125 Years At The Old Spotted Dog ! VIRTUAL MATCHDAY PROGRAMME
CLAPTON Sawbridgeworth Town v
Essex Senior League Saturday 12th October 2013 Kick Off 3.00pm Available on www.claptonfc.info
CLAPTON FC – VIRTUALLY THE BEST TEAM IN LONDON
Clapton Football Club HONOURS LIST Formed as ‘Downs FC’ in 1877 Re-named Clapton Football Club in 1878 Founder members of the Southern League Founder members of the Isthmian League (now Ryman League) The First English Club to play on the Continent. (1890) FA AMATEUR CUP WINNERS 1906/07, 1908/09, 1915/15, 1923/24. 1924/25 Runners Up 1904/05 ISTHMIAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 1910/11, 1922/23. Runners Up 1905/06, 1907/08. 1909/10, 1924/25 Division Two Champions 1982/83 ESSEX SENIOR CUP WINNERS 1890/91, 1924/25, 1925/26, 1954/55, 1983/8 LONDON SENIOR CUP WINNERS 1888/89. 1908/09, 1910/11 Runners Up 1988/89 ESSEX SENIOR TROPHY WINNERS 1988/89 ESSEX THAMESIDE TROPHY WINNERS 1982/83, 1983/84 A.F.A. INVITATION SENIOR CUP WINNERS 1965/66 Founded by W.R Davies, at a meeting in his father’s house at 11 Queensdown Road, Clapton E5, August of 1877, Downs FC started playing on Hackney Downs. Three years later in 1880, and with a name change to Clapton Football Club, the Tons moved the short distance to North Mill Field, Leyton. Later that year the Tons were offered their first private enclosure at Elm Farm with a rental of £10 per year. They moved once more before settling at the Dog, to Pilgrims Farm, Walthamstow. It was the founding of the LondonFA that introduced Clapton FC to the Spotted Dog, The Tons played an LFA Cup match against City Albion who had a pitch in the field just north of the Dog. The tenants of the Dog were St Bartholemews Hospital who were about to vacate, so Clapton obtained a lease from the owner, Mrs Vause. It was a bold step, the rent was £35 a year, whilst the club’s annual income amounted to £40. The opening game at the Dog took place on the 29 th September 1888 and the Clapton team beat a team from Old Carthusians by a goal to nil. The scorer was J.S. Sellars. The ground was a roped enclosure and the players changed in a barn in Upton Lane. Many games drew crowds of 4,000 or more, and several notable Ton’s players were recruited from those watching when numbers were short. In 1982 a Southern League game was the first league match ever to be played at the Dog. Before this, only friendly and cup matches had taken place. The brewers, Watneys took over the freehold of the ground and during the second world war the Dog became an anti-aircraft station. During these five years, Clapton played at Newbury Park, the home of Ilford FC. A crowd of 12,000 watched Clapton play Spurs in a cup tie in 1898 which resulted in a 1-1 draw. In more ‘recent’ times, a crowd of 2,000 witnessed an FA Amateur Cup match against Barnet in 1964. In 1992, the Clapton Trust managed to negotiate and finally secure, in 1995, a 99 year lease on the ground. This achievement should have secured the club’s future at the Old Spotted Dog, however, recent events and mismanagement have placed this security in jeopardy will need to be addressed to secure the club future once more.
CLAPTON v SAWBRIDGEWORTH TOWN Just over 125 years ago, our famous old Clapton Football Club played it’s first game as tenants at the Old Spotted Dog ground. Since that day, the club has seen many highs and lows. The Amateur Cup Finals wins, victories over professional opposition in the FA Cup, and two Isthmian League Championships. Some great football people have passed through the gates of the Dog. Bobby Moore played here when a colt with West Ham, Sir Stanley Rous was a referee on more than one occasion, not to mention the hundreds of ‘Claptonites’, not without pedigree either, who have played, supported and been part of this great old club for the past century and a quarter. The heady days of the early part of the 20 th century maybe well behind today’s set up, however there is a definite revival at hand as regards Clapton FC. The membership of the Friends of Clapton FC continues to grow and there is genuine support for them from many people in and around non league football. On the field our team continue to perform above pre-season expectation and notwithstanding the recent loss at Basildon, our start to the season has been solid and , in the best Clapton tradition, we have managed to attract a good, loyal group of players who wear the shirt with pride. Last Tuesday’s win at home to old rivals Ilford showed exctly what our squad is capable of. Some excellent teamwork and organisation, coupled with decent finishing gave us our best home win for some years. Well done to all involved! The saddest aspect of the Ilford win was that Robin Cowan, from the Ultras, had been offered a ticket for the Celtic v Barcelona game on the same night. A difficult decision, but he plumped for Parkhead if only to see reputedely the best eam in Europe (not Scotland). Having been a stalwart of Clpton perfomances, let’s say, less impressive than that against Ilford, Robin was treated to (his words) “A masterclass in cheating by Neymar.” Meanwhile the rest of the Ultras lapped up the four goal feast, gorged on the extragance of missing a penalty, and topped it off with a conga in front of the scaffold after the final whistle. Hopefully Rob, back in the scaffold, will have a happier afternoon today. So what of today? We have every chance of continuing our good start to the season but our visitors, Sawbridgeworth Town are hot from a goal fest of their win. They will be hoping that their 6-3 win over Eton Manor last week will re-ignite their season. So, two free scoring sides should hopefully provide plenty of entertainment today. Unfortunately, at the time of going to press there are no further league fixtures published by the Essex Senior League beyond our away match at Southend Manor on the 24 th October. Please keep looking at our website www.claptonfc.info or the Friends website. You can also subscribe to the iProg for each match. Got to www.claptonfc.info an click the iProg banner, it is free and we willsend your copy directly to your mailbox before each game. But with the ‘club’ continuing with a closed membership, one man wrongly claiming that he owns the Clapton FC (documents to follow in future addition and on the website) and the football authorities stading idly by, it’s reputation is shot. However, the increased gate money is short term gain for ‘the club. It won’t last for them. Eventually things move on. Those in control of the club know this. It’s happened to them before. Ona positive note, a great start to the season on the field. Let’s us build on this and make the Old Spotted Dog a good ground to come and watch football. The atmosphere is certainly unique in the ESL and is ‘old school non league. OK, I accept that the supporters were unlikely to have danced the conga on the terraces in the 1920s, but the ambiance is becoming infectious and is strengthening the reputation of the followers and fans. Come On You Tons !
OUR VISITORS
SAWBRIDGEWORTH TOWN FC Formed in 1897 by members of Sawbridgeworth Cricket Club, Sawbridgeworth Town Football Club played their first friendly match on Pishiobury Park, a large tract of common land to the south of the Town. At the turn of the century they joined the East Herts league and later relocated to Great Hyde Hall. At this time, they were playing in the Stortford League and had their headquarters in the White Lion Hotel in the centre of town. Just after the first world war they moved to their next ground - a field next to the Hand & Crown Public House. This venue became very popular at the time and staged many local cup finals. They moved to their present ground in 1930. At the time the facility was known as Cambridge Road but following construction of a housing estate and provision of a new entrance it was rechristened Crofters End. Following the second World War Sawbridgeworth Town FC joined the Spartan Lague for their first taste of senior football, however this proved not to be successful and they rejoined the Stortford League. With the building of a new clubhouse in 1975, the club reapplied for Senior status and joined the Essex Senior League. After a few years and steady improvements to the ground, floodlights were erected which enabled the Robins to participate in further cup competitions and evening games. More recently, the club has expanded to encompass a thriving junior set up, catering for the towns' youth from an U7s side right up to the under 11's as well as a competitive Ladies section. These units compliment the clubs Senior Side and Reserves and all compete under the umbrella title of Sawbridgeworth Town Football Club. 2005/2006 saw a fairly successful season for the Robins' teams with the senior side winning the Herts Charity Shield, the Reserves becoming the league champions and the Ladies side reaching the play-offs of their division. 2007/2008 Richard Branchflower takes over as First Team manager, this signals an exciting change of direction for the club with a completely new management structure primed and ready to take Sawbridgeworth Town FC into the future. The aim of the move follows chairman Steve Day's vision of total integration between the Youth, Reserve & First Team squads. Richard Branchflower resigns late 2008 and Peter Wickham and Kevin Shuttleworth take the reins. 2012: Peter Wickham starts his 4th year as Sawbridgeworth boss with Marc Das as Assistant Manager, the Senior set up is complimented this season with the inclusion of Steve Pridmore as Senior Reserve Manager and Kevin Shuttleworth as Senior First Team Coach. Again the emphasis is to bring players through the ranks and with brining the U18 into the Senior set up, this has already started to pay dividends. The overriding intention is to ease the transition between junior and senior football within the club. 2013: Marc Das takes over the reigns as First Team Manager and appoints long term associate Andy Walker as his Assistant. John Turner is appointed Assistant Reserve Team Manager.
125 Years At the Old Spotted Dog ! On Saturday 29th September 1888, Clapton Football Club played it's first ever match as tenants of the Old Spotted Dog ground. Their opponents were Old Carthusians, an experienced team made up from the old boys of Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey. Advertisements were carried in the Stratford Express to publicise the match. In the event, 700 people paid 3d to watch the teams fight out a 1-1 draw. The crowd was disappointing and the following week's Express report told of the attendance being adversely affected due to a Sports Day held at Leyton that same afternoon. However, it also told of how the first Clapton goal was struck home. - "A volley by P.A. Read was punted forward and, before Wilkinson could get it, Sellar rushed up and headed it through to scenes of great enthusiasm." - Clapton has arrived at the Old Spotted Dog. The teams for that historic match were :CLAPTON H.E. Peattie C.E. Morris A.E. Cassleton P.A. Read J. Barclay S. Smith J. Sellar J. Cowan (capt) R.H. Clark J.S.L. Prior T. Radford
OLD CARTHUSIANS - goal - back - back - half back - half back - half back - right - right - centre - left - left -
L.R. Wilkinson P.M. Waters A.M. Waters C.W. Ware T.W. Blenkiron S.R. Arthur C.A. Smith A.C. Nixon H.C. Price F.J. Cooper E.P. Rathbone
The Old Carthusians team of this day were one of the strongest in the country. They included the Waters brothers at back who were both England internationals and, on the right, they had C.A. Smith who was later to find fame, firstly as an England cricketer but later as Sir C. Aubrey Smith, the actor, who went on to star with Clark Gable, Sir Laurence Olivier and Greta Garbo during his thespian career. The Old Carthusians had previously won the FA Challenge Cup in 1881 and, in the previous season to this match, reached the quarter final where they were beaten by the eventual winners, West Bromich Albion. Later, in 1891, the Carthusians were to win the FA Amateur Cup, a trophy that was later to find it's way to the Old Spotted Dog Ground on no less than five occasions. Old Carthusians were the first of many visitors to the Old Spotted Dog. They were followed later that season by Ilford, Nottingham Forest and London Caledonians to name just a few. So, happy birthday Old Spotted Dog! Unfortunately, those in charge of the lease at the ground and purporting to be Clapton FC have shown that they cannot be trusted with either. Director of the lease holding company and Clapton FC ''Chief Executive' Mr McBean has previously undertaken, to the High Court, to sell the lease from under the club. The current 'club' has no membership and the lease holders under scrutiny from the Charity Commission but not co-operating. For those who are interested in safeguarding the ground and keeping Clapton FC playing there, join the Friends of Clapton FC. The above information was extracted from 'Fired Up For the 90s' a Clapton FC publication from 1989
JOIN THE FRIENDS OF CLAPTON FC Clapton FC are one of the most famous amateur clubs in English football history. They not only won the FA Amateur Cup on five occasions but are recognised by the Football Association as being the first English club to play on the continent and thus instrumental in the growth of the game. In addition, Clapton players have represented England at full International level and numerous others have progressed to the professional ranks and performed with distinction. However, as amateur football became semi-professional and beyond, Clapton's tenure as a prominent club declined. However, they continued to compete in the Isthmian League, a competition that Clapton members were instrumental in founding in 1905. A hundred years later, Clapton were sadly demoted to the Essex Senior League, a competition in which they compete today. Throughout this time Clapton have played at The Old Spotted Dog Ground in Forest Gate, London. This small enclosure, buried amongst residential housing, had hosted both cricket and football before Clapton became tenants in 1888. Clapton are synonymous with the 'Old Spotted Dog' and it remains one of the last traditional bastions of football in the East End of London, an area that has lost great football clubs such as Walthamstow Avenue, Leytonstone and Leyton in recent years. The Clapton players of today represent the club in the great tradition of their predecessors of the yesteryear. Unfortunately, today, the club does not function as a members club where a committee and officers are elected by the membership. Furthermore, it is claimed by Mr Vincent McBean that he owns the club. We have documents that tend to show this to be incorrect along with others that disprove his apparent claims to ownership of the ground, lease, and adjoining warehouse (the delightful tyre shop). We are also aware, and have court documents that show that McBean has, in fact, previously undertook to sell the leasehold interest, in his role as a director of a charitable trust. Whilst the primary objectives of the Friends of Clapton FC was to help those who run, administer and play for the Tons, the entity that claims to be Clapton FC has neither acknowledged or accepted that the Friends group have a role to play in the future of the club and would prefer to continue in it’s present shambolic state. In the meantime, the Friends of Clapton remain vigilant as to any perceived problems, and of issues, such as tenure on the ground, that are not addressed by the ‘club’. For example, earlier this year, the lease on the ground was only weeks away from forfeiture, due to maladministration by the self proclaimed 'club owner’. (Not filing accounts at Companies House) The continuance and well-being of the club, the security of tenure at the Old Spotted Dog Ground and promotion of Clapton FC's activities in an open and forthright manner would re-establish the club in the world of football as well as the local community. However, this is not currently on the agenda of those currently running the ‘club’. We believe that Clapton Football Club is deserving of support and whose survival is important, not only to the local area, but also to the sport of association football, the development of which, owes much to the Clapton players, officials and supporters of yesteryear. Please join us and bring about change at Clapton FC by clicking here Any questions or enquiries to secretary@friendsofclaptonfc.org
If you are interested in bringing about a democratic Clapton FC where there is a voting membership, an elected committee and officers? If so, join the Friends of Clapton FC. www.friendsofclaptonfc.info/join/1.htm
PLAYER PROFILE - NICK READ Name - Nick Read Live
- Essex
Married ?- No, but in a relationship Position - Primarily a striker, but I can play anywhere across the midfield. Previous Clubs - Old Barkabbeyans FC Why did you come to Clapton? I was looking to test myself at a higher level, so had a couple of trials & offers elsewhere but after enjoying the training and getting to know the team here at Clapton, I decided it was the right club for me. What are your impressions of the club (the team) so far? We have a great group of lads here and I’ve been very impressed with the depth and quality of the squad, everyone seems willing to work hard together and take instructions well. So in my opinion the season looks promising for us! You bagged a hat trick in the friendly against AYM Higher and could not have hoped for a better start. How do you think you will cope with notoriously physical Essex Senior League defences? I know it will be a challenge but it is one that I’m really looking forward to! I am confident that I will score a fair number of goals this season which will hopefully help the team improve on last season. Which pro team do you support? - I’m a big West Ham fan Your favourite player? - The Brazilian Ronaldo, I grew up watching him & he was different class Your favourite ground ? – Wembley Favourite meal? - Spaghetti Bolognese Favourite music/bands? - I listen to quite a wide range of music; I’d say my favourite artist is Drake Favourite holiday destination? – Turkey Favourite film? - Dumb & Dumber Favourite TV programme? - Other than football, Family Guy Who do you follow on Twitter, and why? I mainly just follow friends but also a few controversial footballers like Mario Balotelli & Joey Barton, purely because the majority of the things they come out with, especially the arguments Barton has, are pretty funny!
DID YOU KNOW ? Clapton had the dubious distinction of using three goalkeepers in the first 30 minutes of their Essex Senior League match at Sawbridgeworth in December 2009. Manager Wilfred Thomas was the first custodian, deputising for Joe Wright who arrived late. Wright eventually got to the ground and took up position between the sticks. But then, Wright was sent off, just 16 minutes after his arrival, and substitute Robert Oloyinka, normally a central defender, took over as Clapton’s third keeper. Remarkably, the Tons eventually only lost the game 2-1.
A Hullbridge too far! Brian Jeeves It is a cold, foggy, Tuesday night in March, 2011. I’ve not made the trip to see Southend at Gresty Road, Crewe this evening. A combination of low funds and used holiday dates has left me with little option than to choose a match closer to home to satisfy my raging appetite for football. Now despite my allegiance to Southend United, those who know me best see me as some kind of ‘football hippie’, as I keep an eye out and from time to time watch several other teams who have in some way touched my life. A quick check of tonight’s local fixtures will give me some ideas. No game for Great Wakering Rovers; Southend Manor and Canvey Island both at home; but hold on, what’s this? They don’t come much bigger than this one! Due to my dad’s East End upbringing, one of my ‘other teams’ is his original local club and current Essex Senior League strugglers Clapton. Now I’ve watched Clapton a number of times over the years – I can even recall the last time the club enjoyed a purple patch back in the mid 1980s when they beat strong Southend United teams two years running in Essex Cup competitions. In fact, the latter of those games, a 1-0 Clapton victory over the Shrimpers at Dagenham’s Victoria Road ground on 9 th May 1984 represents a milestone in my somewhat casual relationship with the club, in that it was the last time I saw them win! OK so I don’t see them every week, no more than three or four times a season in fact, but twenty-six years without winning! Come on! In fact, during this incredibly barren period I have not seen them so much as pick up a single point! Adventures to the likes of Great Wakering Rovers, Southend Manor, Chelmsford City, Basildon United, Bowers & Pitsea and even the odd pilgrimage to their Spotted Dog home, it matters not, they have all resulted in defeat, sometimes a thumping one! Nevertheless, tonight I’m confident the pain will end – and the place for this personal history making event will be Lower Road, the home of Hullbridge Sports Football Club. My newfound optimism is because Clapton have found some form of late. Well, I say ‘form’ – they are still hopelessly bottom of the Essex Senior League, but just recently a couple of draws and a surprise win at Barkingside have given tonight’s travelling support (consisting of me and partner in crime Ed), a bit of belief. Standing in Clapton’s way are a Hullbridge team who have had a steady season. For those who are unfamiliar with the town, Hullbridge is situated south of the river Blackwater between Hockley and Rayleigh. I’ve crossed paths with the club on several occasions with some pretty dire outcomes! A defeat in a local cup final was bad enough but it gets worse. I once double booked seeing a girl with Southend United playing a pre-season friendly at Lower Road. I left the ground at half time complete with Old Spice aftershave and my best t-shirt in a bid to impress the temptress in question. Southend had been uninspiring during the opening half, leading by a single goal, I was sure I’d not be missing much as I set off in search of love. Result: Southend go on to score another ten goals (winning 11-1) and the young lady I had ditched football for was completely uninterested in me and the date soon fizzled out leaving me in limbo as it was too late to get back to the match! Moral of the story: never put a woman before football! However bad things tend to happen in threes and so it proved. On 2nd December 1999, dad and I ventured to Lower Road for possibly the biggest game in Hullbridge’s history. The club’s under 18s team had reached the third round of the FA Youth Cup and would now face Premiership giants Blackburn Rovers. Along with a record crowd of more than 800, the old man and I witnessed a brave Hullbridge team beaten by six goals to nil but far from disgraced. Having used ‘waiting for the crowd to disperse’ as an excuse for a cheeky pint, I arrived home late that night only for the original Mrs J to give me the silent treatment. The following day Mrs J ‘the first’ decided that my trip to the banks of the Blackwater had been a bridge too far. She packed a bag and left for greener pastures (which turned out to be Billericay). Moral of the story: seriously, never, ever put football before a woman! Twelve years have now passed since the last Hullbridge disaster. It’s all behind me now and I’m determined that tonight’s adventure will pass without incident… We arrive at the ground with minutes to spare but already there is a problem – only seven Clapton players have arrived. In some kind of bizarre mix-up the others have found themselves at Southend Manor’s Southchurch Park ground, thus causing mass confusion as Manor are hosting Basildon United tonight!
The delay gives us the chance to grab a quick pint and take in the early stages of the Champions league match at Manchester United, which is showing on the clubhouse telly. A glance out of the window tells us the missing men have arrived, although with the fog now closing in around Lower Road I wonder if we will see the match to its conclusion! Ed grabs a cuppa and some chips from tea bar. “Four minutes for the chips, mate” the man behind the counter informs him. The radio behind the bar is playing “Different Corner” by George Michael, and the man behind the counter sings his own word to the muffled music. Ed turns to me and states, “That’s the first time I’ve heard that sung with the word ‘cheese’ in it!” The chips are passed across the counter looking like they have been cooked four minutes too long, but once swimming in ketchup they give Ed the gourmet taste he requires. The game gets under way with Clapton making the early running – only a couple of smart saves from the home side’s goalie prevents the visitors taking the lead. Having spent a childhood watching the likes of Southend, Orient and Colchester I’m extremely cautious of over optimism, but tonight Clapton are performing better than I’ve seen them in ages...years even. A goal, Hullbridge take the lead, and it’s not just any goal, it’s a bloody good one, thundered in, Roy of the Rovers style, by Bridge’s Mike Shelley. Hullbridge begin to take control of the game but then, like a bolt out of the blue, Clapton draw level. Djibai Djaio has found the net from close range sending the visiting support into mild delirium as well as agitating the Hullbridge fullback, who receives a yellow card for his troubles. Despite several narrow escapes, we reach half time with the scores level. Clapton are clearly buoyed by the goal as they start the second half strongly, however once again our hopes are dashed as that man Shelley restores the home side’s lead. The game becomes somewhat scrappy as Hullbridge look to put the result beyond doubt but with twenty minutes to go Clapton once again pull level thanks to a spectacular effort from Ali Shikheey. This is it, I’m within touching distance of seeing a history making result; surely Clapton won’t throw it away this time? And surely, with about ten minutes left on the clock… Clapton throw it away. A mix-up in the visitors’ penalty area gives a chance to Chris Brown, who crashes home the night’s final goal. As the game ends, the already irate Hullbridge fullback receives his marching orders for a mis-timed tackle and Clapton almost grab a last gasp equalizer as the ball flashes agonisingly wide of the goalie’s left hand post. The referee’s whistle sounds with yours truly amid mixed emotions. Clapton had come mighty close to claiming a point – some could argue all three! On the other hand, twenty-six years is a long time, perhaps some kind of world record. If only Roy Castle were still with us, he could verify such a statistic. I might have even managed a cameo appearance on the Record Breakers! Had Clapton won where would that leave me? After all, God only knows if I have enough years left to achieve such a feat again! Therefore, I’m left with a dilemma. As I write this tale, we are planning a visit to the Old Spotted Dog to see Bowers & Pitsea FC, a team who like Clapton are from the lower reaches of the league, and one the Tons will fancy their chances of beating. Do I take the risk on ending the record run or should I play it safe and wait until they face a team from the top end of the league as I selfishly go in search of universal acknowledgement as the unluckiest football supporter in the world? The last time I saw Clapton win: THE FACTS - 9th May 1984 at Victoria Road Dagenham Clapton 1 Southend United 0 Clapton: Roy Drake, Gary Seymour, Mark Toms, Robert Waterfall, Gary Sawyer, Arnie Bynoe, Pat Staunton, Neil Satchell, Nigel McNeil, Barry Brooks, Ted Majoram, Jon Bolle, Gary Seward. Southend United: Mervyn Cawston, Micky Stead, Glenn Pennyfather, Billy Kellock, Paul Clark, Alan Moody, Adrian Owers, Warren May, Trevor Whymark, Greig Shepherd, Alan Rogers.
The above is an extract from Brian’s book "Airships, Engines and the FA Cup". His third book
“The Oliver Trigg Experience” is now available to order from Brian at
http://on.fb.me/1b9BPrg Brian actually went on to kill the ‘Clapton hoodoo’ when he attended our last match of the season at London Apsa in May. Our 4-2 victory at the Terence McMillan Stadium put paid to any aspirations he had to be on ‘Record Breakers’
CLAPTON FC FIXTURES 2013/14
Sat 10/08/13 Tue 13/08/13 Sat 17/08/13 Sat 17/08/13 Tue 27/08/13 Sat 31/08/13 Tue 03/09/13 Sat 07/09/13 Tue 10/09/13 Sat 14/09/13 Tue 17/09/13 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 ESL FA CUP FA CUP ESL FA CUP ESL ESL LCC ESL ESL FA VASE ESL ESL ESL ESL FA VASE ESL
Bowers and Pitsea Tower Hamlets Stanway Rovers Stanway Rovers London Bari Mildenhall Town Haringey Borough Hullbridge Sports Great Wakering Rovers London APSA Takeley Wotton Blue Cross Basildon United Ilford Stansted Sawbridgeworth Town Barking Southend Manor
A 0-0 H 2-3 H 0-0 A 1-0 A 2-0 H 0-2 H 1-1 A 0-0 H 1-1 H P H 2-0 A 1-0 A 0-2 H 4-0 AWAY HOME HOME AWAY
Jarriette, Alleyne Matthews Martelli, Hughes Coulson (p) Duyile (p) AET * Parker, Duyile Tacey Martelli 2, Jeffes, Jarriette 3.00PM 3.00PM 3.00PM 3.00PM
* Clapton lose on pens
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Bee’s sting lacklustre Clapton. Basildon United 2-0 Clapton Brian Jeeves reporting from Gardiners Close Basildon United sustained their respectable early Essex Senior League form with a comfortable victory over a strangely subdued Clapton at Gardiners Close. In a match that never really got beyond first gear, Bee’s Tyler Hayes seized upon the first real opportunity of the match, latching onto Terry Martin’s scuffed attempt to beat Tons’ Senegalese International keeper Pepe Diagne after 16 minutes. The home side continued to dominate. Diagne prevented the home side doubling their lead, producing a brilliant onehanded save to deny Martin. Clapton responded when Steve Brown in the home goal expertly fielded Rafael Duyile’s low drive. Clapton came into the game more during the second period. Nevertheless, Basildon always looked more likely to add to their tally. After George Cocklin had crashed an effort against the East Londoners woodwork, Issac Aubynn made sure of the points beating Diagne via an upright. This result leaves the Bee’s in fourth place while Clapton slip to twelfth. Basildon United: Brown, Smith, Anthony, Mustafa, Sinnott, Sutton, Aubynn, Cocklin, Akpele, Martin, Hayes. Substitutes: Dudley, Ogunseye, Alimi, Williams. Clapton: Diagne, Naylor, Moore, Lowes, De Souza, Duyile, Parker, Jarriette, Martello, Read. Substitutes: Alleyne, Pooley, Wise, Delovieria, Rungay. Attendance: 83
SENRAB FC a.k.a. Chelsea Juniors by John Walker
As the English football season is now in full swing, we focus on a local contributor to much of its talent - past and present. Wanstead Flats has possibly spawned more international footballers over the last four decades than any other public space in Britain, rivalled only by Hackney Marshes, as the listings in this article suggests. At least 18 future internationals have graced the local turf, and although many of them could not be considered world beaters, the list is only a goalkeeper short of a team that could, collectively, have qualified in most international tournaments, world-wide, over the decades. Ten are full English internationals who have accumulated over 430 caps between themselves. Over 150 of Senrab's players have moved on to play professional football. Senrab FC is a Sunday League football that plays on the Flats. It was founded in 1961 by Jimmy Tindall, later a youth development officer with West Ham. The selection criterion has been high from the outset; Tindall would only sign young players who had already played for their district, or county. In the early 1970's so many Senrab players signed for Chelsea that former player and current England assistant manager, Ray Lewington, nicknamed the club "Chelsea Juniors". The club currently operates 15 teams for age groups between 5 and 17 years old. As well as producing a number of future top flight players (see below), Senrab has produced a number of top rate coaches, including Dario Gradi, who until June 2007 was the longest-serving football manager, with Crewe. Given this remarkable track record, shockingly Senrab ran into financial difficulties a few years back, and one of its much maligned alumina, John Terry, donated an undisclosed sum to keep his junior club going, in 2011. It is a disgraceful reflection of the state of football in England today that while literally billions of pounds slush around the Sky-tv backed Premier League, the F.A. does, as its name suggests, so little to support the network that grooms and prepares this future talent, in their early and formative years. It is nothing short of scandalous that a team that nurtures so many players with huge potential - like Senrab - needs a begging bowl to provide the ÂŁ10k or so per season required to ignite a quality supply chain of footballing talent at local level. A week's wages for an average Premier League footballer could keep both Senrab and Clapton FC going for a couple of seasons. Yet both struggle for lack of almost any money at all. The Wanstead Flats club takes its name from Senrab Street in Stepney, where the players trained, originally. The name, incidentally is Barnes, spelled backwards - the name of another, local Stepney street.
The above is an extract from the excellent community website – www.e7nowandthen.org, which is run and edited by Friends of Clapton FC member John Walker. Lots of interesting facts and info about Forest Gate including the night Otis Redding came to town. Top that Sawbo !
THE LINE UPS CLAPTON FC Red Shirts, White Shorts, Red Socks Manager ; Chris Wood Assistant : Neil Day Player Sponsored by “THE TONS” Gavin Clarke PEPE DIAGNE SAM NAYLOR PETER MOORE Andrew Barr CRAIG GREENWOOD BEN LOWES ABS JARRIETTE G.V.O. JAMIE POOLEY JUSTIN MAYNARD STEVE PARKER REISS DE SOUZA Ian & Peter Simpson CORY ALLEYNE JOHNNY HUGHES NICK READ BILLY RUNGAY TOM JEFFES RAFAEL DUYILE JEROME MARTELLI WES D’OLIVERA BILLY WISE MATCH OFFICIALS : REFEREE – Karl May
SAWBRIDGEWORTH TOWN FC Blue and White Hoops Manager : Mark Das
TOM SELKIRK DAMIAN GREEN RICHARD LONGLEY ADAM MILES STEFAN SAZAJEWSKI SAM ZANONE TOM WHITBREAD JACK ZANONE KEVIN RILEY TERRY MARTIN JASON TODD LEWIS DEAMER LEWIS COOMBER MITCHELL DAS WILL GREEN MARK ROBINSON
LINOS :- David Margetts Aubu Taher
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“LET ‘EM COME, LET ’EM ALL COME DOWN TO THE DOG” 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
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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
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