websites of Southend United, MK Dons, Great Wakering Rovers, Southend Manor and Clapton. Twitter : @badgershrimp

PLAYER PROFILE - CRAIG GREENWOOD The first player profile is, fittingly, on Craig Greenwood, our club captain who Twitter motif reads “Clapton ‘til I die”. Well Craig, let’s hope both you and the club enjoy great longevity. Name : Craig Greenwood Where do you live : Essex Married /Single etc? : In a Relationship Occupation : Designer Position : Centre Back Previous Club(s) : Barking (6 Seasons) Why did you come to Clapton? - I had other offers at clubs in the ESL and Ryman league after leaving Barking but I came to Clapton as I know the coach and assistant manager Neil Day and know all about Clapton’s history. I'm also a massive West Ham Fan and was Born in Forest Gate, so Clapton is not just in my Heart but in my blood. What are your impressions of the team for this season? - It is early days at the moment but i feel that we have a squad of players that are capable of achieving great things, we have had some pretty bad results in pre-season but we have lost a few key players from last year and used these games to try out new faces and possible replacements, that said there is still a lot of boys from last year, those on top of some of the new youngsters with lightening pace and dazzling skills it will be an exiting season for all involved. You battled through a difficult campaign last season. How does the present group of players compare? - Its strange because at times last year we were fantastic, I will never forget my first game for the club where we were 2-1 up v top of the league and playing them off the park, then there were times when we could have been beaten by a cricket score! We always seemed to raise our game against the top teams in the league then drop to the level of the worse teams when we played them. Anyway, it will take a few games for the new boys to settle, as a few have never played at this level before, but I’m sure with the fantastic support of the best fans I have seen, and heard, the "Clapton Ultras" along with the encouragement and knowledge of the great management staff, Woodsey and Neil, we will be fine. How do you or the players respond to the wave or renewed interest in the club and the support from the Scaffold? The Clapton ULTRAS are unbelievable they make you want to die for every ball and run until your lungs collapse, they are our 12th man, at times last year we looked dead and buried then all of a sudden out of nowhere we would kick into another gear, I believe that was because of the amazing support we were receiving, they believed so we believed and that really helps. I would personally like to thank each and every one of the Ultras for giving up there time and money to come and watch us last year...you guys are what keep us going! Have you any advice for the fans? - No not really all I ever hear is encouragement and great things. Is there anything you would like to see at Clapton? - Where shall I start? LOL I would love to have a big sponsor for the club to help out with training equipment for the coach. A grounds man would be nice also, as not many people get to see what happens behind the scenes. Chris and Neil give up so much of there time and money for this club and to see them get some kind of reward would be great. A new stand for the ultras maybe, with some built in optics for when they get thirsty. Which pro team do you support? - West Ham Your favourite player ? - Of all time? would be Bobby Moore Your favourite ground ? – The Spotted Dog (home sweet home) Your Favourite meal? - If you eat, you cheat, but you cant beat 2 'n' 2 Favourite music/bands? - I'm big into my house music Favourite holiday destination? - Mexico or Oz Favourite film? – Scarface Favourite TV programme? - Don’t have time for TV. Woodsy and MPH (neil) keeps me too busy 21. Who do you follow on Twitter, and why? The Ultras, of course, and mostly people associated with Clapton, along with www.mondotees.com. Their posters are amazing. (my geeky side...haha) Final thought? – I’m flattered and honoured to be part of this fantastic club.

LEAGUE ROUND UP Essex Senior League Premier Division : League Table P W D L F A GD

Pts

Sp Bengal Utd

0 +3

Takeley Hullbridge Sp Basildon United Gt Wakering R

1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0

3 3 2 2

0 1 0 0

+3 +2 +2 +2

3 3 3 3

Haringey B

1 +1

Enfield 1893 Ilford

1 1

1 0

0 1

0 0

1 2

0 +1 2 +0

3 1

Sawbridgeworth 1 Bowers & Pitsea 1 Clapton 1

0 0 0

1 1 1

0 0 0

2 0 0

2 +0 0 +0 0 +0

1 1 1

Barking

0 +0

Stansted Eton Manor London Bari FC Romania Grn London

0 1 1 1 1

0 0 0 0 0

0 1 1 1 1

0 1 0 1 0

0 +0 2 -1 1 -1 3 -2 2 -2

0 0 0 0 0

Tower Ham London APSA

1 1

0 0

1 1

0 0

2 3

-2 -3

0 0

Southend M

-3

The first Saturday of the season saw some surprising results, not least Sporting Bengal United’s 3-0 victory a Southend Manor. Their three goals, from Williams, Ahmed and Casrabo came in the last six minutes at Southchurch Road. Two new names, though not new clubs, Greenhouse London and Tower Hamlets both lost 2-0 in their opening fixtures. GL, formerly known as Haringey and Waltham Development went down at Basildon United and the East Londoners, formerly known as Bethnal Green United, lost to a very competent Great Wakering Rovers side in front of the highest crowd of the afternoon (92). Clapton’s visit to Bower & Pitsea produced the same goalless score line as it did last season.

Newcomers FC Romania got a sharp lesson about life in the Essex Senior League from Hullbridge Sports who ran out 3-1 winners at Cheshunt FC. Takeley cruised past London Apsa, winning 3-0 and Haringey Borough, in their first ESL game, beat Eton Manor 2-1 at Coles Park. Sawbridgeworth scored twice in the last ten minutes to cancel a 2-0 deficit against Ilford and London Bari lost to the only goal of the game, a penalty, in front of just 13 paying customers at the Old Spotted Dog against Enfield 1893. The midweek games this week – Barking v London Bari, Bowers & Pitsea v Great Wakering Rovers, Clapton v Tower Hamlets, Greenhouse London v FC Romania, Takeley v Haringey Borough, Eton Manor v Ilford, Southend Manor v Hullbridge Sports, Sporting Bengal United v Sawbridgeworth Town.

OUR NEXT ISSUE For the Stanway Rovers FA Cup game we have an exclusive article from the @therealfacup website and info on our visitors who have made great progress since their relatively recent introduction to senior football. Also, we profile another of the Clapton playing squad.

THE LINE UPS CLAPTON FC

TOWER HAMLETS FC

Red Shirts, White Shorts, Red Socks Manager ; Chris Wood Assistant : Neil Day

White Shirts, Black Shorts, Black Socks

PEPE DIAGINE SAM NAYLOR JOHNNY HUGHES NEIL MATTHEWS MATT TACEY CRAIG GREENWOOD JAMIE POOLEY BILLY RUNGAY ABS JARRIETTE NICK READ JAMES BRIGGS CORY ALLEYNE PETER MOORE ROB ARUNDELL CHRIS MOGOWO ROY JONES LADI OSUNLADE

JASON WILLIS BRADLEY LING DANNY GILLARD MICHAEL OYELAMIE JAY TAYLOR EMEKA NKEMDIRIM NATHAN WILSON STEVE WILLIS STEPHEN DEMETRIOU SYRUS GORDON JOSEPH KILLENBACK RYAN STANLEY DANIEL RORKE KING ELLIS BILLY HICKFORD AJIBOLA OLATONBOSUN

MATCH OFFICIALS : Referee – Gavin McFarlane

OUR NEXT HOME MATCH

SATURDAY 17TH AUGUST

v STANWAY ROVERS FA CUP EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND Kick off 3pm

Save the Spotted Dog A group formed to preserve the famous old Tudor pub that adjoins the Clapton football ground. Save the Dog ! www.savethespotteddog.org

Assistants : James Whittaker Snr, Neil Lawson At our forthcoming FA Cup match we look forward to welcoming the team from The Real FA Cup who will be paying their first visit to the Dog. Visit their website/blog at

LOCAL BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY WEBSITES Contact Us and we’ll include your site in our next virtual issue.

http://therealfacup.co.uk/ E7 Now and Then A Community Website giving the latest news from London E7 as well as a look back on the history and people of E7 http://www.e7-nowandthen.org

The Woodgrange Web Local community website covering news of events and what’s on in Forest Gate www.woodgrange.org.uk

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