Monday 24 April 2023

TLFG: 24 April - 1 May 2023

Welcome to a bank holiday special of TLFG.

Apologies again for another late publication but once again I was spending too much time enjoying myself watching Actonians on Sunday to get round to writing this.

In fact it's been a very satisfactory few days for my clubs with QPR pulling off arguably the biggest shock of the weekend by inflicting Burnley's first home defeat of the season.

Vincent Kompany's side have already won promotion and had looked certain to wrap-up the title against a poor R's side who'd only won twice since December.

Maria Ledezma-Viso (left) crashed in her sixth of the season for Actonians

However, it wasn't to be and despite recording only 19% possession, Gareth Ainsworth's side played to their strengths and won 2-1.

They're now four points clear of the relegation zone with two games to go - the hope is back but that's what kills you right?

Harrow Borough came from behind to beat Yate Town 3-1 in their final match of the season but the result was tinged with disappointment as relegation had already been confirmed.

Steve Baker also became Boro's longest serving manager that afternoon, having joined in 2015, and he had already announced it would be his last game - a sad way to depart. 

It was even more gutting to see they finished only a point adrift of safety with old rivals Hendon just edging them out but good luck to them - they're rivals not enemies.

As for Actonians, they've been my sole source of positivity this season.

Coming into their final two games, they still had the chance to finish third.

On Sunday they faced Ashford Town, a side who sat just below them in the table and one they'd beaten twice previously earlier in the season in the league and cup.

Possessed of some good forwards, Danny Harrigan's side knew they'd have to be wary against the Tangerines.

Some of that talent was on show from the off as the visitors fired in a fine early goal.

The A's equalised soon after through Italian goal machine Alessandra Barreca and this was followed soon after by a thunderbolt from winger Maria Ledezma-Viso which slammed in off the bar.

Tickets are available for West Ham v Liverpool on Wednesday

Seemingly in control, Actonians found themselves pegged backed to 2-2 when Ashley Cheatley coolly fired across Amy Butler into the top-right corner.

The talented striker barely celebrated as she was mobbed by her team-mates.

Sadly for the visitors, they found themselves 3-2 down at the interval after another Barreca effort beat the keeper from range.

After such an entertaining first half, it looked like we could have one of the crazy end-of-season games where any score becomes possible.

Thankfully for the hosts and their fans, it never came close to happening as Actonians accelerated away after the interval and won 6-2 with further goals from Jasmine Williamson, Natsumi Kanno and a third from Barreca who completed her hat-trick with a free-kick into the top-left corner which the keeper couldn't quite keep out.

It was a huge moment for Barreca who only returned from an ACL injury at the end of January and now has six goals from just 10 appearances since then.

Actonians travel to the Abbey Stadium on Sunday to play Cambridge United in their final game.

To finish third, they will need to better Norwich City's result at AFC Wimbledon.

Whatever happens, my first full season as dedicated follower of a women's team has been a real pleasure.

 THE WEEK AHEAD

With many of our local non-league competitions now concluded, there's far less to watch than normal. The highlights of the next few days include games in the Premier League, EFL, National League, Women's Champions League and a few other games in our local non-league and women's competitions.

As always, please make sure you check with clubs before you travel just in case a game has been called off or the venue or kick-off time has changed - this is highly possible for some of the lower non-league clubs. Also, please let me know if anything is wrong or missing.

Details on all of this week's games can be found on 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 drop down menu at the top of the map page to make sure you get all the information. Games are listed from top to bottom in date order so Monday's games (yellow pin) will appear first and Sunday's (orange pin) last. Games are also ranked in terms of status so the higher the division, the higher up the list they will appear on each day.
Also if you're unfamiliar with the English league structure I indicate the level at which an individual league sits in the national 'pyramid' with the Premier League at the top (Level 1) and various minor leagues at the bottom (Level 10). Typically a top level game will see crowds of anywhere between 20,000-60,000. These figures will gradually decline as you go down the leagues until you get to Levels 8-10 where attendances of 150 or less are most common.

It should also be noted that the top four levels are for fully professional teams. Level 5 has a mixture of professional and semi-professional teams, while Levels 6-10 will see most players paid but it will vary from no more than travel expenses at the bottom, right up to several hundred pounds a week at the top.

MIDWEEK MATCH MAP
Monday fixtures - yellow pin
Tuesday fixtures - green pin
Wednesday fixtures - turquoise pin
Thursday fixtures - purple pin
Friday fixtures - black pin



BANK HOLIDAY MATCH MAP
Saturday fixtures - blue pin
Sunday fixtures - orange pin
Monday fixtures - yellow pin


    
TLFG DAILY DIGEST
In the following section, I list what are in my opinion the most notable games of the week and give some brief reasons for my choice. Check the maps above for kick-off times, ticket info and directions.

Monday 24 April

Professional Development League
There are a couple of decent U21 options on Monday afternoon as both Watford  and Charlton Athletic have games at their main stadiums. The match at Vicarage Road starts at 1pm and the one at The Valley at 2pm

Essex Senior League
Athletic Newham v Romford @745pm - the season should have finished by now but because of lots of postponements earlier in the season, there are still one or two games that need to be completed. With all the promotion and relegation issues settled in the ESL, this match is just about determining finishing positions. A win for the hosts will see them end up in fifth which I'm pretty sure would be a club best

CCL Premier South
Balham v Colliers Wood United @745pm - the CCL suffered more than most when it came to postponements and as a result, still quite a few games need to be played. However, in this division, the promotion issues have been decided. Sadly, neither of these teams will be going up but a top five finish is possible for the visitors. This is also a derby from the southern end of the Northern Line

CCL Division 1
Spartans Youth v Molesey @745pm - the hosts moved up to this level for the first time this season and are just about keeping their heads above water. Their HQ is located just metres away from Brentford's stadium on the other side of the M4 but they've been playing all their games several miles away at Northwood which has presumably made it hard to build a fanbase. Currently seven points above the relegation zone with five games to go, they could do with one more win to make sure
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Tuesday 25 April

FA Youth Cup Final
Arsenal v West Ham United @7pm - the final of the country's most prestigious U18 cup competition takes place at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners may well need home advantage to win here as the Hammers' youngsters are well clear at the top of South section of the U18 league whereas Arsenal are 10th out of 12. Tickets are £5

Professional Development League
As on Monday, there are a couple more U21 games being played at clubs' main stadiums. QPR play at Loftus Road at 1pm and Millwall, who are top of the South section, kick-off at The Den at 2pm

National League
Boreham Wood v Gateshead @745pm - after losing the big game at Wrexham on Saturday, which gave the Welsh club the title, The Wood know a draw here will secure their play-off place with a game to spare. The Heed have already done enough to avoid relegation so don't have a huge amount to play for but I'm sure they'll want to put on a show for the fans who do make the long midweek journey from the north east

National League South
Dulwich Hamlet v Concord Rangers @745pm - there's a huge game at the wrong end of the NLS table on Tuesday where a win for the Hamlet will secure their place in the division for another season. Concord have been in the bottom four for a long time, partly as a result of lots of postponements. In the last few weeks they've been working their way through those games, ominously winning four out of their last five games as they've motored towards safety. However, if they lose here it will all be over, they'll go down and will take Cheshunt with them. Most games at Champion Hill sell out so you are strongly advised to buy tickets in advance if you want to go

CCL Premier North
Harefield United v Chalfont St Peter @730pm - this game is all about what happens to the visitors. In order to stay up, CSP have to match or better whatever Windsor achieve in their match against Virginia Water the same night

CCL Division 1
London Samurai Rovers v Cove @745pm - in theory LSR could still win the title and also completely miss out on the play-offs, although making the latter is the most realistic outcome. A win here will go a long way to securing their place in the 'post-season' but it still won't be guaranteed even at this late stage
Spartans Youth v Brook House @745pm - if Spartans win on Monday, then another win here against relegation rivals will keep them up and send the visitors down
Westside v RB Kensington @730pm - the hosts have a very slim chance of sneaking into the play-offs and as a result can't afford to lose

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Wednesday 26 April

Premier League
Chelsea v Brentford @745pm - last April the Bees went to Stamford Bridge and stunned everyone by beating the then European champions 4-1. A year on and it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see them win again. Currently five points ahead of them in the league, they'll be disappointed not to get anything here although their form is probably the worst it's been all season. Tickets have sold out
West Ham United v Liverpool @745pm - the pressure was really on David Moyes after his Hammers side capitulated against Newcastle three weeks ago but since then they haven't lost a game. Through to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League and now six points clear of the relegation zone after winning 4-0 at Bournemouth on Sunday, things are looking pretty rosy. However, with seven league games to play, a lot could still happen. The Reds also badly need to win to stay in the hunt for a place in Europe. The last three games between them have been close with only one goal winning margins. Tickets are available

Isthmian League Premier Division Play-Off Semi-Final
Hornchurch v Cray Wanderers @745pm - with the SCEFL getting the play-off season underway last week, things get into full swing this week. Most non-league play-off games only have one leg so the stakes are high. The Urchins have been in the title race for weeks so the fact they made it to the play-offs wasn't a huge surprise. For Cray, London's oldest club, it was in doubt until the final day when a draw at Haringey in front of over 800 fans was enough to see them pip Lewes to the last place on goal difference. Hornchurch have played in the NLS before but Cray never have - is this their moment?

Isthmian League South Central Play-Off Semi-Final
Walton & Hersham v Northwood @745pm - the Swans were neck-and-neck with Basingstoke Town until the final day when they only managed a draw at Thatcham and their rivals won. With only one team going up automatically, W&H will now go into the play-offs. They've ended up with a home game against Northwood who were leaders until Christmas. They also recorded an impressive 3-1 win over Marlow, who also made the play-offs, on the final day. The hosts have been getting crowds of over 1,500 recently so you'd expect something similar here

London Senior Cup Semi-Final
Charlton Athletic U21 v Hendon @7pm - being played at Dartford's stadium, a young Addicks side will take on the Greens who are celebrating avoiding the drop from the Southern League Premier South. The north-west London club are one of the most successful clubs in the competition's history, winning it six times. They last won it in 2020 and were runners-up last season. Charlton have never been to the final. The winners will play Haringey Borough

Essex Senior League Cup Semi-Final
Woodford Town v Redbridge @745pm - two of the top three meet for this mouthwatering semi-final at Ashton's. The winners will play Athletic Newham or Barking in the final

Middlesex Intermediate Cup Final
Bush Hill Rangers v Staines & Lammas (Middlesex) @745pm - two of the best sides in the 11th tier meet at North Greenford United for a decent chunk of county silverware. Currently top of the Herts Senior County League, BHR might start as marginal favourites but it's hard to say as S&L are still firmly in the hunt for the Surrey Premier crown too

Capital Women's Cup Final
AFC Wimbledon v Arsenal Academy @745pm - the Dons have had a decent season but it's ultimately going to see them pipped to the FAWNL Division 1 South East title by Hashtag United, a side they've taken four points off during the campaign. Winning this would be a nice consolation but it's going to be tough as Arsenal's youngsters have already beaten Sutton United, QPR and London Bees by convincing margins to get here. The match is being played at CB Hounslow United
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Thursday 27 April

Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United @815pm - after being thrashed 6-1 by Newcastle on Sunday, Spurs were left six points behind fourth placed Manchester United who have two games in hand. If they are to have any chance of making next season's Champions League they simply must win this. The visitors have won their last three league games and made it to the FA Cup Final after scraping past Brighton on penalties on Sunday. Tickets are only available to members

Premier League Cup Semi-Final
Fulham v Brentford @7pm - if you can't get a ticket for the above, then head to the Cottagers' training ground in Motspur Park for this derby. Blackburn Rovers await the winners in the final. Tickets are available on the gate

FAWNL Southern Premier
Watford v Oxford United @745pm - as we move into the last week of the season three teams can still win the title and these are two of them. Oxford are currently the favourites as they're top with a game in hand on the Hornets and Ipswich Town in third. The hosts have to avoid defeat at all costs or their season will end. Given the magnitude of the game, it's being played at Vicarage Road
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Friday 28 April

Premier League 2
There are a couple of U21 matches on Friday night as Chelsea welcome Brighton to Kingsmeadow and West Ham United entertain Leicester City at Rush Green. Tickets are £5 and usually available on arrival
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Saturday 29 April

Premier League
Crystal Palace v West Ham United @1230pm - the Eagles travel to Wolves in midweek where a draw will see them reach the mythical 38-point mark which traditionally proves to be enough to see clubs avoid relegation. If the Hammers beat Liverpool then they'll just need just a point here to get to 38 too. Either way, both these clubs now look pretty likely to avoid the drop. Tickets are only available to members
Brentford v Nottingham Forest @3pm - with the Bees' European hopes all but over, they've got little to play for other than position. Forest, on the other hand, need every point they can get to stay up. Brentford are unbeaten in three against the Midlands club and drew 2-2 at the City Ground earlier in the season. Tickets are only available to members 

League One
Charlton Athletic v Port Vale @3pm - the Addicks suffered a disappointing home defeat to Morecambe on Saturday to give the Lancashire club hope of staying up. Vale picked up a valuable 2-0 win over Bristol Rovers which all but ensures their place in League One next season but at least a draw here would make it absolutely certain. Tickets

League Two
Leyton Orient v Stockport County @3pm - the O's finally wrapped up the League Two title by beating Crewe on Saturday and presumably we'll see the trophy presented to Richie Wellens and his team at this game. The drama isn't over though as the visitors are still fighting hard with Carlisle, Northampton and Stevenage for two of the remaining automatic promotion places.Tickets have sold out
AFC Wimbledon v Tranmere Rovers @3pm - the Dons gave a pretty disgraceful performance while losing 5-1 at home to Swindon on Saturday. Luckily for them, struggling Hartlepool lost too which means they'll stay up whatever happens in the last two games. Midtable Tranmere also have little to play for. Interestingly, they are one of the only teams Wimbledon have managed to beat away this season. Tickets

Women's Super League
Tottenham Hotspur v Brighton & Hove Albion @515pm - the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium plays host to this WSL tea-time relegation six-pointer. One of the great things about the women's top division this season has been an exciting title race but also a really close relegation battle too. As we approach the last four or five games, the bottom four are only separated by three points. Spurs fought back from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 with a very handy Aston Villa side on Sunday whilst Brighton lost 2-1 at Liverpool to stay in trouble. Given how tight it is, a win will be huge for either. Tickets 

National League
Barnet v Dagenham & Redbridge @3pm - if Boreham Wood win in midweek then the Bees will need to win here to make sure of finishing fifth which will give them home advantage in the first round of play-off games, which are played over one leg. The Daggers won't go up but could possibly finish in the top 10 with a win here
Boreham Wood v Yeovil Town @3pm - the significance of this game depends a lot on how the hosts do in midweek against Gateshead. A win or draw will confirm their play-off place, lose and they'll still be catchable. Former Championship club Yeovil have had a disastrous season and have already been relegated to the sixth tier

National League South
Dulwich Hamlet v Chippenham Town @3pm - if the Hamlet fail to beat Concord in midweek, they could well find themselves in the bottom four by the time this kicks-off. If that is the case, it means Concord will have had a great midweek (they have two games) and even a win might not be enough to keep the south London club up. The visitors are sitting snugly in midtable and will hopefully be metaphorically on the beach

Step 4/5 Interleague Play-Offs
Sutton Common Rovers v Crawley Down Gatwick @3pm - interleague play-offs are a fairly new thing in non-league but they're about as high stakes as they come and usually generate a lot of excitement. It's a one-off game between a team in the eighth tier (Step 4) who finished just above the relegation zone defending their place against a team who finished second in one of the divisions below. SCR actually finished the Isthmian League South Central season strongly, going unbeaten in their last four games but CDG are in even better form and will want to get back to a level they used to play at
VCD Athletic v Phoenix Sports @3pm - Oakwood plays host to a big local derby in the other play-off so this should be a real cracker. In this instance, the Vickers aren't in the best form so will do well to hold on to their place in the Isthmian South East

MCFL Premier Division Cup Final
CB Hounslow United Reserves v Indian Gymkhana @745pm - a great one for groundhoppers looking to do a double on Saturday, this cup final for clubs in this 11th-tier league is being played at Uxbridge's stadium. Indian Gymkhana will start as favourites

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Sunday 30 April

Premier League
Fulham v Manchester City @2pm - after a rather sticky run, the Cottagers have recorded back-to-back wins to put them back above west London rivals Brentford and give themselves half a chance of a top-six finish. City can't stop winning at the moment and cruised into the FA Cup Final by beating Sheffield United on Saturday. Their whole season, as far as the league is concerned, probably hinges on Wednesday's huge game against leaders Arsenal. If they win that and then this, they may well go top for the first time in months. Tickets are not available

Premier League 2
Fulham v Liverpool @12pm - if you can't get a ticket for the above, then the Cottagers' U21 side welcome their counterparts from Anfield to Motspur Park. Tickets are available on the gate

Isthmian League South Central Play-Off Final
Walton & Hersham v Hanworth Villa @3pm - the hosts missed out on the title by drawing their final game after a tight title battle with Basingstoke who they thrashed 5-1 a few weeks before. They did well to overcome that disappointment by beating Northwood in their play-off semi-final but now face a side who surged into the play-offs by winning eight of their last 10 games, including an away win at the eventual champions. This could well go to penalties and the crowd should be well into four figures

Women's Championship
Charlton Athletic v Crystal Palace @2pm - despite losing at Bristol City on Sunday, a result which saw the Robins win the title, the Addicks kept hold of fourth and they'll finish there. This is the last game of their season, it's a big derby and it's being played at The Valley. A win for Palace could see them finish fifth but they'll need Southampton to drop points against Sheffield United for that to happen
London City Lionesses v Coventry United @2pm - although in the title race for a good while, LCL had a wobbly couple of weeks that saw them drop out. Annoyingly, Birmingham City have jumped into second place and they'll want to wrestle that back off them. They've good a good chance of doing it too as the Blues have to play the champions whilst they face Coventry United who have already been relegated having won only two of their 21 games thus far

FAWNL Southern Premier
London Bees v Bridgwater United @2pm - the hosts secured their place in the third tier by beating Bridgwater 1-0 on Sunday. Just a week later and the sides are meeting again and it's the club from Somerset who are still looking for points to avoid the drop. For that to happen, they'll have to win this and hope Plymouth drop points against MK Dons 

FAWNL Division 1 South East
AFC Wimbledon v Norwich City @2pm - as we go into the final day in the fourth tier, all the promotion and relegation issues have been decided. It's now all about who finishes third and who avoids coming last. The Canaries are the current incumbents and will take third if they match or better Actonians' result at Cambridge United. However, the Dons are a great side and should give them a tough afternoon at Plough Lane where they'll want to impress a sizeable home crowd 
Hashtag United v QPR @2pm - as expected, the Tags sealed their title triumph against QPR with a 4-1 win at the Powerday Stadium on Sunday. With a budget to dwarf most sides in the division, it would of been pretty disastrous if they hadn't. They conclude their campaign with another game against the R's and will presumably be presented with the winners' trophy during the afternoon

LSE Women's Regional League Cup Final
Dartford v Worthing @12pm - Sutton United's stadium plays host to this final for teams in this league for fifth and sixth-tier clubs. With Worthing still well placed to win the league title, they will start as favourites
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Monday 1 May

UEFA Women's Champions League Semi-Final Second Leg
Arsenal v Wolfsburg @545pm - the Gunners travelled to Germany for the first leg on Sunday shorn of inspirational captain Leah Williamson as she joined the growing list of high profile ACL casualties in midweek. They found themselves 2-0 down after 24 minutes but managed to end the game with a 2-2 draw which puts them in a good position ahead of this game at the Emirates for which around 50,000 tickets have already been sold

Isthmian League Premier Division Play-Off Final
Hornchurch v Aveley @3pm - the semi-finals were desperately tight and both went to penalties. Ultimately we've ended up with a big local derby which should be produce a great Bank Holiday crowd. The Urchins have been and there and done it all before but Aveley have never been higher than the seventh tier 

GET INVOLVED
If you're going to see a game, whether you're a local or a visitor, please let me know what you've been up to. If you're interested in reviewing a ground in the London area for this blog then get in touch. I also very much welcome photos of your football travels.

NEED HELP? 
Got any questions about visiting London? Don't hesitate to ask - be they football or more general travel/touristy queries. I do not charge for this advice like some other sites so don't hold back!

You can contact TLFG through the comments section below or via FacebookTwitter or even by good old email.

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Monday 17 April 2023

TLFG: 17-23 April 2023

Welcome to the latest edition of TLFG and apologies again for the late and incomplete publication.

On Sunday I headed north-east to Wadham Lodge in Walthamstow to watch the Women's National League game between London Seaward and Actonians.

As a result of postponements earlier in the season, it meant the sides were playing each other for the second game in a row.

Last Sunday the A's had blown a 2-0 lead and had settle for a 2-2 draw after conceding a late equaliser.

Roschelle Shakes scores Actonians' second goal against London Seaward

With the prize of a possible third-place finish up for grabs for both sides, it was the visitors who created the better chances with Natsumi Kanno seeing two efforts hit the post.

Goalless at the break, Actonians came out the brighter and found themselves 2-0 up not long after the hour with Kanno finally getting her goal and substitute Roschelle Shakes scoring with possibly her first touch.

Once again, Seaward fought back to make it 2-1 to ensure a nervy finish but with time running out, Shakes teed up fellow sub Samaira Khan to make it 3-1.

The result now means it's between Actonians and Norwich City to see who finishes third.

The A's have a game in hand against Ashford Town (Middlesex) this Sunday, meaning it will go to the final day if they win it.

With that excitement out of the way, I then ran back to Shepherds Bush - a distance of just over 13 miles.

London Seward's defence are powerless to prevent Actonians' third goal

It's Ramadan at the moment so to make it more of a challenge, I did the run while fasting.

This saw me take on my last food and water by 0430 and then I began the run about 1715.

Joined by my friend Mike, who'd come all the way up from Croydon to support me, we ran in a south-westerly direction through the likes of Tottenham, Islington, Camden, Paddington, and Notting Hill before ending up back in Shepherds Bush a bit over two hours later.

To be honest, I was a lot fresher than I thought I would be so am pretty chuffed with how it went.

I've opened a fundraising page to mark the occasion with The Felix Project being my chosen charity - they harvest unsold food from supermarkets and distribute it to food banks, schools and other community groups. If you can spare any pennies I'd really appreciate it.

London's oldest ground re-opens to men's competitive football on Saturday

Back to this week's guide and so far I've only been able to write previews for Monday-Friday, I'll get to work on the weekend matches over the next couple of days. 

In the lower divisions there are some serious fixture pile-ups so there are loads of games on over the next few days.

Have a great week!

UPDATE - I've now been able to write previews through to Sunday but with many games still to be played before the weekend, I hope to revise things again.

THE WEEK AHEAD

The highlights of the next few days include games in the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, EFL, National League, Women's Super League and many other games in our local non-league and women's competitions.

As always, please make sure you check with clubs before you travel just in case a game has been called off or the venue or kick-off time has changed - this is highly possible for some of the lower non-league clubs. Also, please let me know if anything is wrong or missing.

Details on all of this week's games can be found on 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 drop down menu at the top of the map page to make sure you get all the information. Games are listed from top to bottom in date order so Monday's games (yellow pin) will appear first and Sunday's (orange pin) last. Games are also ranked in terms of status so the higher the division, the higher up the list they will appear on each day.
Also if you're unfamiliar with the English league structure I indicate the level at which an individual league sits in the national 'pyramid' with the Premier League at the top (Level 1) and various minor leagues at the bottom (Level 10). Typically a top level game will see crowds of anywhere between 20,000-60,000. These figures will gradually decline as you go down the leagues until you get to Levels 8-10 where attendances of 150 or less are most common.

It should also be noted that the top four levels are for fully professional teams. Level 5 has a mixture of professional and semi-professional teams, while Levels 6-10 will see most players paid but it will vary from no more than travel expenses at the bottom, right up to several hundred pounds a week at the top.

MIDWEEK MATCH MAP
Monday fixtures - yellow pin
Tuesday fixtures - green pin
Wednesday fixtures - turquoise pin
Thursday fixtures - purple pin
Friday fixtures - black pin



WEEKEND MATCH MAP
Saturday fixtures - blue pin
Sunday fixtures - orange pin


    
TLFG DAILY DIGEST
In the following section, I list what are in my opinion the most notable games of the week and give some brief reasons for my choice. Check the maps above for kick-off times, ticket info and directions.

Monday 17 April

Premier League 2
Fulham v Wolverhampton Wanderers @7pm - the week kicks off with some U21 football at the Cottagers' training ground in Motspur Park. A win here will put the hosts into the top four. Admission will be no more than £5 and is payable on arrival

Southern League Premier South
Hayes & Yeading United v Tiverton Town @745pm - the pick of the non-league action is to be found at the SkyEx. Both sides have missed out on the play-offs and have avoided relegation so there's little to play for. The hosts have to play four games between Monday and Saturday including a cup final on Wednesday which will surely be their priority - expect to see some youngsters get given a chance

Essex Senior League
Athletic Newham v Redbridge @745pm - the ESL title race is now a straight fight between Enfield and Redbridge. With three games to go, Enfield are five points clear. Therefore, defeat here for the Motormen will be pretty much terminal
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Tuesday 18 April

UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final Second Leg
Chelsea v Real Madrid @8pm - after losing the away leg 2-0, the Blues face an uphill task at Stamford Bridge. Saturday's loss to Brighton saw them slip into the Premier League's bottom half as their hugely disappointing season continued. Defeat here will see them complete the campaign with nothing and if they end up in the bottom half, it will be their lowest finish since 1996. Tickets are not available

Championship
Millwall v Birmingham City @745pm - the Lions got back to winning ways on Saturday with a crucial win over promotion rivals Preston that kept them in the top five. On paper they should beat struggling Birmingham too. The Midlands club are eight points clear of the relegation zone with four games to go so could do with one more win to make sure of staying up. Tickets

League Two
Sutton United v Northampton Town @745pm - the U's lost 2-0 at home to leaders Leyton Orient on Saturday, as the O's took another big stride towards promotion. Next up they face the Cobblers who are currently second. If they beat them then the visitors will bow out of the title race. Tickets

National League
Barnet v Solihull Moors @745pm - the Bees haven't won for a while but they did superbly well to draw with leaders Wrexham at the weekend. Still in fifth, with three games to go, a win here will clinch a play-off place. The visitors have run out of steam at the crucial moment and will almost certainly miss out on a place in the top seven
Wealdstone v Aldershot Town @745pm - with four games to go, the Stones find themselves 10 points adrift of the play-off places so realistically their season is over. However, the Shots are teetering just above the relegation zone and are desperate for every point they can get

Isthmian League South Central
Hanworth Villa v Guernsey @745pm - having won three of their last four, the hosts seem to have timed their run to the end of the season to perfection. Fifth with two games to go, a win here will confirm their play-off place. Guernsey need one point from their last two games to stay up
Tooting & Mitcham United v Ashford Town (Middlesex) @745pm - with the Terrors already relegated, the Tangerines are close to suffering the same fate. Also in the bottom four but only on goal difference, a win here is essential as they've got the worst goal difference in the division

Isthmian League South East
Beckenham Town v Faversham Town @745pm - the Becks have been there or thereabouts for most of the season but Saturday's disappointing draw with East Grinstead saw them drop out of the play-off spots. This game in hand against already relegated Faversham simply has to be won to stay in serious contention
Cray Valley PM v VCD Athletic @745pm - if Beckenham do slip up then they'll slide even further down the table if CVPM win this derby. The hosts could go as high as fourth if they are successful but VCD are another side to be caught up in a relegation scrap and should be fighting hard to get something out of the game themselves 

Southern League Division 1 Central
Walthamstow v Biggleswade FC @745pm - with Berkhamsted having walked off with the title some time ago, it's now all about the battle to finish in the top five. Only three points separate the clubs in second to fifth, and both these sides are in that group. Although the clubs just outside the play-off places are seven points behind, one of them still has four games left so the Stow would like at least another win to make sure they make the 'post-season'

CCL Premier North
Harefield United v Egham Town @745pm - with Ascot United having won the title, it's now a battle between Egham Town and Reading City for the one play-off place which goes to the runners-up. If the Sarnies win here and Reading lose to Virginia Water, it will be theirs
Oxhey Jets v Ascot United @745pm - the hosts have had a season to forget and are in the relegation zone. However, they're only a point adrift of safety with four games to go so they've still got plenty to play for. As mentioned above, Ascot have already won the title and have a trip to Wembley for the FA Vase Final to prepare for - they'd be mad not to rest some players

CCL Division 1
Rayners Lane v Westside @745pm - both these sides have a ridiculous schedule between now and the end of the season and both have a chance of making the play-offs. The visitors are playing a match on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday as they look to complete their fixtures on time. Surely such an intense run of games will finish them off but you never know

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Wednesday 19 April

Championship
QPR v Norwich City @745pm - it's a case of one step forward and five steps back for the R's at the moment or so it seems. After beating Watford a few weeks ago they followed it up with a 6-1 loss to Blackpool. Last Monday they fought back from 2-0 down to draw at West Bromwich Albion and then lost 3-0 at home to Coventry City. Still just above the relegation zone, in part because of Reading's recent points deduction, they still seem like certainties for the drop so abject have some of their recent performances been. The Canaries aren't having a great season by their standards, but can still make the play-offs and should have more than enough to win here. Tickets
Watford v Cardiff City @745pm - talking of Watford, they can do QPR a huge favour by beating one of their relegation rivals. Cardiff are a point below the R's with a game in hand. The Hornets beat Bristol City on Saturday to relieve some of the pressure on boss Chris Wilder and are now only four points shy of the play-off places. Tickets

Middlesex Senior Cup Final
Harrow Borough v Hayes & Yeading United @745pm - my beloved Harrow had relegation confirmed on Saturday following their defeat at Poole Town. They have finished in the drop zone before but have received reprieves and survived. Sadly that doesn't look very likely to happen this time so this will be the first time I will have seen them go down in the 35 years I've been following them. Winning this title would therefore be a bit bittersweet. They will start as underdogs against local rivals H&YU who've had a much better season and knocked out Brentford's development side in the last round. The match is being played at Hanwell Town. Tickets

CCL Premier South
Colliers Wood United v Badshot Lea @730pm - this match at Wibbandune could decide the CCL Premier South title. With leaders Raynes Park Vale away at Guildford City at the same time, second place Badshot Lea, who have played a game more, need to match or better RPV's result to have a strong chance of finishing top. Defeat and a win for RPV will see the south-west London club become champions 

Essex Senior League
Athletic Newham v Woodford Town @745pm - two of the top five meet at Newham Leisure Centre for what could be a cracking game. The hosts can't make the play-offs but Woodford can. Their chances are slim and anything less than a win will end their hopes
West Essex v FC Clacton @745pm - it's a similar story at Wadham Lodge where the visitors, on level points with Woodford, have to win to keep their season alive

SCEFL Premier
Erith & Belvedere v Deal Town @745pm - if the Deres win or draw at Tunbridge Wells on Monday night, then they will be champions. If they lose, they'll get another chance here although this should be significantly tougher as Deal are third and still fighting for the one play-off place afforded to the runners-up. UPDATE - the Deres did win the league on Monday night
Holmesdale v Phoenix Sports @745pm - if Deal lose at the Deres and Phoenix win at Holmesdale, Phoenix will clinch the one available play-off spot. If Phoenix fail to win then it will go to the final day whatever happens at Park View Road and Erith Town will come into the reckoning too

SCEFL Division 1 Play-Off Semi-Final
Tooting Bec v Larkfield & New Hythe @745pm - a storming run of four consecutive wins saw the Bec surge up the table to finish as runners-up. As a result they have home advantage for this one-legged semi-final. L&NH staggered to the end of the season with a 1-0 home defeat to lowly Forest Hill Park. The winners will play Lydd Town or Faversham Strike Force on Saturday 
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Thursday 20 April

UEFA Conference League Quarter-Final Second Leg
West Ham United v KAA Gent @8pm - after drawing 1-1 in Belgium last week, things are set up nicely for the Hammers to make their second consecutive European competition semi-final. Buoyed by an impressive comeback which saw them draw 2-2 with leaders Arsenal on Sunday, spirits should be high in the West Ham camp. Tickets

Southern League Premier South
Metropolitan Police v Bracknell Town @745pm - currently eighth, The Met's season is over. However, they could play a decisive role in the title race. Bracknell are five points behind leaders Weston-super-Mare with three games to go all of which have to be played by Saturday. If they win at promotion rivals Truro on Monday then they'll be in with a good chance when they arrive at Imber Court. However, if WSM beat lowly Hendon on Tuesday and Bracknell fail to beat Truro then their title bid will be over - it's complicated writing this far in advance! UPDATE - WSM won the title on Tuesday

CCL Premier North
Egham Town v Holyport @745pm - if the Sarnies don't clinch the runners-up spot earlier in the week then they'll get another chance here against midtable opposition UPDATE - Egham did clinch the runners-up spot on Tuesday

SCFL Division 1
Chessington & Hook United v Epsom & Ewell @745pm - having lost to Wick on Tuesday, the hosts have now only won one of their last five. Just two points above the relegation zone, a point from this derby will probably be enough for them as their goal difference is way better than anyone else in the bottom half. For E&E it's all about building momentum as they've already secured a play-off spot
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Friday 21 April

Premier League
Arsenal v Southampton @8pm - after letting two-goal leads slip against Liverpool and West Ham, the Gunners' lead at the top has been cut to just four points, with second placed Manchester City also having a game in hand. They simply have to win here against bottom club Southampton. Tickets are not available

Premier League 2
Arsenal v Fulham @7pm - the Gunners' U21 side are in action the same night at Boreham Wood's ground. Despite it usually being free entry, I can't see there being much of crowd given what's going on at the Emirates

ECL Division 1 South
May & Baker v Wormley Rovers @745pm - even if they win their remaining three games, the hosts will fall just short of the play-offs. However, they will play a big part in who wins the title. With two games to go only two points separate the top two - Frenford and Wormley. Prior to this game, Wormley have to play Basildon Town who are also in the mix because they have two games in hand. There are so many permutations possible at this stage but defeat here for Wormley is likely to be highly damaging. UPDATE - Wormley lost to Basildon, are now out of the title race and will contest the play-offs instead
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Saturday 22 April

FA Cup Semi-Final
Manchester City v Sheffield United @445pm - it's FA Cup Semi-Final weekend and, as usual, Wembley plays host to both ties. The first would appear to be a foregone conclusion with the team currently second in the Premier League taking on the side second in the Championship - but will it go the way most of us expect? Both are probably prioritising league success at this point in the season so will City rest players? During the Blades' recent stint in the Premier League, they lost all four games against City but it was always close with the last three ending 1-0. Prior to that, the last time they played was an FA Cup game in 2008 and on that occasion Sheffield United won 2-1. Let's also not forget that the Yorkshire side also had to beat Spurs during their run to Wembley so they've already picked off one of the biggest clubs in the land. If you've got a previous purchasing history at Manchester City, then a few tickets are still available

Premier League
Fulham v Leeds United @1230pm - the Cottagers arrested a run of four straight defeats by beating Everton at the weekend. The result kept them in the top half, just above arch-rivals Chelsea. The visitors picked up a couple of hugely important wins over Wolves and Nottingham Forest as it looked as if they might stave off relegation. However, two heavy home defeats to Crystal Palace and Liverpool has got everyone seriously fearing for their future again. Fulham have already played Leeds twice this season in the league and cup and won both. On current form, a home win looks the most likely. Only members and those with a previous booking history can get tickets
Brentford v Aston Villa @3pm - the Bees have had a great season and are in no danger whatsoever of getting relegated. Sadly, though, their great form appears to have deserted them as they're now five games without a win and their hopes of landing a European place are fading. The same can't be said of Villa who are a team transformed since Unai Emery took over. Five wins on the bounce have taken them into the top six and there's no reason why they can't go higher. Tickets are only available to members
Crystal Palace v Everton @3pm - since taking over from Patrick Vieira at the end of March, boss Roy Hodgson has seen his side win all three games. They were all relegation six-pointers against fellow strugglers too so they're now almost certainly safe. If they win this game, they could move level with Chelsea. With the Toffees winless in four and in the bottom four, why shouldn't they get another three points? Tickets are only available to members

League One
Charlton Athletic v Morecambe @3pm - having hoisted themselves up to midtable safety, the Addicks' season has been over for a while now. Not so the Shrimps who still have a chance of avoiding relegation. They gave their hopes a boost by beating Wycombe Wanderers at the weekend but having played more games than all those around them, their situation remains dire. Tickets

League Two
AFC Wimbledon v Swindon Town @3pm - with both sides towards the foot of the division's form table, there's not a lot going for this game. Swindon's season is effectively over, whilst the Dons need one more win to be absolutely sure of avoiding relegation. Tickets
Leyton Orient v Crewe Alexandra @3pm - if the O's win at lowly Gillingham on Tuesday, then they'll be promoted. If all their main challengers have a bad night then they could seal the title as well. It's unlikely the latter will happen, which means they'll probably be looking to make sure of their title triumph here. Crewe are in midtable and should be beaten but the Cheshire club have won three of their last four so arrive in a bit of form. Tickets have sold out. UPDATE - the O's lost at Gillingham but still got promoted, this match could decide whether they win the title

UEFA Women's Champions League Semi-Final First Leg
Chelsea v Barcelona @1230pm - when it comes to the women's game, it doesn't get much bigger than this and that's why it's being played at Stamford Bridge. Well in the hunt for the Super League title and through to yet another FA Cup Final, the Blues have been the dominant power in England for several years now. Barcelona, including Lionesses Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh, will provide a formidable test having made the last two Champions League finals and thrashing Chelsea 4-0 in one of them. Tickets

National League
Bromley v Chesterfield @3pm - the game of the day in the fifth tier takes place at Hayes Lane. With average crowds of 2,529 Bromley are the best supported non-league club in London, just ahead of Dulwich Hamlet. With two FA Trophy Final appearances at Wembley in five years and lots of investment off the pitch, the time is surely coming when they'll make their League Two debut. With two games to go, they occupy the last play-off place so it's delicately balanced. The visitors are battling it out with Woking to see who finishes third (second and third play one less round of play-off games) so they should be as motivated as anyone to win. Tickets

National League South
Welling United v Ebbsfleet United @3pm - the Wings welcome newly crowd champions Ebbsfleet to Park View Road on Saturday. With 100 points already on the board, the Kent club have had a season to remember. Welling, however, could do with one more win to make sure of staying up

Isthmian League Premier
Haringey Borough v Cray Wanderers @3pm - with Bishop's Stortford winning the title and all of the relegation spots filled, there's just one play-off place left to be decided and it's between Cray Wanderers and Lewes. Cray hold it at the moment and have a two-point advantage but with the goal difference also close, only a win here will make sure of keeping it

Isthmian League North
Grays Athletic v Hullbridge Sports @3pm - at the time of writing, Grays occupy the last play-off place. However, they could be overtaken on goal difference if Felixstowe & Walton win their game in hand on Wednesday. If that happens, F&W, Heybridge Swifts and Grays will all go into the final day on level points but only two of them will make the play-offs. By a quirk of the fixture computer, F&W and Heybridge Swifts are playing each other whilst Grays have to play bottom club Hullbridge. UPDATE - Felixstowe did win so all three teams go into the final game on level points

Isthmian League South Central
Bedfont Sports v Guernsey @3pm - in this division, the bottom two go down automatically and the next two have to go into a relegation play-off. The hosts are currently in the bottom two and only a win will do if they are to have any chance of getting into those play-offs
Sutton Common Rovers v Ashford Town (Middlesex) @3pm - if Bedfont Sports do win then they'll have to hope that SCR don't. The south London club are two points above them but with a significantly worse goal difference. As for Ashford, they're not out of the woods either. They picked up a massively important win at Tooting & Mitcham on Tuesday to move out of the bottom four and need just a point here to be certain of staying up

Isthmian League South East
Cray Valley PM v Sheppey United @3pm - of all the games in the eighth tier taking place in London, this looks like being the most tense. Currently fifth and sixth in the table, the winners will make the play-offs and the losers' season will end. A draw could see them both miss out as seventh placed Hythe Town are right in the mix too

CCL Premier North
Egham Town v Oxhey Jets @3pm - with the Sarnies having already secured the one available play-off spot, the focus turns to the visitors who will probably need a win to avoid relegation. Oxhey have a game in hand on Thursday at Virginia Water that if won would give them a good chance of staying up but they'd still need to better the results of Chalfont St Peter and Windsor on the final day. UPDATE - Oxhey lost to Virginia Water so have to win this game to have any chance of staying up

SCEFL Premier
Phoenix Sports v Kennington @3pm - as mentioned above, the hosts could already have clinched the one available play-off spot by the time this kicks-off but if not, then this will be their final chance. The visitors are bang in the middle of the table and should be beaten
Glebe v Erith Town @3pm - if results go their way in midweek, then the Dockers could have the chance to steal in at the death and nick that play-off spot. It would still require Phoenix and Deal to drop points too though. The hosts are currently seventh and likely to make it tough for them. UPDATE - Phoenix and Deal won in midweek meaning there is now little to play for in this match

MCFL Premier
Clapton CFC v Kensington Dragons @3pm - although only an 11th-tier match, this will be one of the biggest non-league events in London on Saturday. The CCFC men's team will be playing their first competitive match at the Old Spotted Dog, London's oldest football ground, which members and fans have spent lots of their time and money upgrading over the last few months. Not only that but the hosts could clinch the MCFL title with a win. The atmosphere is always lively at CCFC games but it should be really special this time. To top it all, entry is by donation so it's effectively pay what you want

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Sunday 23 April

FA Cup Semi-Final
Brighton & Hove Albion v Manchester United @430pm - the last time these two met at Wembley was in May 1983 when the Albion took their illustrious opponents to an FA Cup Final replay after drawing the initial game 2-2. Sadly, the replay was a lot more one-sided and the Sussex club lost 4-0. This time round, Brighton head to the national stadium with probably the best squad they've ever had. Currently seventh in the Premier League after recording their first ever win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Roberto de Zerbi's side will be more than capable of giving the Red Devils a tough afternoon. Tickets are only available to members

Women's Super League
Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa @2pm - wins are hard to come by when you're in the WSL's bottom four and that's sadly where Spurs find themselves. Three points above the relegation zone, things will get a lot tighter if bottom club Brighton win their midweek game at Everton. Villa have had a good campaign and currently represent the best of the rest who are looking to break into the elite group of four that dominate the top of the league. Top scorer, and Lionesses star, Rachel Daly could go joint top of the WSL goal scorers charts with a hat-trick which isn't inconceivable given some of Tottenham's performances

Women's Championship
Crystal Palace v Lewes @12pm - the only second tier match taking place in London has little riding on it. Currently sixth and seventh, the best either side can do is finish fifth

FAWNL Division 1 South East
Actonians v Ashford Town (Middlesex) @2pm - after their crucial victory at London Seaward on Sunday, the A's kept themselves in the hunt for third but they have to win or draw here to stay in it. Ashford are just a place below them but this is their final game and with inferior goal difference, can't finish higher than sixth. The clubs have already met twice this season in the league and FA Cup and Actonians won them both 3-0 and 4-1. This is where I plan to spend my Sunday afternoon and I'll be more than happy to see the hosts grab a third win against the Tangerines
QPR v Hashtag United @2pm - just over two miles to the east at Hanwell Town's ground, the Tags will be looking to finally wrap-up the title. Top for pretty much the whole season, the Essex club saw their lead significantly reduced when Hounslow folded, taking all their results with them, and title rivals AFC Wimbledon inflicted their only defeat. Thankfully for them, they recovered and got back to winning ways. Another victory here and they'll be crowned champions. If seventh place QPR can get anything out of this it will be close to miraculous - only second placed Wimbledon have been able to lay a glove on them so far this season

Capital Women's Intermediate & Junior Cup Finals
If you fancy a double bill of back-to-back cup finals then head to Bedfont Sports where Brentford will be looking to clean up as their first and B teams have made both finals. The Intermediate Cup kicks-off at 1pm and sees Brentford take on league rivals Dorking Wanderers whilst the Junior Cup will start at 4pm and feature Brentford B and a development side from Millwall Lionesses. This ground doubles as the Bees' normal home stadium and with a four-figure crowd turning up for a recent league game, there could be a very healthy attendance here

GET INVOLVED
If you're going to see a game, whether you're a local or a visitor, please let me know what you've been up to. If you're interested in reviewing a ground in the London area for this blog then get in touch. I also very much welcome photos of your football travels.

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Tuesday 11 April 2023

TLFG: 11-16 April 2023

Greetings one and all and welcome to the latest edition of TLFG.

Apologies for the delay but I've had a busy weekend at work and various other things have cropped up.

To further complicate things, the fixture backlog in some of our local non-league divisions was further complicated on Monday by some more postponements because of the bad weather.

A few tickets remain for Sunday's game

As a result, I've had to make some significant revisions to the match maps and may well have missed a few so please let me know if I have.

Consequently, it's just match maps from me for now so apologies again.

Have a great week - there's absolutely loads to choose from.

UPDATE - I've now written a preview for Saturday and Sunday's games, see below.

THE WEEK AHEAD

The highlights of the next few days include games in the Premier League, EFL, National League, Women's Super League and many other games in our local non-league and women's competitions.

As always, please make sure you check with clubs before you travel just in case a game has been called off or the venue or kick-off time has changed - this is highly possible for some of the lower non-league clubs. Also, please let me know if anything is wrong or missing.

Details on all of this week's games can be found on 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 drop down menu at the top of the map page to make sure you get all the information. Games are listed from top to bottom in date order so Monday's games (yellow pin) will appear first and Sunday's (orange pin) last. Games are also ranked in terms of status so the higher the division, the higher up the list they will appear on each day.
Also if you're unfamiliar with the English league structure I indicate the level at which an individual league sits in the national 'pyramid' with the Premier League at the top (Level 1) and various minor leagues at the bottom (Level 10). Typically a top level game will see crowds of anywhere between 20,000-60,000. These figures will gradually decline as you go down the leagues until you get to Levels 8-10 where attendances of 150 or less are most common.

It should also be noted that the top four levels are for fully professional teams. Level 5 has a mixture of professional and semi-professional teams, while Levels 6-10 will see most players paid but it will vary from no more than travel expenses at the bottom, right up to several hundred pounds a week at the top.

MIDWEEK MATCH MAP
Tuesday fixtures - green pin
Wednesday fixtures - turquoise pin
Thursday fixtures - purple pin
Friday fixtures - black pin



WEEKEND MATCH MAP
Saturday fixtures - blue pin
Sunday fixtures - orange pin


    
TLFG WEEKEND PREVIEW
In the following section, I list what are in my opinion the most notable games of the weekend and give some brief reasons for my choice. Check the maps above for kick-off times, ticket info and directions.

Saturday 15 April

Premier League
Chelsea v Brighton & Hove Albion @3pm - well this should have been the Graham Potter derby but he got sacked recently so that's not happening any more. Frank Lampard is now in temporary charge of the Blues instead and his second bite at the cherry has begun with two consecutive defeats. After a fine season, it's the Seagulls who are pushing for a place in Europe and they're unbeaten in four against Chelsea. However, they've never won at Stamford Bridge so they've got a great chance to make a bit of history here. Only hospitality tickets remain
Tottenham Hotspur v AFC Bournemouth @3pm - a game of some significance at either end of the table could produce an entertaining spectacle. Spurs beat in-form Brighton last time out to stay in touch with the top four. The Cherries, on the other hand, have won three of their last five to move out of the relegation zone but defeat here could put them right back in it. Tickets are only available to members

Championship
Millwall v Preston North End @3pm - the Lions are now winless in four but are still hanging on to a play-off spot - just. PNE sit outside the top six but are on level points with them and Blackburn so it's desperately close. Millwall won the reverse fixture 4-2 and are unbeaten in seven (winning five) against the Lancashire club so that makes them marginal favourites for me. Tickets
QPR v Coventry City @3pm - the R's were seemingly in freefall and heading for League One until Monday when they came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with West Brom at The Hawthorns. It was only a point, and they're still in big trouble, but it showed they've still got some fight. The Sky Blues are just ahead of the Baggies in the table and are still in the hunt for a play-off spot but they've only won one of their last five and haven't triumphed at Loftus Road since 2007. Tickets
Watford v Bristol City @3pm - currently 12th and 13th, these two probably won't make the play-offs. The Hornets, known for being trigger happy when it comes to firing managers, actually issued a statement on Wednesday saying that they weren't sacking Chris Wilder after only appointing him on 7 March. The Robins have only won two of their last 10 against Watford but this could go either way. Tickets

League Two
Sutton United v Leyton Orient @3pm - the U's 3-1 defeat at Bradford left them nine points adrift of the play-off places with five games to go. If their now slim hopes of getting promoted aren't to be snuffed out then they'll almost certainly have to win this derby. Sadly for them, the O's are top and trying to make sure of promotion. If the east London club do win and other results go their way, then they'll be a whisker away from returning to League One. Tickets

National League
Barnet v Wrexham @1245pm - there are some cracking games in the fifth tier on Saturday. The Bees have been in the play-off places for a while but their position is looking a bit vulnerable after going four games without a win. They still have a six-point cushion to defend which should be enough but they'll do well to get anything here as Wrexham are top and in a big battle for the title with Notts County. Last time they played in October, the clubs produced arguably the game of the season which the Welsh club ultimately won 7-5. Hopefully we'll get something equally dramatic. Tickets are on sale but seem to be very scarce
Boreham Wood v Wealdstone @3pm - if Barnet do lose, then The Wood will move above them on goal difference if they win this derby against the Stones. As two of the smaller clubs in the division, they've definitely punched above their weight this season. The hosts often challenge for a play-off place so it's not unusual to see them up there. Since returning to this level in 2020, Wealdstone haven't finished above 16th so ending up in the top-half would be a notable achievement. Tickets

National League South
Dulwich Hamlet v Taunton Town @3pm - the Hamlet were seconds away from a win at Hemel Hempstead on Monday but a late goal saw them have to settle for a point. As a result, they're now three points above the relegation zone but have played more than three of the bottom four clubs so are still in trouble. Three consecutive wins have pretty much secured Taunton's survival following their promotion from the Southern League. Another close to sell-out crowd is expected so if you do want to go, you're strongly advised to buy tickets in advance
Hampton & Richmond Borough v Weymouth @3pm - the Beevers host struggling Weymouth and can do the Hamlet a favour by beating them. Just behind Taunton, a win would also pretty much secure their place in the division next season too

Isthmian League Premier
Aveley v Horsham @3pm - it's last-chance saloon for both of these teams. The Millers need to win to stay in the title race whilst the visitors will miss out on a play-off place if they lose. Aveley won the League Cup last week so they're on for the double
Hornchurch v Bowers & Pitsea @3pm - not far from Parkside, the Urchins will also drop out of the title race if they lose this game. Fellow Essex club B&P have to win or they will be relegated - another huge game

Isthmian League South Central
Walton & Hersham v Southall @3pm - after thrashing title rivals Basingstoke 5-1 at the start of April, the Swans would now appear to be marginal favourites for the one automatic promotion place. However, they can't shake off the Hampshire club who have returned to winning ways since then. Although the 'All are down in 12th, they did beat W&H 2-0 earlier in the season so they can't be written off

CCL Premier South
Raynes Park Vale v Jersey Bulls @3pm - RPV are engaged in a battle to the death with Badshot Lea for the title. They are currently top but with themselves and the Baggies both playing on Thursday, they could've swapped places by the time this kicks off. Jersey are third and simply have to win this or their promotion hopes will end

ECL Division 1 South
Frenford v Basildon Town @3pm - the hosts have been top for a long time but they're still only four points clear. Basildon are third and huge threat to Frenford as they have two games in hand and will be only two points behind if they win this

MCFL Premier
Pitshanger Dynamo v Clapton CFC @230pm - CCFC have been top for a while and if they win and other results go their way, they will be MCFL champions on Saturday. For that to happen, Shepherds Bush and Indian Gymkhana will both have to lose. The Bushmen also have a midweek game, which if lost could give them the title but if the west London club keep winning, then Geoff Ocran's team will get another chance on Saturday when they make their big return to the Old Spotted Dog. The OSD is London's oldest football ground and the fans have spent lots of time and money making it ready to host men's matches so it would be fitting if they won the title the same day

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Sunday 16 April

Premier League
West Ham United v Arsenal @2pm - with seven points from their last four games, the Hammers have climbed up to 14th but are still only three points above the relegation zone. David Moyes' side have a Europa Conference League game against Gent in Belgium on Thursday which could act as a bit of a distraction ahead of the visit of the leaders. The Gunners blew a commanding to 2-0 against Liverpool in their last match and had to settle for a 2-2 draw. They're still six points clear but with second placed Manchester City having a game in hand, they can't afford many more slip ups. Tickets are available

FA Women's Championship
Charlton Athletic v Durham @12pm - the Addicks' derby defeat to London City Lionesses last weekend, pretty much ended their promotion hopes. A top-three finish is definitely still on the cards though and runners-up spot isn't completely out of reach. Durham are in midtable but in good form
Crystal Palace v Birmingham City @2pm - the Eagles could also crash the top three but they'll have to beat the team currently in third if they're are to have any realistic chance

FAWNL Southern Premier
Watford v London Bees @2pm - the Hornets are only a point behind leaders Oxford United and will go top if they win here and Oxford lose at Portsmouth who are also in the title race. London Bees need points to avoid relegation so there's plenty to play for

FAWNL Division 1 South East
AFC Wimbledon v Cambridge United @2pm - four points behind leaders Hashtag United with two games to go, the Dons simply have to win this or their season will be over as only the winners go up. The visitors are eighth in this division of 10 and unlikely to cause them too many problems
London Seaward v Actonians @3pm - arguably of more interest is this big game in the battle to see who will finish third. The two played last weekend and Actonians squandered a 2-0 lead, letting in an 89th-minute equaliser for a 2-2 draw. With two games in hand, the A's will have a great chance to finish in bronze-medal position if they win this one

GLWFL Division 1 North
Leyton Orient v Actonians 3rd XI @2pm - way down in the women's eighth tier, the O's will be playing their final home game of the season at Brisbane Road. It's free entry and they'll become champions if they win

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