Sunday 23 December 2012

TLFG: 24 December 2012 - 6 January 2013

Hi there and welcome to the festive edition of TLFG.

As is becoming the custom here, a bumper issue to cover the whole Christmas/New Year period has been produced so you can plan ahead and I can have a bit of time off!

Again, a hectic work and home schedule has kept me from watching any live action so I haven't got anything specific to write about this week.

One thing that has kept me thinking recently is the lack of interactivity this blog receives - I'd really like to hear what matches you've been watching or where you're planning on going.

I also love trying to answer your questions about what's on and where etc.

There's also plenty of space in the comments section to post your own match recommendations so please do.

If there's anything else you'd particularly like to see let me know and I'll see what I can do.

Anyway, have a great couple of weeks and enjoy the football!

LATEST TICKET NEWS
Each week at TLFG we attempt to compile a list of what's on general sale to non-members at London's Premier League clubs and for other notable matches (click on the team name for details).

Wednesday 6 February, 730pm - Brazil, international friendly, Wembley

Nothing currently available

CHELSEA
Wednesday 9 January, 745pm - Swansea City, League Cup (on sale 28 Dec)

Saturday 29 December, 3pm - Swansea City, Premier League
Saturday 5 January, 3pm - Blackpool, FA Cup
Saturday 12 January, 3pm - Wigan Athletic, Premier League
Wednesday 30 January, 8pm - West Ham United, Premier League
Saturday 23 February, 1245pm - Stoke City, Premier League

QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Wednesday 26 December, 3pm - West Bromwich Albion, Premier League
Saturday 5 January, 3pm - West Bromwich Albion, FA Cup
Monday 14 January, 8pm - Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League
Tuesday 29 January, 745pm - Manchester City, Premier League (on sale 3 Jan)

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Tuesday 1 January, 3pm - Reading, Premier League
Saturday 5 January, 3pm - Coventry City, FA Cup
Saturday 9 February, 1245pm - Newcastle United, Premier League

WEST HAM UNITED
Tuesday 1 January, 3pm - Norwich City, Premier League
Saturday 19 January, 3pm - QPR, Premier League
Saturday 2 February, 3pm - Swansea City, Premier League (on sale 1 Jan)

Of the games above, adult tickets for Chelsea's League Cup semi-final first leg against Swansea are only £25 so if they make it to general sale they could well be worth having.

In the Football League, Leyton Orient have knocked £5 off the price of all their adult tickets for their festive fixtures against Swindon Town (26 Dec) and Walsall (29 Dec).

Also, don't forget that all London clubs that are playing at home in the FA Cup third round on 5 January are offering discounts. The game between West Ham United and Manchester United is probably the most eye-catching but has now sold out. Admission to the other all Premier League tie between QPR and West Brom ranges from £25-35. It's £20 at White Hart Lane for Tottenham's game against Coventry, whilst you can get access to Fulham v Blackpool from £15 if bought in advance. There are also deals in place at Charlton, Crystal Palace and Millwall.

UPDATE (25/12/12): On Boxing Day, Isthmian League club Wingate & Finchley are running a 'Pay What You Want' scheme for Premier League, Football League and Conference season-ticket holders for their derby match against Hendon. They are at pains to stress that there is no minimum charge so you could go for free if you're feeling particularly Scroogelike.

Also, Millwall season-ticket holders will get in for half-price (£3.50) at Fisher for their games against Cray Valley (27 Dec) and Holmesdale (29 Dec).

Over the next two weeks there are over 150 matches taking place in the London area. Normally you might expect even more than this but many clubs playing at Step 5/Level 9 and below don't play as often as the bigger clubs with the Essex Senior League taking the whole Christmas and New Year period off (returning on 5 January).

Don't be too disappointed though, the rest of the games are largely derbies and other big games and we also have the FA Cup third round as well.

With all that in mind, I've done two match maps to make it easier to find a game. If you've never used them before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the left side of the page to make sure you get all the information.

CHRISTMAS MATCH MAP
Turquoise pin - Wednesday (Boxing Day) fixtures
Purple pin - Thursday fixtures
Blue pin - Saturday fixtures
Red pin - Sunday fixtures


View London match map 24-30 December 2012 in a larger map



NEW YEAR MATCH MAP
Green pin - Tuesday (New Year's Day) fixtures
Turquoise pin - Wednesday fixtures
Purple pin - Thursday fixtures
Blue pin - Saturday fixtures
Red pin - Sunday fixtures


View London match map 31 December 2012 - 6 January 2013 in a larger map


Bad weather will almost certainly see a few postponements as the weeks progress so, as always, check with clubs before you travel. Please also let me know if any of the details are wrong or missing.

As two weeks are covered in this blog, an attempt has been made at two sets of TLFG Top 10s. I hope you find them useful.

TLFG CHRISTMAS TOP 10


1. Arsenal v West Ham United (POSTPONED) - we begin with a London derby. Apparently the Gunners are a club in crisis but three consecutive wins have put them back in the Premier League's top four so I don't know what they really have to complain about. The Hammers are winless in three but should give their hosts a tough game - they haven't beaten Arsenal in their last 10 attempts though.  (Premier League, 26 Dec, 3pm. Ticket info)

2. Queens Park Rangers v Liverpool -  last season this fixture produced one of the matches of the season as relegation threatened QPR came from two goals down with 13 minutes to go to win 3-2. It was an inspirational performance which kick-started their season and saw them stay up by a whisker on the final day. Rangers are in even deeper trouble this time round and go up against a Liverpool side who are suffering some inconsistency. The Reds crushed Fulham on Saturday and should win here but we said that last year too.  (Premier League, 30 Dec, 4pm. Ticket info)

3. Dagenham & Redbridge v Southend United - this is in the top 10 primarily because it's a derby between two Essex clubs. The Daggers are having a better time in League Two this season, sitting comfortably in midtable. The Shrimpers, however, are pushing for an automatic promotion place so have plenty to play for.  (League Two, 26 Dec, 1pm. Ticket info

4. Dartford v Ebbsfleet United - another derby is yours for the taking at Princes Park on Boxing Day, this time of the Kent variety. The hosts start as big favourites as they continue to push for promotion. Ebbsfleet, on the other hand, are fighting for points at the other end of the table. If you've not been to this ground before, it's one of the best at non-league level. (Conference Premeir, 26 Dec, 1pm. Ticket info)

5. AFC Hornchurch v Billericay Town - there's more derby fun to be enjoyed in the Conference South where these two Essex rivals meet for the fourth time this season (the visitors are two wins to one up so far). Last season Billericay beat the Urchins to the Isthmian League title but they joined them at the higher level via the play-offs. Only a point currently separates them in the table so the stakes are high.  (Conference South, 29 Dec, 3pm. Ticket info)

6. Sutton United v Welling United (POSTPONED) - elsewhere in the division we've got a south London derby. These two met in the Conference South play-off semi-finals last season which the Wings won over two legs. Sutton aren't doing so well this time round but are climbing the table after a couple of wins. Welling are third with games in hand on the top two and look good having won their last six. (Conference South, 29 Dec, 3pm. Ticket info)

7. Harrow Borough v Wealdstone - the Harrow derby is a fixture I always look for. The hosts are traditionally the underdogs and will start this one very much as second favourites. This is mainly because they are going through their annual fight against relegation while the Stones would be top if they won their games in hand. For a game at this level, it's a big one. (Isthmian League Premeir Division, 26 Dec, 3pm. Club info)

8. Aveley v Grays Athletic (POSTPONED) - the big games come thick and fast in Essex over the next few days. Not only are these two local rivals, they're both very much in the hunt for promotion to the Isthmian Premier. Although Maldon & Tiptree seem to have sealed the title already (!) only a point separate these two who stand fourth and second respectively.  (Isthmian League Division 1 North, 26 Dec, 3pm. Club info)

9. Walton & Hersham v Walton Casuals (POSTPONED) - the clubs' names say it all really, yup you guessed it another derby. The hosts are having a much better season than their opponents who are currently rooted to the bottom of the table. However, a win here could lift them up a place.  (Isthmian League Division 1 South, 26 Dec, 3pm. Club info)

10. Erith & Belvedere v Erith Town (POSTPONED) - this match has got so much going for it. Not only does it pit two local rivals against each other, they are also neck and neck in the race for the Kent League crown. The visitors are currently two points ahead so it should be a cracker. (Kent League Premier Division, 26 Dec, 1pm. Club info)

TLFG NEW YEAR TOP 10

1. Chelsea v Queens Park Rangers - THE west London derby has its latest playing early in the New Year. Struggling Rangers always raise their game when they play the Blues and usually run them quite close, except that is when they last met at Stamford Bridge in April. Chelsea thrashed them 6-1 leaving many Hoops fans to think relegation was inevitable (somehow they avoided it). With only one win this season, QPR should lose here again but they did draw and arguably had the better chances when the two met in September. (Premier League, 2 Jan, 745pm. Ticket info)

2. West Ham United v Manchester United - one of the ties of the FA Cup third round. For some reason the powers that be at Upton Park saw fit to slash prices for this game and consequently tickets have officially sold out. The Hammers' record against Sir Alex Ferguson's teams in recent seasons has been pretty poor with defeats by three or four goal margins quite common. I'm expecting a bit more from the east London club this time. (FA Cup, 5 Jan, 515pm. Ticket info)

3. Crystal Palace v Stoke City - Ian Holloway's Eagles are currently third in the Championship and have only lost one of their last 10 games. This is just the kind of opponent the Premier League Potters would've hoped to avoid in the third-round draw but that's what the FA Cup is all about. Stoke shouldn't be underestimated though as Tony Pulis has gone about making them a decent side once again - eight games without defeat is testament to this. Could be a cracker. (FA Cup, 5 Jan, 3pm. Ticket info

4. Watford v Charlton Athletic - in Championship terms this is a derby. The Hornets are having a fine time of things at the moment and moved into the top six with a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The Addicks are more concerned with avoiding the drop and after a fine run of results seemed to have pulled them away, two defeats on the spin have got them looking over their shoulders again. (Championship, 1 Jan, 1pm, Ticket info)

5. Brentford v AFC Bournemouth - after the disappointment of having their sold-out match against Stevenage rained off, the Bees will hope to make the most of the festive period to keep themselves firmly in the hunt for promotion from League One. The visitors currently sit on the fringe of the play-off places so a good contest should ensue. (League One, 1 Jan, 3pm. Ticket info)

6. Barnet v Aldershot Town - this League Two encounter isn't likely to be one for the purists among you as it features two of the division's strugglers. Consequently there's a lot to play for. One place and two points separate the sides who have both generated 13 points from their last 10 games. It couldn't be much closer. (League Two, 1 Jan, 3pm. Ticket info)

7. Bromley v Sutton United - in the Conference South there's a south London derby to be enjoyed on New Year's Day. The hosts are struggling at the moment but the table is so tight that a couple of wins could change everything. With only eight points between the play-off and relegation places, Sutton could also get right back into the promotion race if they have a good festive period. (Conference South, 1 Jan, 3pm. Ticket info)

8. Kingstonian v Hampton & Richmond Borough - these two giants of the south-west London non-league scene do battle on 1 January. Hampton have been playing at a higher level for the last few years so this is the first time they've met in the league for a while. After getting off to a flying start they've slid from top to eighth, below the K's who have won four on the trot in all competitions. The smart money must be on the hosts. (Isthmian League Premier Division, 1 Jan, 3pm. Ticket info).

9. Dulwich Hamlet v Tooting & Mitcham United - a bit further to the east we have this game between two south London rivals. Dulwich are going for the title once again in this division while Tooting have been struggling after suffering relegation last season. Form is likely to go out the window as these two old rivals battle for the local bragging rights. (Isthmian League Division 1 South, 1 Jan, 3pm. Club info

10. Molesey v Guernsey - two of the Combined Counties League's top six provide the entertainment at Walton Road on 5 January. For weeks now I've been expecting the team from the Channel Islands to go top but it still hasn't happened and Egham Town have hung on. The Green Lions do have five games in hand but the gap is now 10 points so they won't be able to make many errors. Although the Moles should provide decent opposition, they are currently on a run of three straight defeats so it looks like being tough for them. (Combined Counties League Premier Division, 5 Jan, 3pm. Ticket info)

If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via FacebookTwitter or email.

Sunday 16 December 2012

TLFG: 17-23 December 2012

I'm currently about to start day six of a seven day working week so getting this week's blog out on time has been a struggle.

Although it's pretty much all there, I feel as if it's been a little rushed so apologies if you think that too.

There was much rejoicing at TLFG Towers yesterday when QPR finally won a game and what a good one to win it was too - the derby against Fulham.

Sadly I was working and missed it!

The only football action I've seen in the flesh this week were a few grabbed seconds of the Combined Counties League clash between Worcester Park and Feltham as I viewed from a train (Worcester Park station's southbound platform overlooks the ground). The visitors went close to scoring from a corner but ultimately lost 3-0.

Anyway, on with this week's blog...

LATEST TICKET NEWS
Each week at TLFG we attempt to compile a list of what's on general sale to non-members at London's Premier League clubs and for other notable matches (click on the team name for details).

Wednesday 6 February, 8pm - Brazil, international friendly, Wembley

Nothing currently available

CHELSEA
Nothing currently available

Wednesday 26 December, 3pm - Southampton, Premier League
Saturday 29 December, 3pm - Swansea City, Premier League
Saturday 5 January, 5pm - Blackpool, FA Cup (on sale 20 Dec)
Saturday 12 January, 3pm - Wigan Athletic, Premier League
Wednesday 30 January, 8pm - West Ham United, Premier League
Saturday 23 February, 1245pm - Stoke City, Premier League (on sale 20 Dec)

QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Wednesday 26 December, 3pm - West Bromwich Albion, Premier League
Saturday 5 January, 3pm - West Bromwich Albion, FA Cup

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Saturday 22 December, 3pm - Stoke City, Premier League
Tuesday 1 January, 3pm - Reading, Premier League
Saturday 5 January, 3pm - Coventry City, FA Cup (on sale 19 Dec)

WEST HAM UNITED
Saturday 22 December, 3pm - Everton, Premier League
Tuesday 1 January, 3pm - Norwich City, Premier League
Saturday 5 January, 515pm - Manchester United, FA Cup
Saturday 19 January, 3pm - QPR, Premier League (on sale 18 Dec)

Outside the Premier League, Christmas is coming early with many Football League clubs offering incentives to get you to come along this Saturday (22 December). It's kids for a quid at Watford who entertain former European champions Nottingham Forest, while there are also cheap tickets on offer at Crystal Palace and Millwall but you do have to know a season-ticket holder or member to get one.

The deal of the week, however, is to be found at Griffin Park where it's 'Pay What You Want' for Brentford's League One game against Stevenage. When you consider this is effectively a derby and it's between two of the division's best teams, it really is a great offer. If you can't make it to that game but live nearby, they're also offering discounted admission for their FA Cup second round replay against penalty kings Bradford City on Tuesday (18 Dec) so this really is the week to visit Brentford.

Elsewhere in League One, Leyton Orient have knocked £5 off the price of all their adult tickets for their festive fixtures against Swindon Town (26 Dec) and Walsall (29 Dec).

Also, don't forget that all London clubs that are playing at home in the FA Cup third round on 5 January are offering discounts. The game between West Ham United and Manchester United is probably the most eye-catching with tickets to non-members costing £30. Admission to the other all Premier League tie between QPR and West Brom ranges from £25-35. It's £20 at White Hart Lane for Tottenham's game against Coventry, whilst you can get access to Fulham v Blackpool from £15 if bought in advance. There are also deals in place at Charlton, Crystal Palace and Millwall. Not all have gone on sale yet so check with clubs when you can get hold of them.

Over the next seven days there are over 60 matches taking place in the London area. It's a little less than normal as clubs save themselves for the orgy of football that takes place from Boxing Day onwards.

Last year, compiling TLFG for that period was a huge effort and I compared the final product to the Christmas Radio Times as it was so packed with entertaining fixtures.

I'm still not sure of how I'm going to do it yet as I'm at home this year and don't need to compile a double issue, however I think a lot of readers like it so they can plan ahead. I'll have a think...

With all that in mind, here's this week's match map. If you've never used it before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the left side of the page to make sure you get all the information.

MATCH MAP
Green pin - Tuesday fixtures
Turquoise pin - Wednesday fixtures
Magenta pin - Friday fixtures
Blue pin - Saturday fixtures
Red pin - Sunday fixtures


View London match map 17-23 December 2012 in a larger map

Bad weather will almost certainly see a few postponements as the week progresses so, as always, check with clubs before you travel. Please also let me know if any of the details are wrong or missing.

Next up is this blog's top 10 recommendations of games that could be particularly worth watching this week, feel free to mention your own in the comments section below.

TLFG TOP 10


1. West Ham United v Everton - not a hugely glamorous match on paper but hopefully an entertaining one. At the time of writing the Toffees are in the top four after another season of shrewd management by David Moyes. The Hammers, if they win at West Brom today, could start this match in seventh in what has been a fine return to the top flight for them. Either way this should be a well matched, physical contest as the sides continue their quest for a place in Europe.  (Premier League, 22 Dec, 3pm. Ticket info)

2. Watford v Nottingham Forest -  after a shaky start to life under manager Gianfranco Zola, the Hornets have really started to pick up some momentum having lost only twice in 10 league games. Although they've slightly gone off the boil over the last week, they are still just two points away from the play-off places. Former European champions Forest are only a point behind them so, as above, a decent match should ensue. It's also 'Kids For A Quid'. (Championship, 22 Dec, 3pm. Ticket info)

3. Brentford v Stevenage - As mentioned above, this match sees two of League One's best sides go head-to-head at Griffin Park. Stevenage play just outside TLFG's catchment area so we don't usually cover them but this can fairly reasonably be described as a derby. To top it all the Bees are offering a 'Pay What You Want' deal so it's a great time to pay them a visit. (League One, 22 Dec, 3pm. Ticket info

4. Boreham Wood v Hayes & Yeading United - two promotion contenders in the Conference South play on Saturday in another derby. Hayes would normally feature in TLFG but over the last year or so they've been playing their games at Woking's ground (outside our area) while their own new one is built. The hosts are in better form at the moment so should shade it. (Conference South, 15 Dec, 3pm. Club info)

5. Dulwich Hamlet v Wealdstone - the second best team in the Isthmian League Division 1 South host the third best team in the division above them in the League Cup. The hosts will want to prove themselves against a team from the level they aspire to play at while the Stones will look to continue their great run of form that saw them crush Enfield Town 4-0 on Saturday. (Isthmian League Cup, 19 Dec, 745pm. Club info)

6. Thamesmead Town v Heybridge Swifts - with Charlton Athletic on their doorstep, Thamesmead struggle to get recognition despite doing rather well. At the time of writing they've made it into the Isthmian League Division 1 North's top six and a therefore well in with a shot at promotion. If they are to be taken seriously then they'll have to do well in this game against third place Heybridge who are there for the taking given their current very inconsistent form.   (Isthmian League Division 1 North, 22 Dec, 3pm. Club info)

7. North Greenford United v AFC Hayes - neither side are having a spectacularly good season but this is a local derby and Greenford especially need to scrap for every point they can get as they look to avoid relegation. The visitors have had a much better season but midtable security looks like the best they'll achieve. It's a good option on an otherwise quiet Tuesday night.  (Southern League Division 1 Central, 18 Dec, 745pm. Club info)

8. Bethnal Green United v Sporting Bengal United - the latest playing of the Mile End derby takes place on Saturday. Both clubs play at the Mile End Stadium and both have their roots in the local Bengali community, although players from all backgrounds represent them. For football at this level it usually attracts a decent crowd and it gets quite lively. Bethnal usually hold the upper hand on these occasions and this time should be no different.  (Essex Senior League, 22 Dec, 3pm. Club info)

9. Hillingdon Borough v Harefield United - again we have a match where neither side are having a particularly great season but it is a derby. Both sides have their grounds effectively on the same road although they're about two miles apart. Well worth a watch if you live to the west of town. (Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division, 22 Dec, 3pm. Club info)

10. London Lions v Cockfosters - regular readers will know that I went to see the reverse fixture played just over a month ago. The Lions started that day below Cockfosters but won 3-1 and are now Spartan South Midlands League Division 1 leaders and still have games in hand on all the other clubs in the top five. The visitors are still third though and were unlucky not to get at least a point when they last met. (Spartan South Midlands League Division 1, 22 Dec, 2pm. Club info)


If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via FacebookTwitter or email.

Sunday 9 December 2012

TLFG: 10-16 December 2012

Hello there and welcome to a chilly, wintry edition of TLFG.

With the first snow of the year falling on parts of the capital over the last few days, some matches were called off.

Fortunately for me, my chosen game beat the weather so I enjoyed my first non-league outing for a few weeks.

An English friend of mine has recently moved back from Germany to take up a new job here in London so I decided to take him to the match that was taking place nearest to him.

Despite warning him of the £10 entry fee there were no grumbles, and we happily set off to watch the Isthmian League Premier Division relegation 'six-pointer' between Hendon and Carshalton Athletic.

For those of you who don't know, the Greens no longer play at their spiritual home on Claremont Road in what is more Cricklewood than Hendon. Instead they groundshare with Wembley FC at Vale Farm some four miles to the west.

There's little evidence of Hendon's existence at the turnstiles
The loss of Claremont Road has been a real blow for Hendon whose crowds and finances have suffered accordingly.

In recent years, the running of the club has been taken over by a supporters trust and they have done a superb job to keep the club going.

Last season they were still in contention for promotion to the Conference South on the final day but ultimately they missed out.

Hendon celebrate Julian Owusu-Bekoe's opening goal
Given how things have gone this year (they were joint bottom with Carshalton at the start of play), a stint at a higher level could have been disastrous.

Usually I approach Vale Farm from Sudbury Town but given my friend's new location we took the North Wembley option and walked across the muddy sports fields off East Lane rather than go all the way up to Watford Road.

After warming himself up with a cup of tea, my friend began to enthusiastically root for the hosts but chances for them were few and far between.

However, somewhat against the run of play they took the lead on 38 minutes and then doubled their advantage before the break.

The Robins came out stronger after the interval and after a defensive lapse by Greens captain Scott Cousins let them back in it looked like an equaliser would emerge.

Sadly for them the only thing that did was the bare chests (and moobs) of most of their travelling supporters despite the freezing conditions.

The tops come off as Carshalton push for an equaliser
Gary McCann's side even managed a third to make sure of the points late on.

My friend seemed to really enjoy his first non-league match and I get the feeling he would go again. Another convert!

I forgot to mention earlier, that I got in for £5 as I'm a season-ticket holder at QPR and the same offer applies to all such people at all Premier League, Football League and even Scottish League clubs.



LATEST TICKET NEWS
Each week at TLFG we attempt to compile a list of what's on general sale to non-members at London's Premier League clubs and for other notable matches (click on the team name for details).

Wednesday 6 February, 8pm - Brazil, international friendly, Wembley

Nothing currently available

CHELSEA
Nothing currently available

Monday 10 December, 8pm - Newcastle United, Premier League
Wednesday 26 December, 3pm - Southampton, Premier League
Saturday 29 December, 3pm - Swansea City, Premier League
Saturday 12 January, 3pm - Wigan Athletic, Premier League
Wednesday 30 January, 8pm - West Ham United, Premier League

QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Saturday 15 December, 3pm - Fulham, Premier League
Wednesday 26 December, 3pm - West Bromwich Albion, Premier League
Saturday 5 January, 3pm - West Bromwich Albion, FA Cup

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Sunday 16 December, 130pm - Swansea City, Premier League
Saturday 22 December, 3pm - Stoke City, Premier League
Tuesday 1 January, 3pm - Reading, Premier League

WEST HAM UNITED
Saturday 22 December, 3pm - Everton, Premier League
Tuesday 1 January, 3pm - Norwich City, Premier League
Saturday 5 January, 515pm - Manchester United, FA Cup (on sale 13 Dec)

Looking forward a few weeks (5 January) we have the FA Cup Third Round. All London's clubs that are playing at home have announced their ticket prices and all are offering discounts. The game between West Ham United and Manchester United is probably the most eye-catching with tickets to non-members costing £30. Admission to the other all Premier League tie between QPR and West Brom ranges from £25-35. It's £20 at White Hart Lane for Tottenham's game against Coventry, whilst you can get access to Fulham v Blackpool from £15 if bought in advance. There are also deals in place at Charlton, Crystal Palace and Millwall. Not all have gone on sale yet so check with clubs when you can get hold of them.

Don't forget that in-form Brentford are running a 'Pay What You Want' scheme (minimum £1) for their League One match against Stevenage on 22 December so put it in your diary if you want to see two of the best teams in that division on the cheap.

Over the next seven days there are over 70 matches taking place in the London area. We've got big derbies, FA Trophy ties, lots of county cup matches and some FA Youth Cup fixtures to look forward to.

With all that in mind, here's this week's match map. If you've never used it before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the left side of the page to make sure you get all the information.

MATCH MAP
Yellow pin - Monday fixtures
Green pin - Tuesday fixtures
Turquoise pin - Wednesday fixtures
Magenta pin - Friday fixtures
Blue pin - Saturday fixtures
Red pin - Sunday fixtures


View London match map 10-16 December 2012 in a larger map

As a result of the bad weather some cup matches have been rescheduled for the next few days and their outcomes will impact on some of Saturday's fixtures so there could be some changes. Further inclement conditions will almost certainly see more postponements as the week progresses so, as always, check with clubs before you travel. Please also let me know if any of the details are wrong or missing.

Next up is this blog's top 10 recommendations of games that could be particularly worth watching this week, feel free to mention your own in the comments section below.

TLFG TOP 10

1. Queens Park Rangers v Fulham - we kick-off this week's top 10 with a west London derby. Traditionally QPR's biggest rivalry has been with Chelsea but this ranks pretty close. Rangers are historically the bigger team but over the last 15 years there has been a power shift which has seen the Cottagers become the bigger and better club (much as I hate to admit it). In terms of playing achievement, Fulham have fairly comfortably consolidated their place in the Premier League and even reached a Europa League final. Since returning to the top flight, Rangers have been a bit nouveau riche with their cash and it's got them nowhere. Despite all this, most QPR fans will regard this as a 'winnable' fixture whereas in reality yet another draw will be a good result.  (Premier League, 15 Dec, 3pm. Ticket info)

2. Tottenham Hotspur v Swansea City -  at first glance I didn't think this was a particularly noteworthy fixture but as I thought more about it, the more it appealed. If Swansea had beaten Norwich yesterday they would actually be in fourth place on level points with Spurs. Sadly they lost and Tottenham could move six points clear if they beat Everton later today. However, this still means the clubs are evenly matched and should put on a great show. I've seen both sides play this season - Spurs were poor against QPR while Swansea annihilated them. Overall, the hosts are in better form but the visitors can get wins almost anywhere as they showed at Arsenal last week. A very tough one to call. (Premier League, 16 Dec, 130pm. Ticket info)

3. Millwall v Leicester City - the Lions' amazing 13-game unbeaten run which lifted them into the play-off places came to a very disappointing end at struggling Ipswich on Saturday. Manager Kenny Jackett will want to lift his men as soon as possible so as not to lose ground over the busy Christmas period. The visit of Leicester is the perfect time to start as they are one of their main rivals for a top-six place. Win this and the Bermondsey club will be right back on track. (Championship, 15 Dec, 3pm. Ticket info)

4. Dagenham & Redbridge v Barnet - After grinding out a draw in Saturday's derby against AFC Wimbledon, the Bees have to do battle with another local rival in their next game. The struggling north London side enjoyed a bit of a 'bounce' when Edgar Davids joined the club a couple of months ago but they're now five games without a win and back at the bottom of the League Two table. Dagenham found themselves in a fairly similar position last season but managed to pull away and finish comfortably. After a fairly shaky start they've strung a few wins together and a season in midtable looks likely. Despite this, Barnet could sneak a win here. (League Two, 15 Dec, 3pm. Ticket info

5. Dartford v Tonbridge Angels - this weekend sees the playing of the Second Round Proper of the FA Trophy which means we're down to the last 32 teams. If you don't know, this is a knockout competition for teams that play at the top four levels of non-league football with the final played at Wembley in March. In this instance, the draw has given us a Kent derby. Dartford are one of the best non-league sides in the country at the moment but a run of three straight defeats has seen them slip to sixth in the Conference National. Tonbridge play in the division below and are not in the best form themselves but will almost certainly raise their game as they look to pull off an upset. (FA Trophy, 15 Dec, 3pm. Ticket info)

6. Bromley v Kidderminster Harriers - Elsewhere in south-east London, the Ravens welcome another top Conference club to the capital for a very similar match-up to the game above. Bromley, like Tonbridge, are having an unspectacular time in the Conference South while Kidderminster are well placed for a tilt at promotion in the division above. The main difference between Dartford and Kidderminster is that the latter are in form, winning their last five league games. In fact, the last team to beat them were League One side Oldham Athletic in the FA Cup. Away win.  (FA Trophy, 15 Dec, 3pm. Ticket info)

7. Sutton United v Oxford City - By their high standards, Sutton have had a pretty rubbish start to the season. However, they seem to have turned a corner and are now climbing the Conference South table. Their opponents from the parallel Conference North division are having a much better time and sit just a win away from a play-off place. That form and the fact Sutton have a pretty poor home record means it could be a good day for the visitors.  (FA Trophy, 15 Dec, 3pm. Ticket info)

8. Wealdstone v Enfield Town - on Saturday the title chasing Stones suffered a significant 3-0 loss at promotion rivals Lowestoft. It saw them drop five points behind the leaders Margate and saw their vanquishers close on them. Nonetheless they remain third as this was their first league defeat since August. Enfield are new in this division and are pottering along quite nicely in midtable so why is this significant? During the 1980s, Wealdstone and Enfield were two of the best clubs in non-league football with both winning what is now the Conference and FA Trophy and thus both came close to Football League status. Both clubs have since fallen on hard times and have gone through a process of rebuilding at new locations. In the case of Enfield, the club split into two rival teams but 'Town' are the more senior by two divisions. Both clubs will have fans who remember the great days of the '80s and I'm hoping the old rivalry will generate a decent game and a big crowd. (Isthmian League Premier Division, 15 Dec, 3pm. Ticket info)

9. Ashford Town (Middlesex) v Royston Town - shallow I know, but the sign of a well-run forward thinking club to me is a good website. Ashford have one of the best independently created (i.e. not Pitchero/clubwebsite etc) and maintained ones in the London area. The info it contains is useful and easy to find and I'm told by other bloggers that club officials always provide a warm welcome. Sadly despite all these efforts they struggle to get crowds (average 97) so I urge you to check them out as they take on league leaders Royston Town on Saturday. The hosts are doing okay this season with a play-off place not out of the question. The visitors have only lost twice in the league all season but with Godalming and Burnham only a point behind, there'll be no room for complacency.  (Southern League Division 1 Central, 15 Dec, 3pm. Ticket info)

10. Erith & Belvedere v Rochester United - it's a very big weekend in the Kent League with all members of the top four playing each other. While fourth place Whyteleafe entertain leaders Erith Town, it's second versus third at Park View Road. Already it looks like a two-horse race between the two Erith clubs for the title and there is a significant five-point gap between them. Rochester are a further four points behind the Deres so a win is almost essential for both.  (Kent League Premier Division, 15 Dec, 3pm. Club info)


If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via FacebookTwitter or email.

Sunday 2 December 2012

TLFG: 3-9 December 2012

It's been another busy week at work, QPR and home - consequently I'm going to cut the content a bit this time.

Despite all the above I made it to Loftus Road for QPR v Aston Villa. There were some encouraging signs from Rangers under Harry Redknapp but there were still a lot of errors and that elusive win looked as distant as ever at times.

As I said, this week's post is a little shorter than normal but it still includes this week's ticket news and match map. The top 10 is still there too but I haven't had time to qualify my selections - hopefully it will be quite obvious why I've chosen them.


LATEST TICKET NEWS
Each week at TLFG we attempt to compile a list of what's on general sale to non-members at London's Premier League clubs and for other notable matches (click on the team name for details).

Wednesday 6 February, 8pm - Brazil, international friendly, Wembley (on sale 4 Dec)

Nothing currently available

CHELSEA
Wednesday 2 January, 745pm - Queens Park Rangers, Premier League (on sale 4 Dec)

Monday 10 December, 8pm - Newcastle United, Premier League
Wednesday 26 December, 3pm - Southampton, Premier League
Saturday 29 December, 3pm - Swansea City, Premier League
Saturday 12 January, 3pm - Wigan Athletic, Premier League
Wednesday 30 January, 8pm - West Ham United, Premier League

QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Saturday 15 December, 3pm - Fulham, Premier League
Wednesday 26 December, 3pm - West Bromwich Albion, Premier League

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Thursday 6 December, 805pm - Panathinaikos, Europa League
Sunday 16 December, 130pm - Swansea City, Premier League
Saturday 22 December, 3pm - Stoke City, Premier League
Tuesday 1 January, 3pm - Reading, Premier League

WEST HAM UNITED
Sunday 9 December, 4pm - Liverpool, Premier League
Saturday 22 December, 3pm - Everton, Premier League
Tuesday 1 January, 3pm - Norwich City, Premier League

Looking forward a few weeks, Brentford are running a 'Pay What You Want' scheme (minimum £1) for their League One match against Stevenage on 22 December so put it in your diary if you like planning ahead.

Over the next seven days there are over 80 matches happening in the London area. We've got big derbies, some FA Vase ties, lots of county cup matches and some interesting NextGen Series and FA Youth Cup fixtures to look forward to.

With all that in mind, here's this week's match map. If you've never used it before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the left side of the page to make sure you get all the information.

MATCH MAP
Yellow pin - Monday fixtures
Green pin - Tuesday fixtures
Turquoise pin - Wednesday fixtures
Purple pin - Thursday fixtures
Blue pin - Saturday fixtures
Red pin - Sunday fixtures


View London match map 3-9 December 2012 in a larger map

As always, please check with the host club whether a match is still taking place before you travel. Please also let me know if any of the details are wrong or missing. Some matches are still to be confirmed because of midweek replays so I will try and remember to add them as the week goes on.

Next up is this blog's top 10 recommendations of games I think could be particularly worth watching this week, feel free to mention your own in the comments section below.

TLFG TOP 10


1. Chelsea v FC Nordsjaelland - . (Champions League, 5 Dec, 745pm. Ticket info)

2. Tottenham Hotspur v Panathinaikos - (Europa League, 6 Dec, 805pm. Ticket info)

3. West Ham United v Liverpool - (Premier League, 9 Dec, 4pm. Ticket info)

4. Crystal Palace v Blackpool - (Championship, 8 Dec, 3pm. Ticket info

5. Brentford v MK Dons - (League One, 8 Dec, 3pm. Ticket info)

6. Barnet v AFC Wimbledon -  (League Two, 8 Dec, 3pm. Ticket info)

7. Welling United v Bromley - (Conference South, 4 Dec, 745pm. Ticket info)

8. Bethnal Green United v Ely City - (FA Vase, 8 Dec, 3pm. Club info)

9. Colliers Wood United v Ascot United - (FA Vase, 8 Dec, 3pm. Club info)

10. Enfield 1893 v Dunstable Town - (FA Vase, 8 Dec, 3pm. Club info)


If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via FacebookTwitter or email.

Sunday 25 November 2012

TLFG: 26 November - 2 December 2012

I'm going to keep it brief again this week as footballwise I've had another quiet one.

Work has seen me keep some funny hours and my heavily pregnant wife doesn't like me heading off to obscure football grounds on the far side of London on midweek nights and you can't really blame her!

On the QPR front, I'm disappointed for Mark Hughes but he can't really have too many complaints given the support he's received from the board.

I'm also pleased with the appointment of Harry Redknapp who has done some great things at clubs in recent years. Portsmouth are the most comparable and whilst the highs were very high for a team of their size, the lows since have been desperate.

I'm very conscious that QPR must currently be spending well beyond their means and am pretty sure relegation will see us descend into a third spell in administration before too long (depending entirely on the board's commitment).

In other words Harry - no pressure!


LATEST TICKET NEWS
Each week at TLFG we attempt to compile a list of what's on general sale to non-members at London's Premier League clubs and for other notable matches (click on the team name for details).

Nothing currently available

CHELSEA
Wednesday 28 November, 745pm - Fulham, Premier League
Sunday 23 December, 4pm - Aston Villa, Premier League (on sale 26 Nov)

Monday 10 December, 8pm - Newcastle United, Premier League
Wednesday 26 December, 3pm - Southampton, Premier League
Saturday 29 December, 3pm - Swansea City, Premier League
Saturday 12 January, 3pm - Wigan Athletic, Premier League
Wednesday 30 January, 8pm - West Ham United, Premier League

QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Saturday 1 December, 3pm - Aston Villa, Premier League
Saturday 15 December, 3pm - Fulham, Premier League

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Wednesday 28 November, 745pm - Liverpool, Premier League
Thursday 6 December, 805pm - Panathinaikos, Europa League
Sunday 16 December, 130pm - Swansea City, Premier League
Saturday 22 December, 3pm - Stoke City, Premier League

WEST HAM UNITED
Saturday 1 December, 1245pm - Chelsea, Premier League
Sunday 9 December, 4pm - Liverpool, Premier League
Saturday 22 December, 3pm - Everton, Premier League
Tuesday 1 January, 3pm - Norwich City, Premier League

Special deals this week include entry for between £10-15 at The Valley for Charlton Athletic's Championship clash against Peterborough United on Tuesday.

Lower down the pyramid, the offer of the week is to be had at Coles Park where Haringey Borough are letting everyone in FOR FREE as they take on Aylesbury United in the Spartan South Midlands League. The north London club play on White Hart Lane just down the road from Spurs so give them your support if you're around on Saturday afternoon.

Over the next seven days there are over 80 matches happening in the London area. We've got big derbies, some FA Trophy and FA Vase replays, lots of county cup matches and some interesting U21 Premier League and FA Youth Cup fixtures to look forward to.

With all that in mind, here's this week's match map. If you've never used it before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the left side of the page to make sure you get all the information.

MATCH MAP
Yellow pin - Monday fixtures
Green pin - Tuesday fixtures
Turquoise pin - Wednesday fixtures
Magenta pin - Friday fixtures
Blue pin - Saturday fixtures


View London match map 26 November - 2 December 2012 in a larger map

As always, please check with the host club whether a match is still taking place before you travel. Please also let me know if any of the details are wrong or missing.

Next up is this blog's top 10 recommendations of games we think could be particularly worth watching this week, feel free to mention your own in the comments section below.

TLFG TOP 10

1. Chelsea v Fulham - we kick-off this week with a west London derby. I think I'm right in saying that these clubs are geographically the closest to each other among the capital's professional sides (a little over a mile apart) and yet the rivalry isn't as fierce as some others in town. The Cottagers are traditionally a much smaller club and until Mr Al-Fayed's investment in 1997 were playing in what is now known as League Two. Consequently they aren't deemed as much of a threat by the Blues and their supporters. Although they might not be a major challenge when it comes to trophies, the Stamford Bridge side often find it hard to beat them with the last three league meetings all ending in draws. Another one looks likely. (Wednesday 28 November, 745pm. Ticket info)

2. Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - it looks like being a busy Wednesday night in old London town as two of the Premier League's grand old clubs do battle in the north. Spurs have blown hot and cold this season with some great results and some rather poor ones but they come into this on the back of a morale boosting 3-1 win over West Ham. The Reds on the other hand have just been dull by their standards - very tough to beat (only one defeat in 10 league outings) but also very short on wins. Another very tough one to call. (Wednesday 28 November, 745pm. Ticket info)

3. Queens Park Rangers v Aston Villa - another huge game for the hosts as they continue their quest for a win. Fellow strugglers Villa are the next to visit - will they be the ones to succumb? If you missed it, the big news from Shepherd's Bush this weekend was the appointment of Harry Redknapp as a replacement for the departed Mark Hughes. This will be his first home game in charge so expectation will be higher than normal. (Saturday 1 December, 3pm. Ticket info)

4. Crystal Palace v Brighton & Hove Albion - the Seagulls come to London on Saturday for one of the weekend's biggest matches in the Championship. Their Amex stadium is less than 40 miles to the south of Selhurst Park so their fans will probably see this as a derby. They are also two of the best sides in the division with Palace in second and Brighton in eighth. The match has been made all ticket (meaning you must buy one before the day of the game) to further emphasise its status as a game of note. (Saturday 1 December, 3pm. Ticket info

5. Millwall v Charlton Athletic - not sure if the above is a proper derby? Then be in no doubt that this one most definitely is. Not much more than three miles separate these south-east London rivals and the atmosphere is likely to be tense. Personally I'm quite surprised it's been scheduled for the same time as the Palace match - the trains in this area are likely to be 'busy' to say the least. Geographical background aside, the Lions are actually on a great run (five wins in the last six) and have climbed into the top six. The Addicks are also doing well after an iffy patch with three wins in four so this has the makings of a pretty decent game. (Saturday 1 December, 3pm. Ticket info)

6. Wealdstone v Bury Town - there are some big games in the Isthmian League Premier Division this week and the first happens on Monday night when the third-placed Stones host Bury Town who are just a point and a place behind them. Gordon Bartlett's side haven't lost in the league since August and yet they're still not top, showing you just how exciting the title race looks like being this season. Head down to Grosvenor Vale to see if there's another twist. (Monday 26 November, 745pm. Ticket info)

7. Hampton & Richmond Borough v Margate - the other match of note takes place on Saturday when second-placed Margate pay a visit to the Beveree. Hampton were the early pacesetters but two consecutive defeats have seen them slip to fifth. The visitors have won their last three and they might have the edge again here. (Saturday 1 December, 3pm. Ticket info)

8. Haringey Borough v Aylesbury United - I mentioned it above and I'm going to give it another plug here because it's such a good deal - FREE ENTRY FOR EVERYONE! All credit to the committee at Coles Park for setting this deal up. With Tottenham Hotspur playing their games within walking distance, it's always been hard for the Borough to compete for support so with Spurs playing away, hopefully a few people will take them up on their invite. There's actually quite a bit to play for in this too with Aylesbury currently second in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division and Haringey among the chasing the pack. (Saturday 1 December, 3pm. Club info)

9. Southall v Harpenden Town - in the division below, leaders Harpenden pay a visit to Reynolds Field to test the promotion credentials of Southall who have crept up to fifth after a fine set of results. Jump on the Tube to Perivale and find out if they can go even higher. (Saturday 1 December, 3pm. Club info)

10. Erith & Belvedere v Phoenix Sports - one of the top teams in the Kent League host the best team in the Kent Invicta League (a level below) in a county cup match on Saturday. Will Phoenix rise to the challenge? (Saturday 1 December, 3pm. Club info)


If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via FacebookTwitter or email.

Sunday 18 November 2012

TLFG: 19-25 November 2012

Hi there and welcome to this week's TLFG.

I haven't got much to report this week on the football-watching front. I've been on early shifts all week (including a 525 am start today) so getting out and about has been tricky.

My shift yesterday meant I missed my first QPR home match of the season and it sounds like a lucky escape!

I recently said I'd like to see Mark Hughes stay in charge but things seem to be going backwards and it's getting hard to defend him.

Enough about me, enjoy this week's guide.


LATEST TICKET NEWS
Each week at TLFG we attempt to compile a list of what's on general sale to non-members at London's Premier League clubs and for other notable matches (click on the team name for details).

Wednesday 21 November, 745pm - Montpellier, Champions League

Wednesday 5 December, 745pm - FC Nordsjaelland, Champions League

Monday 10 December, 8pm - Newcastle United, Premier League
Wednesday 26 December, 3pm - Southampton, Premier League
Saturday 29 December, 3pm - Swansea City, Premier League
Saturday 12 January, 3pm - Wigan Athletic, Premier League (on sale 22 Nov)
Wednesday 30 January, 8pm - West Ham United, Premier League (on sale 22 Nov)

QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Saturday 1 December, 3pm - Aston Villa, Premier League
Saturday 15 December, 3pm - Fulham, Premier League

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Sunday 25 November, 4pm - West Ham United, Premier League
Wednesday 28 November, 745pm - Liverpool, Premier League
Thursday 6 December, 805pm - Panathinaikos, Europa League
Sunday 16 December, 130pm - Swansea City, Premier League

WEST HAM UNITED
Monday 19 November, 8pm - Stoke City, Premier League
Saturday 1 December, 1245pm - Chelsea, Premier League
Sunday 9 December, 4pm - Liverpool, Premier League
Saturday 22 December, 3pm - Everton, Premier League

Of the games above, West Ham are offering reduced admission for their Premier League game against Stoke with all adult tickets costing between £20-25 which is roughly 50% off the normal price so well worth having a look at.

Over the next seven days there are over 80 matches happening in the London area. We've got big London derbies, some stonking looking FA Trophy ties, an FA Vase replay and lots of county cup matches to look forward to.

With all that in mind, here's this week's match map. If you've never used it before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the left side of the page to make sure you get all the information.

MATCH MAP
Yellow pin - Monday fixtures
Green pin - Tuesday fixtures
Turquoise pin - Wednesday fixtures
Blue pin - Saturday fixtures
Red pin - Sunday fixtures


View London match map 19-25 November 2012 in a larger map

As always, please check with the host club whether a match is still taking place before you travel. Please also let me know if any of the details are wrong or missing.

Next up is this blog's top 10 recommendations of games we think could be particularly worth watching this week, feel free to mention your own in the comments section below.

TLFG TOP 10

1. Arsenal v Montpellier - It's England v France (sort of) in the Champions League on Wednesday. Group B is poised for a close finish with just two points currently separating the top three. The French club are bottom and winless so the Gunners should and must win to stay on course for qualification for the knockout stages. Unusually for a game at the Emirates, tickets are still on general sale.  (Wednesday 21 November, 1245pm, Ticket info)

2. Chelsea v Manchester City - the big game of the week domestically takes place at Stamford Bridge in Sunday's televised match. The Blues started the season in blistering form but have dropped off the Premier League pace recently and have slipped to third after failing to win in four. They have been replaced at the top by City who are yet to lose a league match this season. Should be a cracker! (Sunday 25 November, 4pm, Ticket info)

3. Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United - at the same time across town we have this north versus east London derby. A significant rivalry exists between these clubs, one which has been heightened over the last year or two by the battle to win control of the Olympic Stadium. On the pitch the sides have had pretty similar seasons with both currently in the top eight, just a point apart. However, a win for the Hammers against Stoke on Monday will propel them into the top five and make them the favourites come the weekend. (Sunday 25 November, 4pm, Ticket info)

4. Brentford v Sheffield United - the Bees are London's top League One club and currently sit just two points adrift of the play-off places. Saturday's visitors from Yorkshire are the biggest club in the division and are in second at the time of writing having thrashed fellow promotion contenders Stevenage 4-1 on Saturday.  Likely to be one of Brentford's biggest crowds of the season and should be a decent match to boot.  (Saturday 24 November, 3pm, Ticket info)

5. Bromley v Boreham Wood - the FA Trophy reaches the First Round proper stage this weekend meaning that all the biggest clubs in non-league football join the party. The draw has been kind to London football fans with some great ties coming out of the hat including this Conference South derby between two clubs from opposite sides of town. The hosts aren't having a great season but The Wood are very much in the race for the title so should be worth a watch. (Saturday 24 November, 3pm, Ticket info)

6. Hampton & Richmond Borough v Chelmsford City - last season these two were both in the Conference South - Boro suffered relegation while City just missed out on the play-offs. This season, the hosts are faring much better in the Isthmian Premier and have topped the division for most of the campaign, slipping to fourth in recent weeks. Like Boreham Wood, the Clarets are the title chasers in non league's second tier so will make for tough opponents. (Saturday 24 November, 3pm, Ticket info)

7. Kingstonian v Dartford - the K's are another Isthmian Premier side looking to cause an upset in the FA Trophy when they welcome Conference National side Dartford to Kingsmeadow. The Kent club were among the pre-season relegation favourites and have confounded everyone with a string of results that have moved them to just a win away from top spot. The hosts, although playing two divisions below their opponents, have made a reasonable start to the season but they'll need to be at their best to have any chance here.  (Saturday 24 November, 3pm, Ticket info)

8. Welling United v Newport County - of the weekend's FA Trophy fixtures I've probably left the best till last. The home team are one of the best teams in the Conference South and narrowly missed out on promotion after losing to local rivals Dartford in the last season's play-off final. They're well on course to get at least a play-off place this time round too. Their opposition in this match are currently joint top of the Conference National and were last season's beaten finalists in this competition. One of the ties of the round. (Saturday 24 November, 3pm, Ticket info)

9. Egham Town v Horley Town - away from the cup competitions we have this contest between two of the pacesetters in the Combined Counties League. The Sarnies are the current league leaders and have done superbly well not to have been usurped by the 'Green Machine' that is Guernsey. You feel it is only a matter of time though as they and Badshot Lea both have games in hand on the top dogs. Horley are just behind these three in fourth and will need to do well to stay among the chasing pack. (Saturday 24 November, 3pm, Club info)

10. Enfield 1893 v Burnham Ramblers - last up this week I recommend this Essex Senior League Cup tie between two of that competition's best outfits. At the time of writing, the north London club are second while Burnham will go top if they win their games in hand. Expect a close match. (Tuesday 20 November, 745pm, Club info)

If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via FacebookTwitter or email.

Sunday 11 November 2012

TLFG: 12-18 November 2012

Hi there. After several weeks of publishing a bit later than I'd like, this week's edition is out a bit earlier than normal.

This is because my brother became a father last week and I'm off to Bristol to visit my new nephew.

As a result, it's possible that the match map might not be 100% accurate because Sunday's game between Cray and Welling might require a midweek replay (I will adjust in due course).

The lack of time will also mean a slightly abridged TLFG Top 10.

My football watching this week took me almost to the northern summit of London as I paid a visit to Spartan South Midlands League Division One club Cockfosters.

This part of the capital is probably most famous for being one end of London Underground's Piccadilly Line so I was quite intrigued to make the journey to this legendary and mysterious place.

One of the best things going for the football club is that it's located just across the road from the station so is one of the easiest to get to.

After a lifetime of not making the journey I thought a top of the table clash against local rivals London Lions would be a perfect time to go.

So it was with some dismay that I discovered on Friday that the powers that be had decided to shut the line for engineering works!

All prepared to call it off I was persuaded to go by fellow Non-League Day organiser Mike who said it was walkable from New Barnet station instead.

So after a good lunch in our favourite Turkish place in Finsbury Park we battled past the hordes heading to the Emirates for Arsenal v Fulham to head north for what we hoped would be another decent derby.

The stroll from New Barnet to the Chalk Lane ground was indeed straightforward but largely uphill which was a bit of a pain but we made it just in time for kick-off.

At the start of play the hosts were on an impressive 15-game unbeaten run to stand second in the table just ahead of the visitors who had played three games less and were in pretty good shape themselves.

A club official goes on a ball retrieval mission early in the first half
Unsurprisingly the pitch looked really heavy after a lot of rain earlier in the day but it was playable which was a credit to the Step 6/Level 10 club.

London Lions, a club made up solely of Jewish players, started well and took the lead from close range only to be pegged back soon after.

There wasn't much to separate the sides for the rest of the half and it duly finished 1-1.

The second 45 minutes were quite different with Cockfosters starting far more brightly and generally dominating the play.

Chances came and went before the visitors began to look more dangerous.

It was they who took a rather fortunate lead with just over 15 minutes to go when a young substitute playing on the left wing managed to squeeze the ball rather scrappily between the keeper and a defender.

The hosts pushed for an equaliser and with the game deep into added time got caught on the break, as so often happens, and conceded a third to lose 3-1.

The score definitely flattered the Lions but it could be pivotal in the title race with only four points now separating the top three (top club Harpenden Town had the day off and have played more games than the other two).

Apart going well in the league, Cockfosters and London Lions are still in the FA Vase so both look worth keeping an eye on for the remainder of the season.

Before I sign off this week, I'd like to point you in the direction of a fine short film by 'BeChampionsTV' shot at Wingate & Finchley on Non-League Day showing what the club and the game at that level is all about and how the day went for them:



LATEST TICKET NEWS
Each week at TLFG we attempt to compile a list of what's on general sale to non-members at London's Premier League clubs and for other notable matches (click on the team name for details).

Wednesday 21 November, 745pm - Montpellier, Champions League

Wednesday 5 December, 745pm - FC Nordsjaelland, Champions League

Sunday 18 November, 4pm - Sunderland, Premier League
Monday 10 December, 8pm - Newcastle United, Premier League
Wednesday 26 December, 3pm - Southampton, Premier League
Saturday 29 December, 3pm - Swansea City, Premier League

QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Saturday 1 December, 3pm - Aston Villa, Premier League

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Sunday 25 November, 4pm - West Ham United, Premier League
Wednesday 28 November, 745pm - Liverpool, Premier League
Sunday 16 December, 130pm - Swansea City, Premier League

WEST HAM UNITED
Monday 19 November, 8pm - Stoke City, Premier League
Saturday 1 December, 1245pm - Chelsea, Premier League
Sunday 9 December, 4pm - Liverpool, Premier League (on sale 6 Nov)

Of the games above, West Ham are offering reduced admission for their Premier League game against Stoke with all adult tickets costing between £20-25 which is roughly 50% off the normal price so well worth having a look at.

Over the next seven days there are over 70 matches happening in the London area. Aside from all the normal league action, we've also got some FA Cup and FA Trophy replays, the next round of the FA Vase and lots of county cup matches to look forward to.

With all that in mind, here's this week's match map. If you've never used it before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the left side of the page to make sure you get all the information.

MATCH MAP
Yellow pin - Monday fixtures
Green pin - Tuesday fixtures
Purple pin - Thursday fixtures
Magenta pin - Friday fixtures
Blue pin - Saturday fixtures
Red pin - Sunday fixtures


View London match map 12-18 November 2012 in a larger map

As always, please check with the host club whether a match is still taking place before you travel. Please also let me know if any of the details are wrong or missing.

Next up is this blog's top 10 recommendations of games we think could be particularly worth watching this week, feel free to mention your own in the comments section below.

TLFG TOP 10

1. Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur - two bitter north London rivals go head-to-head in what is arguably THE London derby. Spurs are currently one point and one place ahead of the Gunners in the Premier League. (Saturday 17 November, 1245pm, Ticket info)

2. Queens Park Rangers v Southampton - possibly a make or break game for both managers as the Premier League's bottom two clash in this crucial match at Loftus Road. (Saturday 17 November, 3pm, Ticket info)

3. Crystal Palace v Derby County - rather than crumble, the Eagles have soared since Dougie Freedman left for Bolton and Ian Holloway came in. Four consecutive wins and a lengthy unbeaten run has taken them to the top of the Championship. The Rams are also chasing a play-off spot. (Saturday 17 November, 3pm, Ticket info)

4. AFC Wimbledon v York City - this FA Cup replay will be the third meeting between the two clubs in 10 days.  After drawing the original tie, the Dons won Saturday's league match 3-0 so will come into this one full of confidence. The prize is a potential trip to MK Dons (if they beat Cambridge City) for a very eye-catching tie in the second round. (Monday 12 November, 745pm, Ticket info)

5. Welling United v Salisbury City - a huge game in the Conference South as the fifth-placed team host the current league leaders. (Saturday 17 November, 3pm, Ticket info)

6. Dulwich Hamlet v Herne Bay - third play fourth in a crucial game in the Isthmian League Division One South. (Saturday 17 November, 3pm, Club info)

7. Erith Town v Guernsey - Kent League high flyers take on one of the title favourites from the Combined Counties League in a mouthwatering FA Vase tie. (Saturday 17 November, 1pm, Club info)

8. Oxhey Jets v Cockfosters - another tasting looking FA Vase tie as one of the Spartan South Midlands League Division One's best sides try their luck against one of the pacesetters in the division above. (Saturday 17 November, 3pm, Club info)

9. Phoenix Sports v Bearsted - top two in the Kent Invicta League who are both averaging close to four goals a game. 'Nuff said! (Saturday 17 November, 2pm, Club info)

10. South Kilburn v Westfield - top two in the Combined Counties League Division One, hopefully another cracker. (Saturday 17 November, 2pm, Club info)


If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via FacebookTwitter or email.