Sunday 24 March 2013

TLFG: 25 March - 7 April 2013

Hello there one and all and welcome to the Easter Special edition of TLFG.

To clear a smidgen of time in my diary and generally take a bit of breather, I've decided to combine the next two weeks together so you can plan your football watching that bit further ahead over the holiday period.

Weather permitting, the amount, status and (hopefully) quality of games on offer over the next week or two is outstanding!

The Easter weekend itself is jam packed with matches on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Monday.

The latter, in many ways, is the highlight with groundhop 'triples' possible on the south and west sides of town thanks to the Combined Counties League putting on their games at 1130am, Fulham hosting QPR at 8pm and the Middlesex Senior Cup final also an evening kick-off.

I think my ideal combo would see me take in Hanworth Villa v Bedfont Sports in the morning, Wealdstone v Harrow Borough in the afternoon and Fulham v QPR in the evening. Derbies galore!

Like the Christmas period, the coming weekend is all about the derbies. Particularly so at non-league level where virtually all the big local rivals are playing each other at some point.

To make matches easier to find I've produced three different maps this week with one specifically for the four days of the Easter weekend.

Given there are so many great matches coming up, the TLFG Top 10 will be expanded this week and made into a 'Top Tips' section so more can be squeezed in. I will no doubt still miss out a few so do add your own in the comments section below.

Also keep the correspondence coming, I enjoy answering your questions and offering advice if I can.

You can contact TLFG through the comments section below or via Facebook or Twitter.


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 29 May, 8pm - Republic of Ireland, international friendly, Wembley

FA CUP SEMI-FINAL
Saturday 13 April, 515pm - Millwall v Wigan Athletic, Wembley (on sale 5 Apr)

UEFA WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
Thursday 23 May, 730pm - tbc v tbc, Stamford Bridge

ARSENAL
Nothing currently available

CHELSEA
Thursday 4 April, 805pm - Rubin Kazan, Europa League
Saturday 27 April, 3pm - Swansea City, Premier League

Nothing currently available

QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Sunday 7 April, 410pm - Wigan Athletic, Premier League
Saturday 20 April, 3pm - Stoke City, Premier League

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Sunday 7 April, 205pm - Everton, Premier League
Sunday 21 April, 130pm - Manchester City, Premier League
Saturday 4 May, 3pm - Southampton, Premier League
Sunday 19 May, 4pm - Sunderland, Premier League

Wednesday 17 April, 745pm - Manchester United, Premier League
Saturday 20 April, 3pm - Wigan Athletic, Premier League
Saturday 4 May, 3pm - Newcastle United, Premier League

Outside the Premier League, Watford have reduced prices for their upcoming Championship game against Burnley on Good Friday 29 March at 3pm.

Watching some of the capital's top youth sides in action often provides excellent value for money.

Arsenal have been drawn at home to CSKA Moscow in the latest round of the NextGen Series for U19s.

The match is of such importance that the Gunners have decided to play it at the Emirates Stadium. It takes place on Monday 25 March at 7pm and costs only £4 for adults and £2 for U16s.

Arsenal's ground is one of the best in Europe and with tickets usually at least 10 times more than this, you should pop along if you've never been before.

If you're aware of any deals taking place at clubs near you please let me know so I can help to promote them.

Over the next two weeks there are well over 200 matches taking place in the London area so there's plenty to choose from. We've got London derbies, top of the table clashes, relegation 'six-pointers', two cup finals and an international friendly as well.

Details on all of them can be found in the following match maps. 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 map page to make sure you get all the information.


MATCH MAPS

Monday-Thursday 25-28 March
Yellow pin - Monday fixtures
Green pin - Tuesday fixtures
Turquoise pin - Wednesday fixtures
Purple pin - Thursday fixtures


View London match map 25-28 March 2013 in a larger map


Easter Weekend 29 March-1 April
Magenta pin - Good Friday fixtures
Blue pin - Easter Saturday fixtures
Yellow pin - Easter Monday fixtures




Tuesday-Sunday 2-7 April
Green pin - Tuesday fixtures
Turquoise pin - Wednesday fixtures
Purple pin - Thursday fixtures
Blue pin - Saturday fixtures
Red pin - Sunday fixtures


View London match map 2-7 April 2013 in a larger map

Bad weather may cause a few postponements as the weeks progress so, as always, check with clubs before you travel. If games do get called off, they can sometimes be rearranged for later the same week or the week after so extra matches may get added. Please let me know if any of the details are wrong or missing.

Next up is this week's TLFG match recommendations where I list a few games which I think could be worth a watch - because there are so many I'll only go into brief detail.

TLFG TOP TIPS 

Monday 25 March
Arsenal v CSKA Moscow - NextGen Series game being played at the Emirates
Brazil v Russia - attractive looking international friendly at Stamford Bridge

Tuesday 26 March
Dulwich Hamlet v Maidstone United - top two in Isthmian Division 1 South
Oxhey Jets v Aylesbury United - third v second in Spartan South Midlands Premier

Thursday 28 March
Wealdstone v Concord Rangers - third v second in Isthmian Premier

Friday 29 March
Barnet v Dagenham & Redbridge - north versus east London derby in League Two
Welling United v Chelmsford City - top versus fourth in the Conference South
Phoenix Sports v Ashford United - second versus third in Kent Invicta League

Saturday 30 March
Erith Town v Erith & Belvedere - derby between two of the top four in the Kent League
Hampton & Richmond Borough v Kingstonian - south-west derby in Isthmian Premier
Harrow Borough v Hendon - north-west London derby in Isthmian Premier
Wingate & Finchley v Wealdstone - north-west London derby in Isthmian Premier
Tooting & Mitcham Utd v Dulwich Hamlet - south London derby in Isthmian Div 1 Sth
Waltham Forest v Ilford two Isthmian Division 1 North clubs who groundshare
Rayners Lane v Chinnor - first versus third Hellenic League Division 1 East

Monday 1 April
Chelsea v Manchester United - FA Cup quarter-final replay
Fulham v Queens Park Rangers - west London derby in the Premier League
AFC Wimbledon v Barnet - south versus north London derby in League Two
Middlesex Senior Cup final - Staines Town v Ashford Town, a derby @Uxbridge FC
Wealdstone v Harrow Borough - big north-west derby in Isthmian Premier
Hendon v Wingate & Finchley - north-west London derby in Isthmian Premier
Grays Athletic v Aveley - second versus fourth in Isthmian Division 1 North
Walton Casuals v Walton & Hersham - Surrey derby in Isthmian Division 1 South
Erith & Belvedere v VCD Athletic - top-two clash in the Kent League
Whyteleafe v Erith Town - two of the top four in the Kent League
Raynes Park Vale v Colliers Wood United - south-west derby in the CCL

Tuesday 3 April
Uxbridge v AFC Hayes - west London derby in Southern League Division 1 Central

Saturday 6 April
Watford v Cardiff City - third versus first in the Championship
Kingstonian v Whitehawk - play-off outsiders host Isthmian Premier leaders

Sunday 7 April
Tottenham Hotspur v Everton - two of Premier League's top six fight for Euro places
Johnstone's Paint Trophy final - Crewe Alexandra v Southend United at Wembley


 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 17 March 2013

TLFG: 18-24 March 2013

Again it's been a week devoid of football for me, other than a bit I caught on the telly and off the top of my head I can't even remember what that was!

One thing that has cheered me over the last few days is the correspondence I'm getting from people who are visiting London and want advice about what's on in the weeks and months ahead.

This is the primary reason TLFG exists, to be a source of help and information so don't feel shy if you want to know something.

If you're coming to London over the next few days you might be surprised and maybe even disappointed to know that there is no Premier League or Championship action taking place because of the international break.

In fact there's no League One football either as both our sides are playing away.

So, like on Non-League Day back in October, it's a great time to check out some of London's less well known sides. If you want any advice or suggestions get in touch or have a look at our top 10 recommended games below.

Anyway that's enough about my week, let me know where you've been or where you're going either in the comments section below or via Facebook or Twitter.


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 29 May, 8pm - Republic of Ireland, international friendly, Wembley

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY
Monday 25 March, 730pm - Brazil v Russia, Stamford Bridge

UEFA WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
Thursday 23 May, 730pm - tbc v tbc, Stamford Bridge

FA TROPHY FINAL - GRIMSBY TOWN v WREXHAM
Sunday 24 March, 3pm - Wembley Stadium

ARSENAL
Monday 25 March, 7pm - CSKA Moscow, NextGen Series (U19s)

CHELSEA
Thursday 4 April, 805pm - Rubin Kazan, Europa League
Saturday 6 April, 3pm - Sunderland, Premier League

Monday 1 April, 8pm - Queens Park Rangers, Premier League

QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Sunday 7 April, 410pm - Wigan Athletic, Premier League

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Sunday 7 April, 205pm - Everton, Premier League
Sunday 21 April, 130pm - Manchester City, Premier League

Wednesday 17 April, 745pm - Manchester United, Premier League
Saturday 20 April, 3pm - Wigan Athletic, Premier League

Outside the Premier League, Watford have reduced prices for their upcoming Championship game against Burnley on Good Friday 29 March at 3pm.

There are also a few youth games taking place this week which often provide excellent value for money.

Arsenal and Manchester United are renowned for producing fine young players and their two respective U21 sides meet at Barnet's Underhill ground on Monday night (18 Mar) - to make it even more interesting it's FREE TO GET IN.

Elsewhere, in the NextGen Series for U19s, Tottenham Hotspur take on Sporting Lisbon at Leyton Orient's Matchroom Stadium on Wednesday 20 March.

Next Monday (25 Mar), Arsenal play CSKA Moscow in the same tournament with the match taking place at the Emirates Stadium. With tickets priced at just £4 adults and £2 for kids you won't get a much cheaper chance to go to one of the best stadiums in the country.

If you're aware of any deals taking place at clubs near you please let me know so I can help to promote them.

Over the next week there are over 70 matches taking place in the London area so there's plenty to choose from. We've got London derbies, top of the table clashes, relegation 'six-pointers' and two cup finals as well.

UPDATE (20/3/13): After being contacted by the Amateur Football Alliance I've now also added a handful of games from the top division of the Southern Amateur League and also one of the Alliance's regional cup finals - all are being played on Saturday. As far as I'm aware, these games are all free to get into.

Details on all of them can be found in the following 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 18-24 March 2013 in a larger map

Bad weather may cause 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 week's TLFG Top 10 match recommendations where I list a few games which I think could be worth a watch.

TLFG TOP 10

1. AFC Wimbledon v Morecambe -  in the absence of Premier League, Championship and League One football from London this week, the mighty Dons take centre stage. Wimbledon have, as predicted, been struggling all season but of late they've started to come good. Saturday's crucial 1-0 win at fellow strugglers Aldershot was their third in a row meaning they're eighteenth some five points above the relegation zone. Morecambe are the model of inconsistency sitting slap bang in the middle of the table having drawn their last two. A spirited showing by the hosts should bring them another three points. (League Two, 23 Mar, 3pm. Ticket info)

2. Barnet v Cheltenham Town - a big week looms for another one of the League Two relegation candidates as the Bees host Fleetwood on Tuesday and then face promotion-chasing Cheltenham at the weekend. Edgar Davids' side are hard to predict - they string a few results together and then they suffer a big dip in form. At the moment they've lost three out of four and only goal difference separates them from the dreaded bottom two. Also if, like me, you've never been to Barnet's historic Underhill ground you should try and get to this. They're moving to a new ground next season and there's only three home matches after this one - it should also be noted that the Fleetwood game will be the last ever under lights. (League Two, 23 Mar, 3pm. Ticket info)

3. FA Trophy final: Grimsby Town v Wrexham - despite being a non-league match, the biggest crowd of the weekend for a game in London will be at Wembley Stadium on Sunday for this cup final. If you don't know, the FA Trophy is a knockout competition for sides playing at the top four levels of the non-league game. There has been some question in recent seasons whether it is losing its appeal to the biggest clubs as they channel all their efforts into getting into the Football League, however, this line-up suggests otherwise. Grimsby and Wrexham are both former members of 'the 92' and consequently two of the best supported. Both are also currently top five clubs who have topped the table in recent weeks. A decent match and a sizeable crowd look likely. If you've never been to Wembley, this is an excellent opportunity with tickets available for £30. (FA Trophy, 24 Mar, 3pm. Ticket info)

4. Sutton United v Salisbury City - the race for automatic promotion from the Conference South could take a crucial turn at Gander Green Lane on Saturday as former leaders Salisbury pay a visit. The Wiltshire side held top spot for some time earlier in the season but their campaign looked like it had begun to come off the rails until a solid 3-0 win at Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday ended a six-game winless streak. With top club Welling six points clear and only one side going up without recourse to the play-offs, defeat here could effectively end the race. Sutton were having a stinker but then turned things round to look much more like the play-off contenders they were last season. Sadly any hopes of getting back up among the leading pack seem to have diminished after back-to-back defeats. Another loss here could prove terminal to their hopes too so there's plenty to play for. (Conference South, 23 Mar, 3pm. Ticket info)

5. Thurrock v Lowestoft Town - there isn't a standout game for me in the Isthmian Premier this week so I've gone for this one as it means a lot to both sides. Despite losing comfortably at home to leaders Whitehawk on Saturday, Thurrock have stayed outside the relegation zone. Lowestoft, on the other hand, put five past Hampton & Richmond to cut the gap on second-placed Wealdstone to just two points. In fact, the visitors haven't lost a match since November so I can't see them coming unstuck here. (Isthmian League Premier Division, 19 Mar, 745pm. Ticket info)

6. Grays Athletic v Tilbury - this is a slightly strange one to include as neither team originate from within the M25. However, the Gravelmen are currently playing their games in the Romford area (strangely while Romford are playing nearer Grays). This match is very much a derby and, if recent seasons are anything to go by, a pretty heated one at that. To top it all both sides are in the top eight (second and eighth respectively) so it should be a good match. (Isthmian League Division 1 North, 19 Mar, 745pm. Ticket info)

7. Uxbridge v Ashford Town (Middlesex) - this Southern League match is one of several games taking place this week which I would describe as 'Heathrow derbies' given their proximity to the UK's biggest airport. Others include Bedfont Sports v Hanworth Villa and Staines Lammas v Feltham. The Uxbridge game is at a higher level though and pits two very evenly matched midtable teams together. When the sides last met in November, they produced an eight-goal thriller which Saturday's hosts won 5-3. (Southern League Division 1 Central, 23 Mar, 3pm. Club info)

8. Epsom & Ewell v Guernsey - the big games have been coming thick and fast in the Combined Counties League of late and we've got another sizeable one on Tuesday. How many teams at this point in the season can be ninth in the table, 24 points off top spot and still be seen by many as title favourites? One such side are Guernsey who on paper are the best team in the division but have suffered a huge amount of postponements leaving them with nine games in hand on top club Egham Town. Cruelly it seems this fixture backlog and a lack of match sharpness will catch up with them as witnessed by a very second rate display against Egham in their last match back in February. Epsom & Ewell, on the other hand, were top recently but a run of three games without a win has seen them slip back to second some six points behind the Sarnies who have three games in hand. Defeat for either will leave their title ambitions hanging by a thread. (Combined Counties League Premier Division, 19 Mar, 745pm. Club info)

9. Oxhey Jets v Hanwell Town - once again the Jets make the top 10 with this derby against Hanwell. Although they have nearer rivals, this game sees two of the division's top five go head-to-head. So far this season there have been four meetings between the two in the league and various cups and Hanwell are yet to win so you know where the smart money lies. Also it's another chance for the budding scouts among you to run the rule over Oxhey's top scorer Lewis Putman who has so far scored 63 goals this season. (Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division, 19 Mar, 730pm. Club info)

10. Middlesex Premier Cup final: Feltham v Southall - the season's first county cup final arrives on Wednesday night. I'm not sure of the precise requirements for entry but it seems to be mainly Level 10/Step 6 sides against the reserve teams of other more senior clubs. Anyway, this year's final is between two Step 6 sides from the Combined Counties and Spartan South Midlands Leagues respectively. For me, Southall probably start as favourites but you never know. The game is being played at North Greenford United's ground and costs £5 adults and £3 concessions. (Middlesex Premier Cup final, 20 Mar, 745pm. Directions)

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 10 March 2013

TLFG: 11-17 March 2013

Hi there and welcome to TLFG.

I'm a bit pushed for time so I've had to shorten the top 10 section a bit this week so apologies in advance for that.

With my time at a premium I couldn't get to any football this week so instead I decided to experiment with viagogo.

No it's not some trendy new legal high the cool kids are enjoying, but is in fact one of the ticket exchange websites that are now available to fans to trade surplus seats for various live events.

I'd always been a bit wary of using a site like this but with me being unavailable to go to QPR's sold out match against Sunderland and with the club sending various encouraging emails to me to give it a go I duly did.

So last Sunday night I put my seat (I have a season ticket) on sale. Some fans really milk the occasion and can make quite a killing if the conditions are right (some went for £200+ for the Manchester United game two weeks back) and that's up to them but I decided to put mine on for face value (£45) just to try things out and then went to bed.

When I got up in the morning I had an email waiting telling me my ticket had been sold subject to checks of the purchaser. A couple of hours later said checks had been completed and I had sold my seat to a 'QPR fan' for £45 (I got £39.60 after viagogo had taken their cut and VAT had been charged).

Yesterday I told my friends to look out for whoever turned up to see if the service had worked. At half-time I was told no-one had arrived. Had they had a better offer? Were they stuck on a rail replacement bus service? Had a tout bought it and failed to sell it on?

All the questions were answered when another text message arrived about 10 minutes into the second half saying a 'Scandinavian' had turned up so I guess the system worked.

I know some people have serious reservations about such sites, which although they are 100% legal and fully endorsed by clubs, do allow fans to effectively become touts for the day. As I mentioned above, some do charge massive premiums but if people are willing to pay and don't cause trouble once they're in the ground then so be it.

On this site I only list tickets which are on general sale through clubs' box offices but if games are sold out you can often have a look on viagogo or similar sites to see what's available. For really big games you often have to be a member of the home club so there is some kind of control.

Anyway that's enough about my week, let me know your thoughts on such issues, where you've been or where you're going either in the comments section below or via Facebook or Twitter.


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 29 May, 8pm - Republic of Ireland, international friendly, Wembley

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY
Monday 25 March, 730pm - Brazil v Russia, Stamford Bridge

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
Saturday 25 May - tbc v tbc, Wembley Stadium
Ticket ballot open until 15 March

UEFA WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
Thursday 23 May, 730pm - tbc v tbc, Stamford Bridge

FA TROPHY FINAL - GRIMSBY TOWN v WREXHAM
Sunday 24 March, 3pm - Wembley Stadium

ARSENAL
Nothing currently available

CHELSEA
Thursday 14 March, 805pm - Steaua Bucharest, Europa League
Saturday 6 April, 3pm - Sunderland, Premier League (on sale 11 Mar)

Monday 1 April, 8pm - Queens Park Rangers, Premier League

QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Sunday 7 April, 410pm - Wigan Athletic, Premier League (on sale 14 Mar)

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Saturday 16 March, 3pm - Fulham, Premier League
Sunday 7 April, 205pm - Everton, Premier League
Sunday 21 April, 130pm - Manchester City, Premier League

Nothing currently available

Outside the Premier League, Watford have reduced prices for their upcoming Championship game against Burnley on Good Friday 29 March at 3pm.

There are also a few U21 games taking place this week which often provide excellent value for money.

Arsenal and Southampton are renowned for producing fine young players and their two respective sides meet at Barnet's Underhill ground on Monday night (11 Mar) - to make it even more interesting it's FREE TO GET IN.

The Gunners youngsters then travel to Upton Park on Friday (15 Mar) to play West Ham United - I'm not certain if there's a charge for this but it probably won't exceed £3.

Elsewhere in the U21 Premier League, Crystal Palace host Norwich City on Monday (11 Mar) at Selhurst Park - again I'm not certain of the charge but it will be minimal.

Finally, although QPR and Swansea City's development sides don't play at such an elite level as the above, their match has been moved to Loftus Road on Thursday night (14 Mar) and it's FREE TO GET IN there too.

Over the next week there are over 100 matches taking place in the London area so there's plenty to choose from. We've got London derbies, top of the table clashes, relegation 'six-pointers' and some league and county cup matches.

Details on all of them can be found in the following 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
Magenta pin - Friday fixtures
Blue pin - Saturday fixtures
Red pin - Sunday fixtures


View London match map 11-17 March 2013 in a larger map


Bad weather may cause 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 week's TLFG Top 10 match recommendations where I list a few games which I think could be worth a watch. As mentioned above, this section will be a bit shorter than usual because of time constraints.

TLFG TOP 10

1. Chelsea v West Ham United -  a west versus east London derby between clubs whose fans don't get on that brilliantly. Both sides have looked vulnerable recently so although the Blues will start as favourites, it could be close. (Premier League, 17 Mar, 4pm. Ticket info)

2. Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham - a north versus west London derby. There isn't a great rivalry between these two but in Martin Jol, the Cottagers have a former Spurs manager in charge. The hosts are in great form at the moment and their recent record against Fulham is impressive (won seven of their last 10 meetings in all competitions) so they should take another step towards cementing a top four finish here.  (Premier League, 17 Mar, 3pm. Ticket info)

3. Charlton Athletic v Millwall - a big south-east London derby. Always a hotly contested match, tickets for this are being tightly controlled so if you're not a member of either you're unlikely to be able to get one. Neither side are in great form at the minute - the Lions were promotion contenders not that long ago, now they're just five points above the relegation zone. A draw seems the most likely outcome. (Championship, 16 Mar, 1230pm. Ticket info)

4. Brentford v Swindon Town - two promotion contenders in League One do battle at Griffin Park on Tuesday night. The Bees have been around the top six for a long time now but are in danger of slipping out of it after losing two in a row. Swindon have lost only one of their last 10 and could move into second if they win here. The hosts haven't done that well against Swindon in recent years but they did beat them earlier in the season so are on for a rare 'double'. (League One, 12 Mar, 745pm. Ticket info)

5. Staines Town v Hayes & Yeading United - a way-out west London derby on the fringe of the TLFG catchment area. The season has pretty much petered out for the visitors as far as promotion is concerned but they're not completely out of the woods when it comes to avoiding relegation. A win at Staines, who are in the bottom three, will probably allay their fears but if they lose it will get a whole lot tighter and the Swans could find themselves in a much healthier position. (Conference South, 16 Mar, 3pm. Club info)

6. Wealdstone v Concord Rangers - the match of the weekend in the Isthmian League as second play third. Only three points separate them at the time of writing and with both facing midweek games, they could be level by the weekend. The Stones managed a draw at leaders Whitehawk on Saturday so failed in their efforts to trim the seven-point gap between them. Although Concord aren't the best supported side in the division, there's a chance the hosts could get their biggest crowd of the season for this. Don't forget - season-ticket holders at Premier League and Football League clubs get in for only £5. (Isthmian League Premier Division, 16 Mar, 3pm. Ticket info)

7. Molesey v Epsom & Ewell - there are a load of clubs in this pocket of south-west London and most of them play in the Combined Counties League. I think it's therefore fair to class this as a derby. Both are having decent seasons with Molesey currently seventh and E&E second. Although I've never been, I'm told that the Moles have quite a decent ground too. (Combined Counties League Premier Division, 16 Mar, 3pm. Ticket info)

8. Barkingside v Burnham Ramblers - for the second time in recent weeks these two are meeting in a cup competition. This time it's the first leg of the Essex Senior Football League Cup semi-final. The hosts are fifth while Burnham are currently the pride of the county sitting three points clear at the top of the league. Burnham won last time and probably will again. (Essex Senior Football League Cup, 13 Mar, 745pm. Club info)

9. Oxhey Jets v Dunstable Town - the top two in the Spartan South Midlands League meet again for the second time in quick succession. They last played each other two weeks ago in a league match where Oxhey were sadly routed 4-0 at home. The Jets have chance to put this right and salvage some pride in this league cup tie on Tuesday night. Will they do it? Be there and find out. (Spartan South Midlands League Challenge Trophy, 12 Mar, 730pm. Club info)

10. Phoenix Sports v Hollands & Blair - the top two in the Kent Invicta League meet in what could be a title decider, certainly if the hosts win. Phoenix are currently six points clear so victory for them would almost certainly kill off H&B's challenge. The hosts, however, are unbeaten this season so an away win doesn't look too likely. (Kent Invicta League, 16 Mar, 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 3 March 2013

TLFG: 4-10 March 2013

I've been to some pretty lively games in Bosnia, Georgia and Turkey over the years but never have I been to one played to the backdrop of an almost constant crack of gunfire.

Where in London could I possibly be? Not one of the more troubled inner city estates but Farm Park the home of Southern League side AFC Hayes out in the western suburbs.

After a torturous eight-mile journey from Shepherd's Bush to Hayes on the 607 'express' bus through Acton, Ealing, Hanwell and Southall which took the best part of an hour, I walked the remaining mile to the ground arriving about five minutes late.

The hosts' keeper punches clear from a first-half corner
When I was boy, this club were known as Brook House and always played at a significantly lower level than Harrow Borough who I followed religiously at the time. Consequently, despite their close proximity, this was another club I'd never been to.

The ground is located down a track a little way from the road so it's that bit further than you expect - a final trial when you're behind schedule.

After being short-changed at the turnstile, something I let slide, I stepped into what was a pretty decent little stadium.

For those of you who read about my outing to London Tigers a couple of weeks ago, you'll know I wasn't impressed which is rare. Farm Park was far superior with a decent wood fence encircling it, good floodlights and PA system, covered terracing behind one goal and a general neatness to the place that was lacking at Avenue Park.

Don't get me wrong it wasn't five-star by any means but for the level and size of support the club have (average 70) it was decent.

Having ascertained it was still goalless I took my position on the far side of the ground and settled down to watch the action.

It was then I noticed the banging in the near distance which I realised were gunshots. What could be the cause? It was then I remembered we were just down the road from the West London Shooting School which put my mind at rest - it was still a strange way to watch a football match though.

The game itself, against Berkshire outfit Thatcham Town, was a pretty even one with both keepers pulling off some really fine saves. It ended 1-1 with both sides pushing for victory, basketball style, in the closing minutes.

AFC Hayes go close in the final seconds but it ends 1-1
With only one side going down and with bottom club Woodford United having LOST EVERY MATCH this season, neither of these midtable clubs had much to play for but they gave it a good go and created a pretty decent spectacle.

If you live in the general area I'd like to encourage you to get to a game while Hayes & Yeading United are still groundsharing at Woking. AFC Hayes aren't getting great crowds but what they do get my way well dwindle when the far more illustrious H&YU return to their spanking new ground hopefully next season.


Anyway that's enough about my football travels, let me know where you've been or where you're going either in the comments section below or via Facebook or Twitter.


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 29 May, 8pm - Republic of Ireland, international friendly, Wembley

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY
Monday 25 March, 730pm - Brazil v Russia, Stamford Bridge

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
Saturday 25 May - tbc v tbc, Wembley Stadium
Ticket ballot open until 15 March

UEFA WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
Thursday 23 May, 730pm - tbc v tbc, Stamford Bridge

FA TROPHY FINAL - GRIMSBY TOWN v WREXHAM
Sunday 24 March, 3pm - Wembley Stadium

ARSENAL
Nothing currently available

CHELSEA
Thursday 14 March, 805pm - Steaua Bucharest, Europa League

Monday 1 April, 8pm - Queens Park Rangers, Premier League

QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Saturday 9 March, 3pm - Sunderland, Premier League

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Saturday 16 March, 3pm - Fulham, Premier League
Sunday 7 April, 205pm - Everton, Premier League 

Saturday 9 March, 1245pm - Manchester United, Premier League
Saturday 30 March, 3pm - West Bromwich Albion, Premier League

Outside the Premier League, Millwall are charging between £20-25 for their FA Cup quarter-final against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday 10 March at 2pm, which is significantly less than normal.

Also, Watford have reduced prices for their upcoming Championship game against Burnley on Good Friday 29 March at 3pm. 

Over the next week there are over 80 matches taking place in the London area so there's plenty to choose from. We've got London derbies, top of the table clashes, relegation 'six-pointers' and an FA Cup quarter-final too.

Details on all of them can be found in the following 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
Magenta pin - Friday fixtures
Blue pin - Saturday fixtures
Red pin - Sunday fixtures


View London match map 4-10 March 2013 in a larger map


Bad weather may cause 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 week's TLFG Top 10 match recommendations where I list a few games which I think could be worth a watch.

TLFG TOP 10

1. Tottenham Hotspur v Inter Milan -  a lot of people view the Europa League as being very second rate when compared to the Champions League but then we get ties like this. Two of the bigger names in European football go head-to-head on Thursday in what should be a cracking game. Both occupy similar positions in their respective leagues and have some outstanding talents in their squads. At the time of writing, Spurs are in better form and therefore have the edge for me. (Europa League, 7 Mar, 805pm. Ticket info)

2. Millwall v Blackburn Rovers - the FA Cup reaches the quarter-final stage this weekend and there's only one tie taking place in the capital. Unusually it pits two Championship clubs against each other with the winner facing the prospect of a money-spinning trip to Wembley for the semi-final. Blackburn have spent most of the last few years in the Premier League but it is Millwall who were the last of the pair to make it to the final when they lost 3-0 to Manchester United in 2004. This was the highlight of the Lions' history in the competition whereas Blackburn have won it six times making them the eighth most successful side in the competition ever. Formwise there's very little to choose between them so it's anyone's.  (FA Cup, 10 Mar, 2pm. Ticket info)

3. Crystal Palace v Hull City - it's a massive week for Ian Holloway's Eagles as they host second-placed Hull on Tuesday before welcoming former manager Neil Warnock's Leeds United side to Selhurst Park at the weekend. I've ranked the match against the Tigers that bit higher as they are that bit higher in the table. Four wins in five for Steve Bruce's side has left them five points off top spot but only four points ahead of fourth-placed Palace. Hopefully it won't end in a stalemate but it's quite likely as three of their last five meetings have ended in 0-0 draws. (Championship, 5 Mar, 8pm. Ticket info)

4. Dartford v Wrexham - after the disappointment of their FA Trophy semi-final loss to Grimsby, Dartford come up against the team they would have played in the final. With only four points separating the top five clubs in the Conference, things can change quickly so while Grimsby were top when the Darts played them it's now Wrexham who lead the pack. Their impressive 12-game unbeaten run in the league will ensure a tough afternoon for the Kent club but the 2-2 draw they picked up in Wales earlier in the season should give them hope. (Conference Premier, 8 Mar, 745pm. Ticket info)

5. Hendon v Harrow Borough - it's derby time in north-west London on Tuesday night as these two old rivals meet at Vale Farm. When I was growing up, this was one of the fixtures I always used to look out for and they often produced memorable occasions - I can still clearly remember Iain Dowie soaring to head home for the Greens in one derby shortly before he turned pro with Luton in 1988. The vibe in these games has lost a bit of an edge in recent years as Hendon have lost their ground and Harrow have seen support ebb away too but it's a generally more sporting occasion than either side's derby with Wealdstone where things can get a little more heated. The hosts will start this game as favourites by virtue of their higher league placing and 10-game unbeaten run. Harrow are dangerously unpredictable though - in the last week they've shocked many by beating very good Whitehawk and Kingstonian sides while losing 3-0 on Saturday to then bottom club Thurrock. (Isthmian League Premier Division, 5 Mar, 745pm. Club info)

6. Wingate & Finchley v Thurrock - elsewhere in the Isthmian Premier we've got this relegation 'six-pointer'. Wingate have been hovering around lower midtable for most of the season but have got themselves stuck on a very dodgy run that has seen them lose four out of five leaving them just four points above the relegation zone. They've also played significantly more games than most of the teams around them which makes for bleak reading. Thurrock have seemingly been bottom all season but they've hardly played any games (seven less than Wingate) and their 3-0 win against fellow strugglers Harrow on Saturday has taken them up a place. Apart from there being a lot to play for, this game has been specially selected to take part in a 'Kick It Out' initiative which is taking place at three Isthmian League clubs across the weekend. A disability  tournament will take place beforehand, there will be kids coaching and with it being Mothers' Day, all Mums will get in for FREE. (Isthmian League Premier Division, 10 Mar, 1pm. Club info)

7. Aveley v Waltham Abbey - the 'Kick It Out' Isthmian League weekend will actually start on Friday night at Essex club Aveley. Details about what they're doing have proven hard to come by so I can't elaborate further here. However, it should be a decent game as the hosts look to continue their promotion push. Back-to-back wins over Ilford and Harlow Town followed by a creditable 0-0 draw at leaders Maldon & Tiptree mean Aveley come into this game occupying one of the Isthmian Division 1 North's play-off spots. The visitors are winless in six so it should be a good night for Justin Gardner's team. (Isthmian League Division 1 North, 8 Mar, 745pm. Club info)

8. Dulwich Hamlet v Sittingbourne - over in south London, there's also a promotion push going on at Dulwich. Having missed out in the play-offs for the last two seasons, they're hoping to go up automatically this time. Kent club Maidstone are currently five points ahead of them in the only automatic spot but the Champion Hill residents have three games in hand. This match sees the visit of another very decent Kent outfit who are currently well in the hunt for promotion too, sitting fifth at the time of writing. Hamlet should have the edge but they lost the reverse fixture 3-1 back in September. Update (7/3/13) - I'm reliably informed that this game is of such standing that around 60 fans of German club Altona, who have links to Dulwich, are travelling over specially for it. They can't all be wrong!  (Isthmian League Division 1 South, 9 Mar, 3pm. Club info)

9. Uxbridge v Burnham - these sides play either side of the M25 explaining why TLFG only usually cover the former. It is therefore a derby and one which takes on added meaning this time round as Burnham are currently top of the division having not lost a match since Boxing Day. Worryingly for Uxbridge, the Blues have netted a whopping 17 goals in their last four matches so they arrive at Honeycroft in extremely rude health. After a bit of a dip, the Reds have won their last two leaving them snugly in midtable with no realistic chance of promotion or relegation meaning the pressure is off. Will they be able to raise themselves for the big occasion or become another statistic in Burnham's quest for the title. (Southern League Division 1 Central, 9 Mar, 3pm. Club info)

10. Cockfosters v Hoddesdon Town - these two clubs have been among the leaders of the Spartan South Midlands League Division 1 for a long time but it seemed there were a lot of inequalities in the amount of games played and that one or two clubs would drop away. After watching Cockfosters lose to local rivals London Lions back in November I feared that they could be one of them. However, that hasn't happened with the north London club now unbeaten for three months meaning they're second just a point behind Hoddesdon. The visitors really have to win this game if they are to retain their title hopes as they have played  four games more than Cockfosters and five more than the aforementioned Lions who lie third. In October, when the sides last met, Cockfosters won 3-2 so hopefully we'll get more of the same. (Spartan South Midlands League Division 1, 9 Mar, 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.