Hello there and welcome to this week's TLFG.
Apologies again for the much reduced bank holiday edition, I was drowning in all kind of tasks and had to keep it brief.
Did you get to partake in the feast of football which took place?
I made it to Actonians' big game against Fulham which was also the first of a new groundshare with North Greenford United.
The CCL club's Berkeley Fields ground had hosted the A's for a few seasons in the past but not during the five years I've followed their fortunes.
Without three key members of the first team, it was somewhat of a surprise to see them take the lead against the big-spending title favourites when our new secret weapon scored a cracker.
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| Actonians take on Fulham at Berkeley Fields |
Vivien Ruettgers, a German striker with a background in the American college system, cut in from the left before bending a cracking effort into the top corner.
Fulham responded well though with a cracking free-kick drawing them level, a 30-yard worldie putting them ahead and a close-range effort giving them a 3-1 lead at the break.
It looked as if we could be on for a real hiding but a formation change after the interval made a huge difference and with Ruettgers getting a second from a corner, things got a lot closer.
Claudia Cholakian had one big chance to equalise but it wasn't to be as the visitors held on for the win.
After playing arguably the two toughest teams in the first two games, it's no great surprise to find ourselves on zero points but we've also been nowhere near full strength yet either.
That looks set to change when we travel to Luton Town on Sunday, so hopefully we'll pick up something there.
Joined on the pitch after the game by fellow fan Neil and junior club secretary Rosie, we recorded our thoughts for the new club podcast which I set up last week - so if you want to hear what I sound like, then tune in.
As a result of child illness, my plans for the week ahead are a bit up in the air but I should think a trip to Bedfordshire on Sunday will be the sum total of my football watching.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Games in the Premier League and EFL top the bill over the next few days but we've also got games in the EFL Cup too.
At non-league level there's a full selection of games in the National League, but it's the next round of the FA Cup that should get most neutrals excited.
In women's football, there are some eye-catching friendlies in the build-up to the new WSL season whilst Fulham host a big WNL game at Craven Cottage.
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 and development matches. 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
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.
Tuesday 26 August
EFL Cup Second Round
Millwall v Coventry City @745pm - with three wins from four in all competitions, the Lions have made a really good start to the season. Frank Lampard's Sky Blues are in even better form though and head to The Den on the back of thrashing QPR 7-1 on Saturday. Neither of these sides have been to the final of this cup let alone won it and neither have been beyond the Third Round in recent years. If the managers choose strong line-ups, it could serve as a good indicator of the sides' promotion chances. Tickets
Bromley v Wycombe Wanderers @745pm - after causing arguably the biggest upset of the First Round by beating Ipswich, the Ravens have this seemingly easier draw against the Chairboys. The Buckinghamshire club still play a level above them but they're winless in five in the league and could be there for the taking. Tickets
FA Cup Preliminary Round Replay
Egham Town v Corinthian @745pm - the original tie between these two ended 2-2 but with the Sarnies closing in on a win in the replay, the assistant referee got caught in a collision between two players and suffered a badly broken leg causing the game to be abandoned. The winners will travel to Isthmian League South East club Beckenham Town on Saturday. Tickets are £10 on the gate
Professional Development League
If you fancy seeing two games today then the matches in this U21 league will give you that opportunity. Charlton Athletic host Barnsley at The Valley at 1pm (tickets) whilst QPR welcome Fleetwood Town to their training ground near Heathrow at 3pm - pre-registration is required, see the 'Visit' section at the bottom of this page. QPR are also hosting a first team open training session at Loftus Road - gates open at 1030 with a donation to the club's trust on arrival encouraged
Essex Senior Cup First Round
Clapton CFC v Romford @745pm - my pick of the non-league action is this east London derby. CCFC play a level below the visitors who won the FA Vase at Wembley in 2024. A relatively new club, this is only the third time the hosts have qualified for this competition and they've yet to win or score in it. Romford have been to the final 13 times, winning it on five occasions but the last time was way back in 1947. If you're new to the London football scene, I'd always recommend a visit here - CCFC play at the Old Spotted Dog which is the oldest ground in the capital and their fans always generate a good atmosphere. Tickets are £5 on the gate
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Wednesday 27 August
EFL Cup Second Round
Fulham v Bristol City @745pm - the majority of Premier League clubs enter the draw at this stage and the only one in London playing at home are the Cottagers. They face a Robins side who have made a strong start to their season in the Championship and if they field a strong team, they should have a chance of causing an upset. I say this as most top-flight sides field significantly weakened teams in the early rounds of this competition. Consequently demand for tickets if often way lower than normal and so are the prices so if you're just looking to tick off the stadium as a groundhopper, this is the easiest and most cost-effective way of doing it
Premier League International Cup
Fulham v Valencia @7pm - in a rather unfortunate bit of scheduling, Fulham's U21s are also in action the same night. In my opinion, this competition receives a spectacular lack of publicity. Featuring development sides from many of Europe's top clubs, all fixtures are played in England. Having looked at this year's entry list, I'd say it's the strongest ever with Real Madrid entering for the first time alongside the likes of Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, PSG, Juventus and many more. Nottingham Forest are the reigning champions after beating Lyon in last year's final. The Cottagers made the semis whilst Valencia won their group before bowing out in the quarter-finals. This is being played at the club's training ground in Motspur Park. Ticket details are sketchy but you can usually pay on the gate for no more than £5
Women's friendly
Arsenal v West Ham United @7pm - the European champions continue their pre-season build up with this warm-up against the Hammers. Being played at Boreham Wood, the Gunners will hope for an improved performance from the one they delivered on Saturday when they rather surprisingly lost 4-3 at home to north London rivals Spurs. If you're just getting into the women's game following England's triumph at the Euros, then Lionesses Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Beth Mead could well play in this game. On paper, they should beat West Ham but they finished above Tottenham last season so you never know. Tickets
CCL Division 1
Colliers Wood United v Westside @730pm - if you're after a non-league option then head to Wibbandune in south-west London for this groundshare derby. For the vast majority of the time I've been writing this blog, CWU have been a ninth-tier side but in 2024 they slipped into the division below. Their first season at this level for just over 20 years wasn't particularly inspiring as they finished 15th. Westside, the tenants, are much newer to senior football and surprised many with their second-place finish last term. With one of the smallest fanbases in London, the achievement was significant but sadly they came unstuck in the play-offs. The two sides are much of a muchness on the pitch so far this season so it will be interesting to see how this one goes. Tickets are £7 on the gate
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Friday 29 August
Premier League 2
Arsenal v Brighton & Hove Albion @7pm - after a quiet Thursday, the action returns with this U21 game at Boreham Wood. With a loss to Fulham and a draw at Nottingham Forest, the young Gunners are still looking for their first win in PL2 this season. The Seagulls, on the other hand, have won both their games 4-0. Check admission details with the club on the day, although it is often free entry at this venue
FA Cup First Round Qualifying
Aveley v Hashtag United @745pm - the next round of the FA Cup gets underway on Friday night. At this stage, all the seventh-tier teams enter the draw alongside the remaining sides from tiers eight and nine. Here, we've got a mouthwatering match-up as the clubs both play in the seventh tier and they groundshare. The Millers made it to the First Round proper in 1970 and almost did it again in 2024 but lost to Barnet in a fourth round qualifying replay. The Tags have never been beyond the next round. Aveley are in better form so, for me, they start as marginal favourites. Tickets are £14 on the gate
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Saturday 30 August
Premier League
Chelsea v Fulham @1230pm - with seven clubs in the Premier League, London is the place to be if you want to see a derby. The two which play closest together, just over a mile apart, meet at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. If you're completely new to football in the capital, the Blues are the bigger club and historically far more successful - they recently won the inaugural World Club Cup. Since 1910, the Cottagers have only beaten their old rivals 11 times but that 11th win came the last time they met at Stamford Bridge in December. In fact , Fulham have lost only one of their last three at Stamford Bridge as Marco Silva has built one of the best sides to ever represent the club. Chelsea will be favourites but they shouldn't have it all their own way. Hospitality packages are available
Tottenham Hotspur v AFC Bournemouth @3pm - Thomas Frank's reign as Spurs manager has got off to a great start with back-to-back wins over Burnley and Manchester City. With five goals scored, they've yet to concede any. Next up, another eminently winnable game as the Cherries travel up from Dorset. Arguably the smallest club in the division, they punch well above their weight and gave Liverpool a scare at Anfield in the opening match of the season. They've only lost one of their last three at the THS but this is the best Spurs have looked for a while and they'll do well to get something here. Hospitality packages are available
Championship
QPR v Charlton Athletic @1230pm - with tickets for the two games above hard to get and expensive, why not try a Championship game instead? There are some great matches at this level on Saturday starting with this derby at Loftus Road. Just a couple of miles north of Stamford Bridge, this part of London is going to be busy on Saturday lunchtime and I'm kind of surprised the police have allowed it. The R's have made a worrying start under new boss Julien Stephan, not winning any of their first four. Last weekend they got thrashed 7-1 by Coventry City. Newly promoted Charlton have begun more positively and should head to W12 with some confidence. However, they haven't won here since 1998. Tickets
Millwall v Wrexham @3pm - with four wins from five games in all competitions, the Lions have started the season very well indeed. An EFL Cup win over Coventry in midweek saw them through to a mouthwatering Third Round tie against Crystal Palace. Next up they face newly promoted Wrexham who haven't played at this level since 1982. Buoyed by investment from their high profile Hollywood owners, they've enjoyed three successive promotions. Surprisingly, it hasn't gone that well so far with their current record little better than that of ailing QPR. Millwall and especially their fans should be well up for giving them another uncomfortable afternoon. Demand for tickets is so high that only hospitality packages remain at this stage
Watford v Southampton @3pm - in the other game game in the second tier, two former Premier League clubs meet at Vicarage Road. The Hornets looked like becoming an established top-flight club but they're now beginning their fourth consecutive season in the Championship. Last year, they won their first five matches and looked like they might challenge but a run of only one win from their last nine games ended any hopes. With one win from three, they've made an okay start. The Saints have just come down and were expected to do well but they haven't got going yet either. Level on points with Watford, this should be close. Tickets
League One
Leyton Orient v Northampton Town @3pm - the O's are still finding their feet after the disappointment of losing last season's play-off final. With two wins from five, they're in midtable and holding their own. The Cobblers, on the other hand, have lost four of their five games but they are a bogey team for Orient. With only three defeats in 20 league matches going back to 2006, they'll be looking to improve that run on their visit to east London. Tickets
League Two
Barnet v Colchester United @3pm - the Bees began life back in this division with three straight defeats and a loss in the EFL Cup. Things looked concerning for Dean Brennan and his team but two wins later and they're up in midtable. Colchester sit just a point below them in the table and have yet to lose a game against Barnet at The Hive. Tickets
Bromley v Harrogate Town @3pm - with nine points from five matches, the Ravens find themselves in the play-off places. After ending their debut season in the EFL in a very creditable 11th, the south London club will look to push on and a top-seven finish could be theirs. Harrogate are now in their sixth season in the fourth tier following their promotion from the National League but it's always been a bit of a struggle, with 13th the best they've ever managed. However, with only one defeat in five, they head to Hayes Lane in pretty good shape. Tickets
Women's friendly
Chelsea v AC Milan @1pm - before we take a closer a look at your best non-league options, it's worth pointing out there's also a high profile women's game at Kingsmeadow in Kingston and it should get a good crowd. The Blues are the reigning WSL champions and should field a Lioness or two for this final warm-up match before the new season begins on Friday. Milan finished fifth in the Italian league last season and should be beaten. Tickets
National League
Sutton United v Carlisle United @3pm - winless in five, the U's are already in the relegation zone as they've made a very disappointing start to their campaign. It's not likely to get any easier here as Carlisle, fresh from their relegation from League Two, have made a fine start. With legendary Manchester United striker Mark Hughes in charge, the Cumbrian club have yet to lose and are in the top three. Tickets
Wealdstone v Rochdale @3pm - after flying out of the blocks with three straight wins, the Stones then ran into Carlisle who beat them 1-0 at Grosvenor Vale. With the momentum stopped, they then lost at Boston United too. It's set to get even tougher here as Rochdale, a League One side as recently as 2021, are second. However, this is not a lucky ground for the visitors and they've lost on their previous two visits since dropping to this level. Given the small capacity of this stadium, you're always encouraged to buy tickets in advance and it is cheaper
National League South
Hampton & Richmond Borough v Ebbsfleet United @3pm - the game of the day in the sixth tier sees fourth play fifth at The Beveree. One of London's most beloved non-league grounds is always worth a visit but for a game like this, even more so. Both sides are locked on 10 points after five games. Tickets
Hornchurch v Chippenham Town @3pm - elsewhere in the division, I couldn't not give this a mention as the Urchins are top of the division. They began life back at this level, following promotion from the Isthmian League, last season and came ninth. With four wins and a draw from their first five, they're already three points clear. The visitors are only a point above the relegation zone so the chances of another win for the east London club look good. Tickets
FA Cup First Round Qualifying
Most neutral non-league watchers will probably be found at an FA Cup match on Saturday. With the preliminary rounds of the competition complete, the qualifying rounds get underway. To recap, seventh-tier clubs enter the draw at this stage alongside all the eighth and ninth-tier clubs who made it through the preliminaries. The winner of each tie receives £2,250 and the loser £750. There are numerous ties all over the city, here are my pick:
Dulwich Hamlet v Whitstable Town @3pm - after three seasons of disappointment, the Hamlet have brought in Mark Dacey as manager and things have begun well. Second in the Isthmian Premier after five games, they should start a match against ninth-tier opposition as strong favourites. However, Whitstable made it all the way to Wembley last season and won the FA Vase. Last season, Dulwich lost at this stage to lower-division opposition so they must avoid complacency at all costs. Games at Champion Hill frequently reach capacity on the day so buy your tickets in advance if you want to go
Erith Town v Farnham Town @3pm - the Dockers played their first season in the eighth tier Isthmian South East last season and stayed up comfortably. The opening weeks of this campaign have not started so well. Winless and in the bottom three, it's been tough. However, they've enjoyed two wins in this competition to keep spirits up. The visitors are a side to keep an eye on. With a young owner splashing the cash in recent years, they've enjoyed back-to-back promotions to the seventh tier and are up there with the leaders again after five games. Coming from one of the most affluent towns in the country, it will be interesting to see how they and their fans fare on their visit to Thamesmead which is one of its grittiest. Tickets are £10 on the gate
Hayes & Yeading United v Whitehawk @3pm - the hosts have a fine record in the FA Cup, making the first round four times since their formation in 2007. The last time they did it in 2021, they beat Whitehawk on the way there. The Sussex club have only been to the 'proper' rounds twice but they've been further, taking Dagenham & Redbridge to a second round replay in 2015. These days, they play a level above Hayes & Yeading so should start as favourites but this is the FA Cup and anything could happen. Tickets are £12 on the gate
Uxbridge v Welling United @3pm - two divisions separated these clubs last season but an unexpected promotion for Uxbridge and a relegation for the Wings means they're now both in the seventh tier. The hosts are one of the smallest clubs at this level but they've begun well and are in the top 10 in the Southern League Premier South. The same can't be said of Welling, who are struggling in the Isthmian Premier - a home win looks most likely. Tickets
SOUL Tower Hamlets v Ascot United @3pm - one of the lowest-ranked London sides left in the competition, STH look like one of the most likely to cause an upset. In the top six in the Essex Senior League following their promotion, they caused a significant shock by beating eighth tier Hanworth Villa in the last round. Ascot play in the same division as Hanworth so there's no reason why we couldn't see a bit more cup magic in Mile End. Tickets
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Sunday 31 August
Isthmian League South Central
Kingstonian v Hanworth Villa @130pm - with their landlords Raynes Park Vale at home in the FA Cup on Saturday, the K's league game against Hanworth has been moved to give you a bonus bit of Sunday non-league action. Both these sides made the play-offs in this division last season but they've had stuttering starts this time round. Currently locked together on four points in 13th and 14th, it should be close. Tickets are £10 on the gate
FAWNL Southern Premier
AFC Wimbledon v Watford @2pm - two women's games are being played at the main stadiums of the men's clubs they're associated with on Sunday. First up in the third tier, the Dons head to Plough Lane to play the Hornets. The visitors are second and should start as favourites. To drum up a good crowd, tickets are free
FAWNL Division 1 South East
Fulham v Norwich City @2pm - as a neutral I'd opt for this game in the fourth tier as it could play a huge part in deciding who ultimately wins the title. Being played at Craven Cottage, this match features two of the favourites. The Cottagers are new to this level after winning promotion while the visitors were runners-up last year. Both have big budgets and both are targeting top spot. Both have also won their opening two games but for me, Norwich have had marginally tougher fixtures and have beaten one of the other big contenders. If they prevail here, then the title will be theirs to lose. Tickets
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!
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