Sunday 28 April 2013

TLFG: 29 April - 12 May 2013

Hello there one and all, welcome to the latest edition of TLFG.

As I write this, QPR's relegation from the Premier League has just been confirmed.

Being a Rangers fan, it is of course a great disappointment especially after what was achieved last year and the funds that were made available throughout this season.

It's also particularly galling when you're a season-ticket holder who didn't manage to see his side win once all season! The only wins came when I was working or had other duties.

In fact work has kept me from seeing a game since January and I'll be making my first visit to Loftus Road since then next week when it's all too late. Aaaaargh!

Anyway, backwards and downwards, here's to a season in the Championship where I have to say, hand on heart, we really belong. If the finances hold up then it could be quite an entertaining campaign but I won't hold my breath.

That's enough wailing and gnashing of teeth from me, what's in this week's TLFG?

With a Bank Holiday coming up I've decided to do another double issue to help with your match planning.

At the time of writing, a few play-off fixtures have yet to be decided so they'll be added as and when they become available.

Also with several leagues having wrapped up for the season I've decided to bulk out the second of the match maps with a few local Level 11/Step 7 games and a few matches from the FA Women's Super League.

Some of the details for the Level 11 games are a bit sketchy at the moment, particularly the kick-off times, so check with clubs before you travel.

Last season a few readers of this blog met up at a couple of Middlesex County Football League games in scorching May temperatures and enjoyed some very entertaining matches so I'd advise you to give it a go.

Some teams at this level utilise the facilities of bigger clubs while others play on not much more than park pitches so if you're particularly discerning make sure you check before you head off.

Also, there are several opportunities to do groundhop doubles over the next couple of weeks thanks to the Championship's final round of games kicking off at 1245pm on Saturday 4 May.

For example, following Charlton Athletic's match against Bristol City you could stroll down the road and watch the Kent Invicta League game between Bridon Ropes and Lewisham Borough at 3pm.

A few Bank Holiday matches kick-off at 1130am in the Combined Counties League leaving you open to see another game in the afternoon. I think there's even a triple possible that day with my sources suggesting an evening start at Haringey & Waltham Development.

Or if you're really lucky and have tickets for the FA Cup final on 11 May, there are other games that kick-off at noon that you can also take in (e.g. the Kent League Cup final at Welling United or South Kilburn in the Combined Counties).

There are various options so I'll let you peruse the map and work out the best one for you.

That's enough from yours truly, let me know what you've been up to. 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 VASE FINAL
Saturday 4 May, 3pm - Spennymoor Town v Tunbridge Wells, Wembley

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

ARSENAL
Nothing currently available

CHELSEA
Nothing currently available

FULHAM
Saturday 4 May, 3pm - Reading, Premier League

QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Sunday 12 May, 3pm - Newcastle United, Premier League

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Nothing currently available

Sunday 19 May, 4pm - Reading, Premier League

SOLD OUT MATCHES
The teams listed above also have several games coming up which have sold out. The following have tickets available through the viagogo website (click on the banner below):


Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur (8 May, 745pm)
Chelsea v Everton (19 May, 4pm)
Fulham v Liverpool (12 May, 3pm)
West Ham United v Newcastle United (4 May, 3pm)

CHEAP TICKETS
It is also well worth checking the viagogo site for cheap tickets as season-ticket holders often offload tickets for well below face value for the not so popular matches - for example you can get a ticket to watch QPR v Newcastle United on Sunday 12 May for £28 (face value £45).


OTHER TICKETS
Another great source of tickets for football, stadium tours and other sports and events in London are Ticketmaster. They always sell tickets at face value plus a booking fee.

Outside the Premier League, tickets for the derby between Millwall and Crystal Palace on Tuesday 30 April at 745pm are on general sale at normal prices but the match is all ticket so must be bought in advance.

The Combined Counties League season reaches its climax on Saturday 4 May and title-chasing Egham Town are letting EVERYONE IN FOR FREE to their match against Bedfont Sports. They could really cash in on such a big occasion but have decided not to so get along to the Runnymede Stadium and back the Sarnies if you're out west.

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

This week sees Arsenal host Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool in the U21 Premier League at Underhill Stadium. As always ENTRY IS FREE.

In the same competition Crystal Palace take on Bolton Wanderers at Imperial Fields, the home of Tooting & Mitcham United. There might be a charge for this but it shouldn't exceed £3.

For both of the above, see the match map for dates and kick-off times.

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's lots taking place in the London area. We've got London derbies, title deciders, relegation 'six-pointers', play-off matches and several cup finals.

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 MAP 29 APRIL - 5 MAY
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



MATCH MAP 6-12 MAY
Yellow pin - Bank Holiday 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 6-12 May 2013 in a larger map

Sometimes games get postponed 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. As previously mentioned, several play-off games have yet to be confirmed so they will be added in due course. Add your own in the comments section below.

TLFG TOP TIPS


Monday 29 April
Barkingside v Burnham Ramblers - third versus first in the Essex Senior League. Burnham have already clinched the title but the hosts are still in the hunt for second.

Tuesday 30 April
Millwall v Crystal Palace - two south-east London rivals meet in this derby with the visitors desperate for points in their pursuit of a Championship play-off place.
London Senior Cup final - Isthmian League club Kingstonian take on Conference South side Bromley for a decent bit of silverware at Metropolitan Police FC's ground.
Thamesmead Town v Witham Town - Isthmian League Division 1 North play-off semi-final, a one off game with the winners playing Maldon & Tiptree or Aveley in the final.
Erith & Belvedere v Greenwich Borough - the hosts finally let their lead of the Kent League slip on Saturday but it will all be decided on Tuesday night as they play Greenwich and current leaders VCD Athletic head to Lordswood in their final games.
Bedfont Sports v Guernsey - the Channel Islands club are still in with a chance of the Combined Counties League title despite their huge backlog of games.
Egham Town v Horley Town - their main rivals and current leaders are Egham, neither can really afford a slip up.

Wednesday 1 May
Wealdstone v Concord Rangers - Isthmian League Premier Division play-off semi-final, a one off game with the winners playing Lowestoft or East Thurrock in the final.
Epsom Athletic v Frimley Green - the visitors are on the verge of winning the Combined Counties League Division 1 title.

Thursday 2 May
Chelsea v FC Basel - second leg of the Europa League semi-final, the Stamford Bridge club lead 2-1 on aggregate.
Hanworth Villa v Brentford - Middlesex Charity Cup semi-final

Saturday 4 May
Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton - Spurs chase an important win as they look to clinch a Champions League place.
Queens Park Rangers v Arsenal - one of QPR's last home games in the Premier League is this derby against the Gunners.
Watford v Leeds United - the Hornets could seal promotion to the Premier League if they win this game.
FA Vase final - Spennymoor Town meet Tunbridge Wells at Wembley in the final of this knockout competition for clubs who play at levels nine and 10 of the national system.
Egham Town v Bedfont Sports - this game could see Egham clinch the Combined Counties League title and it's FREE TO GET IN.
Mole Valley SCR v Eversley & California - two of the top teams in the Combined Counties League Division 1 meet in a match which could decide a few promotion issues.

Sunday 5 May
Conference Premier play-off final - Newport County and Wrexham duel at Wembley for a place in League Two.

Monday 6 May
Brentford v Swindon Town - League One play-off semi-final second leg
Spartan South Midlands League Challenge Trophy final - Codicote start as massive underdogs against league champions Dunstable Town who are going for the double at Harefield United's ground.
Surrey Elite Intermediate League Challenge Cup final - Old Farnboronians v Coulsdon Town at Carshalton Athletic's ground.

Wednesday 8 May
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur - a massive London derby with Champions League spots up for grabs.
Surrey Senior Cup final - Godalming Town v Sutton United at Sutton's ground.
Middlesex FA Intermediate Cup final - Chiswick play Indian Gymkhana at Rayners Lane's ground.

Thursday 9 May
Middlesex Charity Cup final - Uxbridge v Brentford at Uxbridge's ground

Friday 10 May
Crystal Palace v Brighton & Hove Albion - Championship play-off semi-final first leg
Southern Combination Cup final - Combined Counties League sides Molesey and Spelthorne Sports look to end their seasons on a high at the Moles' Walton Road ground.

Saturday 11 May
FA Cup final - Manchester City look to become winners for the second time in three years as Wigan Athletic provide the opposition in this 515pm kick-off at Wembley.
Kent League Cup final - Erith & Belvedere might be Kent League champions by this point, meaning only Corinthian stand between them and the double.

Sunday 12 May
Fulham v Liverpool - realistically there's not much at stake for either team but the Reds are still a big draw when it comes to watching a Premier League game.
Queens Park Rangers v Newcastle United - QPR's final home game before they depart for the Championship could also have a bearing on which division the Magpies end up in.
Watford v Leicester City - Championship play-off semi-final second leg


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 21 April 2013

TLFG: 22-28 April 2013

It's seems no time since I was starting to put together match maps for last summer's pre-season friendlies but here we are at the end of the campaign already.

The Conference Premier concluded yesterday (why so early I'm not quite sure) and saw Mansfield Town return to the promised land of the Football League. Dartford, the only club we cover, came a very creditable eighth following promotion from the Conference South so well done to them.

Congratulations also to Step 6/Level 10 clubs London Lions, Phoenix Sports and Rayners Lane who all clinched league/divisional titles this week, very well done!

Next weekend sees the end of the season for League One, League Two, the Conference South, Isthmian League and Southern League.

Aside from the Southern League, our local sides still have plenty to play for in all of the above and it's them I've largely concentrated on in this week's TLFG Top 10.

Also, you may have noticed that I've added a poll towards the top right of the page as I look to make this blog a little more interactive so give it a go.

I didn't make it to any games this week but with my monthly long weekend coming up I hope to make it somewhere.

Right that's enough from me, let me know what you've been up to. 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 VASE FINAL
Saturday 4 May, 3pm - Spennymoor Town v Tunbridge Wells, Wembley

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

ARSENAL
Monday 22 April, 7pm - Tottenham Hotspur, U21 Premier League, Underhill (FREE)

CHELSEA
Wednesday 8 May, 745pm - Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League (on sale 22 Apr)

FULHAM
Friday 26 April, 7pm - Sunderland, U21 Premier League
Saturday 4 May, 3pm - Reading, Premier League

QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Sunday 12 May, 3pm - Newcastle United, Premier League

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Saturday 4 May, 3pm - Southampton, Premier League
Sunday 19 May, 4pm - Sunderland, Premier League

Saturday 4 May, 3pm - Newcastle United, Premier League
Sunday 19 May, 4pm - Reading, Premier League

SOLD OUT MATCHES
The teams listed above also have several games coming up which have sold out. The following have tickets available through the viagogo website (click on the banner below):

Chelsea v Swansea City (27 April, 3pm)
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur (8 May, 745pm)

CHEAP TICKETS
It is also well worth checking the viagogo site for cheap tickets as season-ticket holders often offload tickets for well below face value for the not so popular matches - for example you can get a ticket to watch QPR v Newcastle United on Sunday 12 May for £30 (face value £45). Some of Chelsea's games are available at less than half price.


OTHER TICKETS
Another great source of tickets for football, stadium tours and other sports and events in London are Ticketmaster. They always sell tickets at face value plus a booking fee.

Outside the Premier League, Millwall have reduced prices for their upcoming Championship game against Blackburn Rovers (23 April). It's now just £15 for adults and £10 for U16s. Tickets for their derby against Crystal Palace on Tuesday 30 April at 745pm are also on general sale at normal prices but the match is all ticket so must be bought in advance.

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

This week sees the north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Underhill Stadium (Barnet's home until Saturday). It takes place on Monday 22 April at 7pm and ENTRY IS FREE.

You can also spend Friday night beside the Thames at Craven Cottage enjoying Fulham's U21 side entertain Sunderland. The action starts at 7pm and costs £3 for adults, £1 everyone else.

Alternatively if you're nearer the east side of town on Friday then you might find West Ham United v Liverpool a more attractive option. It also kicks off at 7pm and you can get into Upton Park for similarly low prices.

UPDATE (25/4/13): Elsewhere in north London, Wingate & Finchley are offering FREE ENTRY to local residents for their crucial final match of the season against Cray Wanderers. So if you live in the N12 part of London and are around on Saturday at 3pm, get yourself down there with proof of residency.

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 well over 100 matches taking place in the London area so there's plenty to choose from. We've got London derbies, title deciders and relegation 'six-pointers'.

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 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 22-28 April 2013 in a larger map

Sometimes games get postponed 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. Add your own in the comments section below.

TLFG TOP 10 

1. Arsenal v Manchester United - always one of the biggest games of the season as two of the biggest clubs in the country do battle. Go back 10 years and these were THE two clubs in the country but the Gunners have slipped back somewhat since then and are trophyless since 2005. Despite this they are still in the Premier League's top three and are in better form than United. The visitors should start as fairly healthy favourites though, as Arsenal have only beaten them once in their last 11 meetings. (Premier League, 28 April, 4pm. Ticket info)

2. Chelsea v Swansea City - it's credit to Swans boss Michael Laudrup that this match makes the top 10. A superb debut season as a manager in this competition has seen the Dane take Swansea to the brink of a top eight finish and of course that League Cup win. On their way there they beat Chelsea over two legs in the semi-final and also drew with them at the Liberty Stadium in the league. All in all this is a difficult fixture for the Blues and it is one they really have to win to keep up with the pace for a top four finish. The pressure will be wholly on Rafa Benitez's side and it could take its toll. (Premier League, 28 April, 3pm. Ticket info)

3. Brentford v Doncaster Rovers - the League One season comes to an end on Saturday and in this game it doesn't get much bigger. Only two teams go up automatically with these two currently third and second respectively, two points apart. In essence it's winner takes all at Griffin Park with a place in the Championship the prize at stake. Doncaster are used to playing at that level but Brentford haven't been there for 20 years so it will be huge for the west London club if they make it up. (League One, 27 April, 3pm. Ticket info)

4. AFC Wimbledon v Fleetwood Town - it's also the final day in League Two and sadly with one game to go all three London clubs find themselves in the bottom four. AFC Wimbledon and Barnet have been down there all season but now Dagenham & Redbridge have been dragged into the dogfight too. To clarify, the bottom two go down and seven teams are currently in the mire. Of the London clubs, AFC Wimbledon are in the most danger and will start the day second from bottom. They are five games without a win but are up against a side who are in equally bad form and have nothing to play for - they have a chance. (League Two, 27 April, 3pm. Ticket info)

5. Dagenham & Redbridge v York City - with Barnet facing a very tricky trip to promotion chasing Northampton, the Daggers host York who could go down themselves. Given that the Bees and Dons are below them, they could lose this and still stay up but really only a win will be enough to make sure. Last season the east London club struggled for most of the season and then pulled away to finish quite comfortably. This year the opposite seems to have happened with only two wins in 10 leaving them in a very precarious position right at the death. (League Two, 27 April, 3pm. Ticket info)

6. Sutton United v Salisbury City - the Conference Premier season ended yesterday with London club Dartford recording a very respectable top-eight finish following promotion. On Saturday Welling could only draw at Boreham Wood meaning they couldn't quite seal the Conference South title to join their neighbours and rivals. They will, however, finally get up if Sutton can take at least a point off second-placed Salisbury in this game on Monday night. The hosts are also still in contention for a play-off place themselves so should be going all out to win. Loads at stake! (Conference South, 22 April, 745pm. Ticket info)

7. Welling United v Eastleigh - if Sutton do the business then this game will turn into a victory party for Welling. If not then they'll still need a point to wrap things up (their goal difference over Salisbury is significantly greater though). Whatever happens, Eastleigh won't make it easy for them. One of the pre-season favourites, they started badly but have forced their way into the play-off places right at the end and still need wins to make sure they stay there. (Conference South, 27 April, 3pm. Ticket info)

8. Wealdstone v Lowestoft Town - the regular Isthmian League season comes to a close on Saturday too but some clubs have to cram three games into the final week. One of those teams are Lowestoft who are currently second in the table. The Stones are nestled just a point behind them in third but have played a game more. The hosts' title hopes have already gone and they can effectively end Lowestoft's challenge too if they win here. This would give Stones fans a great deal of pleasure as they lost, somewhat controversially, to the Suffolk club in the play-offs last season. It looks quite likely that they could meet again.  (Isthmian League Premier Division, 23 April, 745pm. Ticket info)

9. Thurrock v Metropolitan Police - Picking a game from the final day of the season was quite tough as there are so many midweek games that could significantly change things, particularly at the bottom end of the table. From what I can see, this is the only game in London that could affect both ends with Thurrock currently only one point above the relegation places and Met Police only being kept out of the play-off places by goal difference. Potentially both these sides could have nothing to play for by Saturday. If so try either Wealdstone v Canvey Island or Wingate & Finchley v Cray Wanderers instead. (Isthmian League Premier Division, 27 April, 3pm. Ticket info)

10. Dulwich Hamlet v Crawley Down Gatwick - once again Dulwich fans will suffer a nervy end to the season as their side push for promotion. Having missed out in the play-offs for the last two years they find themselves in pole position, just three points ahead of the mighty Maidstone United, going into the final week.  Both have two games to play and both have fixtures on Tuesday night which means the title will be Hamlet's if they get a better result than Maidstone who travel to Chipstead. If they match each other or Maidstone get the better result, then it will go to the final day when Dulwich host Burgess Hill Town. (Isthmian League Division 1 South, 27 April, 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 14 April 2013

TLFG: 15-21 April 2013

Sorry for the later publication time than normal but I've had a busy and interesting old day.

I usually write this on Sunday mornings but today was spent preparing to head off for a meeting/interview with New York Times journalist Sam Borden.

He was researching an article on some of the differences in fan culture between the USA and here and how people decide on who they support, where fan bases for clubs are located etc.

We had an good chat for an hour or so and hopefully it proved fruitful for him as he prepared to head off to Wembley for the Chelsea v Manchester City game he was also covering. He also gave me a bit of feedback which I will look to incorporate in some way soon.

I would also like to point out that this man has taken his groundhopping pretty seriously since arriving in town on Friday morning.

On being asked for a few recommendations of what he could do with his Friday sport-watching time, I offered him several ideas and then added Luton Town v Grimsby Town as an afterthought. It was to Kenilworth Road that he headed so hats off to him!

On Saturday he also took in the first half of London Lions v Amersham Town in the Spartan South Midlands League Division 1 before nipping over to Wembley again for Millwall v Wigan Athletic.

He seems to come over fairly regularly so give him a follow on Twitter and maybe he'll come and check out your club.

The other significant thing to happen to TLFG this week is the appearance of some, hopefully not too intrusive, adverts.

I have resisted and tried to keep things as pure as possible but given the time it takes to put this together, the Mrs is starting to ask questions (especially now a newborn baby is keeping us busy). So I'm under orders to try and make it pay.

The company I've gone for are viagogo who, among other things, allow season-ticket holders at the majority of London's top clubs to re-sell tickets for individual matches that they can't or don't want to attend.

It is fully authorised by the clubs involved and I have used the service to sell a ticket myself.

With fans being able to set their own prices, tickets for big matches can often go for well above face value but conversely you can pick up great deals for less popular games.

Rather than go for the Pay-Per-Click option, I've signed up as a viagogo 'affiliate' which means I get a commission when TLFG directs someone to their site who then buys a ticket.

Right that's enough from me, let me know what you've been up to. 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 VASE FINAL
Saturday 4 May, 3pm - Spennymoor Town v Tunbridge Wells, Wembley

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

ARSENAL
Nothing currently available

CHELSEA
Friday 19 April, 745pm - Liverpool, FA Youth Cup final

FULHAM
Wednesday 17 April, 8pm - Chelsea, Premier League
Friday 26 April, 7pm - Sunderland, U21 Premier League
Saturday 4 May, 3pm - Reading, Premier League

QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Saturday 20 April, 3pm - Stoke City, Premier League

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

Saturday 20 April, 3pm - Wigan Athletic, Premier League
Sunday 19 May, 4pm - Reading, Premier League

SOLD OUT MATCHES
The teams listed above also have several games coming up which have sold out. The following have tickets available through the viagogo website (click on the banner below):

Chelsea v Swansea City (27 April, 3pm)
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur (date to be confirmed)
Fulham v Arsenal (20 April, 3pm)
West Ham United v Manchester United (17 April, 745pm)
West Ham United v Newcastle United (4 May, 3pm)

CHEAP TICKETS
It is also well worth checking the viagogo site for cheap tickets as season-ticket holders often offload tickets for well below face value for the not so popular matches - for example you can get a ticket to watch QPR v Stoke City on Saturday 20 April for just £20 which is a discount of over 30%. Some of Chelsea's games are available at less than half price.



Outside the Premier League, Millwall have reduced prices for their upcoming Championship games against Watford (16 April) and Blackburn Rovers (23 April). It's now just £15 for adults and £10 for U16s.

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

This week sees the decisive second leg of the FA Youth Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Friday 19 April at 745pm.

It's only £5 for adults and £3 for concessions so it could be a fine way to kick-off your weekend. The Blues lead 2-0 after the first leg so are firmly in the driving seat.

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 well 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 the FA Youth Cup final too.

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 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 15-21 April 2013 in a larger map

Sometimes games get postponed 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. Add your own in the comments section below.

TLFG TOP 10 

1. Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City - after their success at Wembley on Sunday, City return to the capital as they look to sew up second spot. Spurs, it could be argued, are in greater need of the win as they sit in fifth with just goal difference separating them from Chelsea. The smart money must be on the visitors who are in marginally better form and have beaten Tottenham on the last four occasions. (Premier League, 21 April, 130pm. Ticket info)

2. Arsenal v Everton - elsewhere in north London, the Gunners have a game of very similar significance. They are currently in third just a point ahead of Chelsea and Tottenham. The Toffees represent the best of the rest and being just three points off fourth, have very real Champions League ambitions themselves. These games are often very closely fought but Arsene Wenger's side usually have just enough. (Premier League, 16 April, 745pm. Ticket info)

3. Fulham v Chelsea - we've got a west London derby to look forward to on Wednesday. Of all the London clubs in the Premier League, these two are the closest (just over one mile apart). The Cottagers have always lived very much in the shadow of their neighbours. However, they continue to comfortably hold their own in the Premier League and are usually a nut that the Blues find particularly hard to crack. The last five games between them have ended in a draw so this could be a pivotal game in the race for a Champions League spot. Fulham also host Arsenal on Saturday so it's a big week.  (Premier League, 17 April, 8pm. Ticket info)

4. Crystal Palace v Leicester City - two of the promotion contenders in the Championship meet at Selhurst Park on Saturday. Both are in the top eight but are in dreadful form and need wins badly if they are to avoid missing out on the play-offs. The Eagles took the honours in the reverse fixture earlier in the season and might just have enough here. (Championship, 20 April, 3pm. Ticket info)

5. Barnet v Wycombe Wanderers - this League Two match has plenty going for it. Although not a London club, Wycombe play just outside the M25 so this has the feel of a derby to it. Not only that but Barnet, managed by Edgar Davids, badly need the points to avoid relegation from the Football League. However, trumping all this is the fact that this is the last ever match to be played by Barnet at their Underhill ground. After over 100 years they will be moving to a new ground next season so this will be an historic and emotional occasion. (League Two, 20 April, 3pm. Ticket info)

6. Boreham Wood v Welling United - there's quite a lot riding on this match for both teams. A win for Welling will secure them the Conference South title, while victory for the hosts will keep them in the race for a play-off spot. To be fair, only a complete collapse by the Wings over the next couple of weeks will see them surrender top spot. The Wood, however, really need the points to keep their hopes alive having slipped out of the top five in recent weeks. It's hard to look past the south-east Londoners in this one though - they thumped Boreham Wood 4-0 back in February and drubbed Weston-Super-Mare, another top side, 4-1 on Saturday.  (Conference South, 20 April, 3pm. Club info)

7. Thamesmead Town v Grays Athletic - the top two in the Isthmian Division 1 North meet in the match of the weekend at this level. Grays played the then second-placed team (Maldon & Tiptree) on Saturday, beat them and won the title so many congratulations to them. As a result of that loss, Thamesmead moved up to second after crushing Needham Market 5-0 away. It has been a truly memorable season for the Bayliss Avenue club who despite their success only average crowds of a staggeringly low 54. Grays should boost that figure as they enjoy somewhat of a victory parade. (Isthmian League Division 1 North, 20 April, 3pm. Club info)

8. Erith & Belvedere v Erith Town - there are host of great games in the Kent League this week but the Erith derby is probably the pick of the bunch. E&B are still top of the league and it would seem an injustice if they were not to take the title given how long they seem to have been there. However, if they slip up here, second placed VCD Athletic will leapfrog them if they beat FA Vase finalists Tunbridge Wells on the same day. Erith Town, for their part, are third and still mathematically have a chance of the title too but the current eight-point gap will probably be too much to bridge. A win for the visitors could shake things up considerably. (Kent League, 16 April, 745pm. Club info)

9. Phoenix Sports v Hollands & Blair - a short distance away we have another potential title decider as the top two in the Kent Invicta League do battle. Phoenix have topped the KIL table pretty much from the off and it would be even more unjust if they didn't claim the silverware. However, H&B have mounted a very worthy challenge and six wins on the bounce has left them six points behind with three games to go. Both sides have been tucking away the goals too with Hollands netting 25 in that six-game sequence while Phoenix have chalked up 18 in their last two! Phoenix edged to a 3-2 win in the reverse fixture back in November so  this game could be fun. (Kent Invicta League, 17 April, 745pm. Club info)

10. Chelsea v Liverpool - it got a mention above but I thought I'd put it in again just in case you missed it. Friday night sees the playing of the second leg of the FA Youth Cup final (for U18s) at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea won 2-0 at Anfield last Friday to put them in a commanding position here. If you're in London for the weekend to watch a bit of football then this could be a nice bonus game to get you started. At just £5 adults, £3 concessions it represents great value too. (FA Youth Cup final second leg, 19 April, 745pm. 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 7 April 2013

TLFG: 8-14 April 2013

Hi there, welcome back to TLFG. How was the Easter break for you? Did you see many matches or manage to do a groundhop 'triple' on Easter Monday? Let us know in the comments section below.

As a QPR fan, it was a very disappointing weekend. I didn't go to Fulham but it sounds as though we could have at least had a point despite going 3-0 down. Enough about that, it's all about the Wigan game today. Sadly I start work at kick-off time so one of my friends will be enjoying a free trip to Loftus Road this afternoon. If ever there was a must win game it's this one.

Rangers aside, I did manage a trip to see my other football love - Harrow Borough.

As a teenager I lived close to their Earlsmead ground and became an avid follower going home and away for a five-year period from 1988-93 which probably saw me do not as well as I could've done in both my GCSE's and A-Levels. I was obsessed as our little group traveled round the grounds of the south-east in what are still some of my most enjoyable times as a football fan.

Since going to university and moving away, my attendance has become far less frequent but I still try and go at least once a year.

This season's visit took place on Easter Saturday when local rivals Hendon rolled into town.

The Greens come second in the Boro's derby pecking order behind Wealdstone but it's a far more sporting and pleasant occasion than when either face the Stones. There used to be a bit of an edge to these games when I started going but that's largely faded as the success and supporter base of both sides has eroded.

Harrow captain Rob Wolleaston (red #8) prepares to head home the opener
As regular readers know, Hendon have been homeless for a while now and play all their home games at Wembley FC. Groundshares often hit clubs' attendances and for non-league sides it can be particularly damaging. Next season the Greens will actually be moving in with Harrow putting them another couple of miles from their spiritual home at Claremont Road so who knows what will happen to their crowds then.

The match itself was scrappy but entertaining in its own way. Harrow raced into an early lead and contained the higher ranked Hendon fairly well. The second half saw the visitors create some really great chances which they somehow missed. With the game in injury time it looked like Boro might hold on for three crucial points until a late goalmouth scramble saw Gary McCann's side steal a point.

Harrow went on to play Wealdstone a couple of days later in front of a crowd of 841. The vast majority of those present were there to see the Stones. This compares quite starkly to the Harrow v Hendon game which drew only 207.

I ran into a Hendon fan at the match who I'd met before and I mischievously suggested to him that the upcoming groundshare could ultimately lead to a merger of the two clubs. Rather than him laugh it back in my face, he shrugged and readily conceded that it could become a reality. Harrow & Hendon FC anyone?

As I said, let me know what you've been up to. 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)

FA VASE FINAL
Saturday 4 May, 3pm - Spennymoor Town v Tunbridge Wells, Wembley

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

ARSENAL
Nothing currently available

CHELSEA
Nothing currently available

Friday 26 April, 7pm - Sunderland, U21 Premier League

QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Saturday 20 April, 3pm - Stoke City, Premier League

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Sunday 21 April, 130pm - Manchester City, 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, Millwall have reduced prices for their upcoming Championship games against Watford (16 April) and Blackburn Rovers (23 April). It's now just £15 for adults and £10 for U16s.

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

West Ham United host Tottenham Hotspur in the U21 Premier League at Upton Park on Monday 8 April.

I can't remember the precise cost of tickets for this but it'll be no more than £5 for adults, possibly only £3.

If non-league football is your thing or you'd like to try it out, Wingate & Finchley are hosting a Community Day on 13 April when Kingstonian are the visitors. Entry prices to this Isthmian League match will be totally at your discretion as the club are running a 'Pay What You Like' scheme so you could get in for free (although I'd be very disappointed if you were that tight).

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 well 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 FA cup semi-finals 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 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 8-14 April 2013 in a larger map

Sometimes games get postponed 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. Add your own in the comments section below.

TLFG TOP 10 

1. Chelsea v Manchester City - two of the country's biggest clubs meet at Wembley in this FA Cup semi-final. Formwise, there's little to choose between these two at the moment and both know quite a bit about winning this trophy with both having done it in the last two years. Unbeaten in four against the Blues (including the Community Shield), City probably have the edge but the Stamford Bridge club do so well at Wembley that it's hard to see past them. Extra-time is almost a certainty. (FA Cup, 14 April, 4pm. Ticket info)

2. Millwall v Wigan Athletic - in the other semi-final the day before you have a far less glamorous tie but one which ensures a less fashionable team will reach the final. If you don't know, Millwall are a Championship team so they've done really well to make it this far. It's not unusual for them though, having made it to the final in 2004 too. Wigan, on paper, should be the favourites but given their battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League this could be a dangerous distraction. The Lions have nothing to lose and will almost certainly win the vocal war in the stands too so we could see an upset. Unusually, tickets are still available too. (FA Cup, 13 April, 515pm. Ticket info)

3. Brentford v Portsmouth - in League One we have this match which is of great significance at both ends of the table. The Bees have been in and around the top six all season and still have very realistic aims of winning automatic promotion. Having drawn at Coventry on Saturday they currently lie fourth, five points from second but with two games in hand. In theory, struggling Pompey should be seen off with ease but they have form when it comes to escaping the drop and are currently five games without defeat. A big crowd is expected with the match being made 'all-ticket' so buy in advance if you want to go. (League One, 13 April, 3pm. Ticket info)

4. Dartford v Grimsby Town - these two sides met in the FA Trophy semi-finals recently with Grimsby coming out on top. Since then the Mariners' hopes of winning the Conference title have ended but they're still very much in the race for a play-off spot. Mathematically Dartford could still make the end of season promotion shoot out too but it would be a miracle. Even if they don't, it's been a fine first season in this division for the Princes Park club who somehow started the campaign as one of the favourites for relegation. (Conference Premier, 9 April, 745pm. Ticket info)

5. Welling United v Weston-Super-Mare - in the division below, Welling are on course to join their neighbours Dartford in the Conference Premier next season. Currently eight points clear at the top of the Conference South it's looking good for the south-east London club. However, they lost their huge clash against second place Salisbury on Saturday who also have a game in hand. Weston-Super-Mare are hungry for points themselves with their latest 3-0 win over Bromley lifting them to fourth. The seaside club also beat Welling in the reverse fixture at the end of February so they will be dangerous. (Conference South, 13 April, 3pm. Ticket info)

6. Wingate & Finchley v Kingstonian - there aren't any standout fixtures for me in the Isthmian Premier this week so I'll give this match a second mention. If you missed it in the ticket section above, Wingate are running a 'Pay What You Like' scheme for this game. They did it earlier in the season on Non-League Day and came close to tripling their crowd. Hopefully this Community Day will do equally well. Both sides are also in need of points too as they look to avoid the drop/get a play-off place so it should be a good match too. (Isthmian League Premier Division, 13 April, 3pm. PAY WHAT YOU LIKE)

7. Grays Athletic v Maldon & Tiptree - the top two in the Isthmian Division 1 North meet in the match of the weekend at this level. M&T topped the table for months and had a commanding lead which appeared to have left the rest of the pack fighting for play-off scraps but amazing things have happened of late. The leaders began to stutter, drawing and losing the odd game here and there while Grays have gone on a 14-game winning run. Consequently Grays are now six points clear at the top but M&T have a game in hand. With only a handful of matches to go, this could virtually decide who wins the title. (Isthmian League Division 1 North, 13 April, 3pm. Ticket info)

8. Whyteleafe v Erith & Belvedere - fourth host first in the Kent League in this one. Erith have been top for months but a bad Easter period which saw them take only a point off two of their nearest rivals has seen their lead cut to only four points. Although they managed a morale boosting 4-0 win over Sevenoaks on Saturday, there's little margin for error as they travel to a tough Whyteleafe side for this game. The Leafe have crushed several midtable sides in recent weeks but have come unstuck against fellow top four sides Erith Town and VCD Athletic. They did, however, beat E&B at Park View Road earlier in the season so they can't be written off. (Kent League, 13 April, 3pm. Ticket info)

9. Hanwell Town v Aylesbury United - Dunstable Town are within touching distance of clinching the Spartan South Midlands League title but they can, theoretically, still be caught. Aylesbury United are currently second but are 15 points adrift within 15 available. If they manage to somehow bridge this gap, they are also going to have to hammer everyone as they also trail in the goal difference stakes by 43 (102 to 59). Hanwell, who narrowly avoided the wooden spoon last season, have had a good season and are currently fifth. Although the title is beyond them, a top three finish isn't so they should be well up for this one too. (Spartan South Midlands Premier, 11 April, 745pm. Club info)

10. Cockfosters v Hoddesdon Town - last up this week we have this top three clash in the Spartan South Midlands League Division 1. Hoddesdon have been top for a while now but there position is insecure. They might be three points clear of London Lions and five above Cockfosters but the chasing clubs have five games in hand. It is therefore imperative for all concerned in this game that they win. The hosts will fancy their chances though, having beaten Hoddesdon twice already this season in the league and cup. (Spartan South Midlands League Division 1, 11 April, 745pm. Club info)

UPDATE (10/4/13): If you fancy a bit of amateur football on Saturday then head to Chigwell for the Amateur Football Alliance Senior Cup final between Old Salesians and Old Minchendenians. It kicks off at 3pm and ADMISSION IS FREE. If you want to make a day of it, the ladies' final is at the same ground at 1030am. Details on the match map above.

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.