TLFG: 17-23 February 2025

Greetings everyone and welcome to the latest TLFG.

A bit late again this week as I had the audacity to go to another match on Sunday afternoon - I know, what a liberty!

This time it was the women's North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham at the Emirates.

With Actonians having the weekend off, I took my eldest daughter along as she'd never been to this stadium before and she is, at least nominally, an Arsenal women's fan.

There's now less than five weeks to go 

A whopping crowd of 56,000 were in attendance as the Gunners crushed their local rivals 5-0 and Chloe Kelly made her second debut in a red and white shirt.

It ended up being my second match of the week as I also went to watch Actonians play at Chesham United on Thursday night.

The A's lack of striking options was brutally exposed again as a side they'd thrashed 9-2 earlier in the season, ended up winning 1-0!

On a positive note, last season's star striker Tori St Clair appeared in the crowd and, after a disappointing summer move to Swindon Town, expressed an interest in coming back - whether it's possible remains to be seen.

This week I had planned to spend a few days in Liverpool with the family for half term but sadly my daughter is ill at present so it's looking highly unlikely.

If you've got children to entertain, there's lots of football on and there are some U21 games in the afternoon if you don't want to stay out late.

THE WEEK AHEAD

This week's highlights include games in the Premier League, EFL, National League, Women's National League and lots of other games featuring our local non-league and women's clubs. 

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.

Donate to TLFG's coffee-drinking fund here

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 February

Professional Development League

Brentford v Ipswich Town @1pm - it's all about development football on Monday and we begin with this U21 game at lunchtime. The Bees play most of their games at this level at Staines Town's old ground of Wheatsheaf Park. When the Middlesex club, originally formed in Victorian times, stopped playing in 2022, the ground was left unused. Since then, Brentford have refurbished it and now use it for youth games. The London club will go top of Group South if they win this game. Tickets 

Premier League 2

Crystal Palace v Aston Villa @7pm - with the match above under your belt, you'll have more than enough time to get down to Sutton United's ground for this other U21 match in the evening. The PL2 is for higher-level academy sides than the PDL above so the quality should be a bit better. The Eagles should start as strong favourites as Villa are second bottom of this 26-team division. Tickets

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 18 February

Professional Development League

Charlton Athletic v Millwall @1pm - Tuesday also affords you the chance to see two games in a day as we have another U21 fixture at lunchtime. This time it's a London derby and it's being played at Dartford's ground. As it stands, it's first against third but Brentford could well have knocked the Addicks off top spot by the time this begins. Tickets would appear to be £3 on the gate

National League

Barnet v York City @745pm -  one of the matches of the week takes place at The Hive where first plays second in the fifth tier. The title race has been a three-horse race between these two and Forest Green Rovers for a while now but FGR suffered a crucial defeat to Braintree on Saturday which left them five points adrift of the Bees. It's seven years since Barnet lost their EFL status and having made the play-offs for the last two years, things are looking good for them this time. York have been out of the EFL for a year longer than Barnet but have had a far more trying time as they've been down to the sixth tier and just beat relegation back there for the last two years - it's therefore somewhat of a surprise to see them challenging. York won the reverse fixture 3-1 so they know what it takes to beat the leaders. Tickets

National League South

Enfield Town v Eastbourne Borough @745pm - the Towners are enjoying a remarkable few weeks. Seemingly dead and buried and heading back to the Isthmian League, Gavin McPherson has galvanised his troops and sent them on a run which has seen them lose only one of their last eight matches. The 3-1 win at Chesham on Saturday finally lifted them out of the relegation zone in what must have been a huge moment for all involved. Now they just need to stay there. Next up are one of the promotion contenders who have lost two of their last three and need to win to make sure they stay in the leading group. Tickets 

CCL Premier North

Egham Town v Harefield United @745pm - the Sarnies are neck-and-neck with Amersham Town in the title race in this ninth-tier division. Currently two points behind the Buckinghamshire club, they have two games in hand so a win here would be really handy. The Hare are also in promotion contention too. They're sixth, with only goal difference keeping them out of the play-off places behind North Greenford United who play tonight too. I'm not certain of admission prices but they shouldn't exceed £10

CCL Division 1

Belstone v Penn & Tylers Green @745pm - two of the top four in this 10th-tier division face off on Tuesday. Currently fourth and third, neither are likely to claim the one automatic promotion place as Windsor & Eton are so far out in front. It's now all about making sure of their place in the top five and with a 10-point cushion over the club in sixth, it's already looking pretty secure for the visitors. Tickets are £8 on the gate

Southern Counties Women's Cup

Middlesex v Army @745pm - if women's football is more your thing or you want to support active service personnel then this could be for you. Joined by Essex, Kent and Jersey, these county FA representative sides take part in a round-robin competition. Middlesex are currently top with three wins from three and will retain the trophy if they win this game. The Middlesex side is made up of primarily of players from the women's fourth tier with clubs like Actonians, Ashford Town, London Bees and QPR providing the bulk of the squad. These games are usually played at Rectory Park but this time Harrow Borough play host and it's free to get in

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday 19 February

Isthmian League South Central

Kingstonian v Farnham Town @745pm - Grand Drive is the place to be for another one of our games of the week as the top two in this eighth-tier division do battle. With the K's only managing a draw with Hayes & Yeading on Saturday whilst top club Farnham were thrashing Southall, the gap between the two extended to six points. Although there are still 16 games to go, a defeat here for Kingstonian would make Farnham look pretty uncatchable. If they win then it's a very different story, especially when you consider the two will have to play again in April. Tickets are £10 on the gate

SCEFL Premier

Sutton Athletic v VCD Athletic @745pm - the hosts aren't getting much coverage on TLFG this season as they're just pottering along in midtable and look very unlikely to do anything or so I thought. Although way down in 14th, they're on an impressive eight game unbeaten run so maybe the 13-point gap they need to bridge to the play-offs isn't as impossible as it initially appeared. Anyway, this game is more about the visitors. Top for the opening weeks of the season, they saw themselves eventually caught by Faversham who remain leaders. However, the Vickers have two games in hand which if won would pull them level. Tickets are £8 on the gate

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 20 February

Development football

On Thursday there are a couple of U23 games in the Suburban League with Abbey Rangers and Molesey playing host - full details on the match map

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 21 February

Premier League 2

Some more U21 football tops the bill on Friday night with Arsenal hosting Newcastle United at Boreham Wood, Chelsea entertaining Manchester United at Kingsmeadow and Fulham taking on Everton at Motspur Park. All kick-off at 7pm. Gunners games are usually free at this venue whilst the others will charge no more than £5

Essex Senior League

Woodford Town v Sawbridgeworth Town @745pm - the hosts are still second and in the hunt for the title. Four points behind Stanway and having played a game more, it's looking like a tough ask though. Here they face a side who sit one place above the relegation zone so they can't afford to drop any points here. Tickets are £7 on the gate

SCFL Premier

Lingfield v Haywards Heath Town @8pm - on Friday night we get another bit of bonus action in this ninth-tier division with the Lingers recently moving their home games to AFC Whyteleafe's stadium. Battling to avoid the drop, they need a win to stay ahead of the bottom clubs. HHT are second, though, and need the win to make sure they stay in the top five. Tickets are £8 on the gate

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Previews for the 22-23 February to follow

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, via X/Twitter or even by good old email.

Has this blog been helpful? Donate to TLFG's coffee-drinking fund here 

TLFG: 10-16 February 2025

Greetings one and all and welcome to this week's TLFG.

After enjoying a 1-0 win for Actonians last Sunday, they ended up on the wrong end of that scoreline in their big derby with QPR today.

To make it even more painful, the goal came in the 88th minute.

Still without a recognised striker since Dior Knorr left for AFC Wimbledon in November, goals have really dried up.

With other teams tripping over each other to pull clear at the top, the A's are still only three points behind leaders Chatham but the chances of winning the title are slim as they've played more games.

There's now less than six weeks to go 

If by some miracle a striker does come in, then who knows?

Next up is a trip to Chesham United on Thursday night, a match I'm hoping to get to.

I really liked Amy Lane when I last went but that was in the 1990s so there will probably have been a few changes.

If I do go, it could herald a busy few days of match watching as I've got about 10 days off work but I'm sure Her Indoors will have other ideas, therefore I don't want to jinx things by saying where.

The women's North London Derby between Arsenal and Spurs at the Emirates on Sunday does look tempting though and I'd really like to take my eldest daughter who's seen the Gunners a few times but never at their HQ.

With now less than six weeks to go, Non-League Day preparations have also continued relentlessly with the match finder now ready to go. 

OK, I think that's about it from me. I need to grab some food before heading to bed as I've got a 5am start for work.

THE WEEK AHEAD

This week's highlights include games in the Premier League, EFL, National League, Women's Super League and lots of other games featuring our local non-league and women's clubs. 

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.

Donate to TLFG's coffee-drinking fund here

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 10 February

Premier League 2

Fulham v Middlesbrough @7pm - the Cottagers have one of the best U21 sides in the country. Currently second in this 26-team division, they'll go level with leaders Manchester City if they win this. Boro are in the bottom three so a home win looks highly likely. This is being played at the club's Motspur Park training ground. Tickets are usually around £3 but I haven't found any info yet, check on the day

Isthmian League South Central

Sutton Common Rovers v Uxbridge @745pm - there's an important game at Carshalton's ground which will affect proceedings at either end of this eighth-tier division. The hosts are fighting the drop and come into this just three points adrift of safety. The visiting Reds, on the other hand, will go some way to cementing their place in the top four if they take home the spoils. Tickets are £11 on the gate

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 11 February

Championship

Watford v Leeds United @745pm - the Hornets suffered the heartbreak of conceding a late equaliser as they could only manage a 2-2 draw at high-flying Sunderland on Saturday. It's not going to get any easier here as Leeds are top and unbeaten in five games against the Hertfordshire club. They did, however, lose at home to Millwall in the FA Cup in their last game so there's some hope. Tickets

League One

Charlton Athletic v Peterborough United @745pm - the Addicks' push for a play-off place stayed on track on Saturday as they beat Stevenage 2-0 at The Valley. Now in the top six, they're looking really good but the table is tight. With the three teams below them all within three points, they can't slip up if they want to stay in the top group. Posh are often among the promotion chasers but they're just one place above the relegation zone. They do have a four-point cushion but Burton, just below them, are in cracking form and could quickly reel them in. Tickets

Leyton Orient v Mansfield Town @745pm - the O's did themselves and the third tier proud with their battling performance against Manchester City in the FA Cup which saw them lose 2-1. It's now time for them to get back to the business of trying to break into the play-off places. Three points behind Charlton with a game in hand, their chances look good. The Stags are in midtable and lost home and away to the London club last season and haven't won at Brisbane Road since 2016. Tickets

League Two

AFC Wimbledon v Crewe Alexandra @745pm - the Dons would've moved into the top four on Saturday but they could only draw 0-0 with struggling Accrington Stanley as two important points got away from them. Next up they face a Crewe side who are only a point behind them in this incredibly tight battle for promotion - only five points separate the teams in second and eighth. Amazingly, the last five games between these two have ended in draws and current form suggests it could be the same again. Tickets

National League

Dagenham & Redbridge v Woking @745pm - both of these sides are woefully out of form and starting to drift towards the fifth tier's relegation zone. Both have only managed one win in their last six games, something which has left the visiting Cards just three points above the bottom four. When the sides last met in August, it was the Surrey club who edged to a 1-0 win. Tickets

National League South

Enfield Town v Welling United @745pm - the Towners looked dead and buried until very recently but eight points from their last four games, including a huge win at fellow strugglers Aveley on Saturday, have given them a fighting chance of staying up. Sitting at the top of the relegation zone, they need to catch the visiting Wings who are just above them. There is still a five-point gap, but Enfield have a game in hand so a win here will make a huge difference to either team. Tickets

Southern League Premier South

Chertsey Town v Walton & Hersham @745pm - there are some great looking games in the seventh tier but if I were to pick one to go to it would be this derby in Surrey. The sides last met in August in front of a bumper bank-holiday crowd as the Swans won a thrilling game 3-2. With the Curfews just two points above the relegation zone and the visitors in the top five, there's plenty to play for so it should be well worth a couple of hours of your time. Tickets

Isthmian League South Central

Raynes Park Vale v Kingstonian @745pm - it's also derby day in the eighth tier where two clubs who groundshare do battle. Both sides were without a game on Saturday so should come into this relatively fresh. RPV changed managers a couple of weeks ago in a move which surprised many, with new boss Hayden Bird beginning his reign with a 0-0 draw at Metropolitan Police. In the top seven and chasing a play-off place, they should provide a decent challenge to the K's. The tenants have had a great season and are now only three points behind leaders Farnham Town so will move level with them if they triumph here. Tickets are £10 on the gate

Essex Senior League

Barking v Takeley @745pm - on the east side of town, we've got a top-six clash in this ninth-tier league. The hosts need a win to move into the play-off places whilst Takeley could end the night one point behind leaders Stanway Rovers if they come out on top. Tickets will be available on the gate for £10

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday 12 February

Professional Development League

Brentford v Watford @1pm - if you want to see two games on Wednesday, then get yourself over to Wheatsheaf Park in Staines for this early kick-off. The Bees are currently third in the 11-team Group South of this U21 competition and have the games in hand to go well clear at the top. The Hornets have games in hand too, which if won would put them second so it's kind of a top-of-the-table clash. Although advertised on Brentford's website, tickets aren't on sale which is unusual so check all the details before you travel

Isthmian League North

Sporting Bengal United v Gorleston @745pm - SBU got thumped 4-1 at title challengers Brentwood on Saturday to remain stuck in the bottom two. Four points adrift of safety, they do have games in hand on all the teams immediately above them, so they do have a chance. Here they play a side who face a long journey down from Norfolk. Although only in midtable, they've built a decent seven game unbeaten run and look like being tough opponents. Tickets will be available on the gate for around £10

FAWNL Southern Premier

AFC Wimbledon v Watford @745pm - there's a busy programme of midweek games in the Women's National League too with this match at Raynes Park Vale's ground topping the bill. The Dons suffered a surprise home defeat to struggling Plymouth on Sunday as the Devon club had a day to remember (their men's side beat Liverpool in the FA Cup too). Staying in the top six, they face a local-ish rival who moved into the top four with a win at Gwalia United in Wales. The sides have already played twice this season with Wimbledon winning the away league fixture 1-0 but losing at home on penalties in the Women's FA Cup. A draw looks the most likely outcome here. Tickets

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 13 February

FA Youth Cup Fifth Round

Watford v Tottenham Hotspur @7pm - in the country's most prestigious U18 competition, we've got an enticing looking derby at Vicarage Road. The Hornets have beaten Oxford United and Crewe Alexandra to get this far whilst Spurs have got past Middlesbrough and Grimsby Town. A home tie against Southampton awaits the winners in the quarter-finals. Tickets

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 14 February

Championship

QPR v Derby County @8pm - what better way to spend Valentine's Day than an evening at Loftus Road with possibly a pre-match meal in Nando's on Uxbridge Road if you really want to treat your significant other. After a couple of disappointing losses to Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall, the R's bounced back with a over Blackburn Rovers. However, they then lost at Coventry on Tuesday to stay 13th but slipped six points adrift of the play-off places in an incredibly congested table. The Rams, on the other hand, are just above the relegation zone following a shocking run which has seen them win only one of their last 11 games. Tickets

Premier League 2

If you don't want to spend somewhere in the region of £30+ to watch a second-tier game, then maybe some U21 football would be more to your liking. There are two games in the capital on Friday night with Arsenal hosting Middlesbrough at Boreham Wood and West Ham United entertaining Blackburn Rovers at Rush Green. Both kick-off at 7pm. Gunners games are usually free at this venue whilst the Hammers usually charge £5

ECL Division 1 South

Barkingside v Basildon Town @745pm - the best non-league option of the night takes place at Cricklefields which is near Ilford in east London. The 'Side continue to fight the drop from this 10th-tier division. Sitting just one point above the relegation zone but having played more games than the three below them, things are looking perilous. Basildon are eighth and have an outside chance of the play-offs so they badly need a win too if they're serious about going up. Tickets will be available on the gate for around £7/8

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday 15 February

Premier League

Fulham v Nottingham Forest @3pm - two of the division's biggest success stories meet at Craven Cottage on Saturday. For the last few years, Fulham were the yo-yo club who kept bouncing between the Premier League and the Championship. Since Marco Silva took charge, that's all changed and they're becoming a solid fixture at this level. Up to ninth and through to the last 16 of the FA Cup, it's been a good season. Forest's campaign has been even more remarkable under Nuno Espirito Santo. Among the strugglers since rejoining the top flight, they're now in the top three and have taken four points off leaders Liverpool in the process. The Cottagers have won four of their last five against Forest and are one of only two teams to have beaten them at the City Ground this season. Tickets

West Ham United v Brentford @3pm - on the opposite side of town we have this derby at the London Stadium. Since Graham Potter took over at the Hammers a month ago, he's presided over just one win from the four league games they've played. Now in the bottom five, they thankfully have a 10-point cushion between themselves and the bottom three, meaning things aren't quite as bad as they first appear. In terms of attendance, the Bees are the second smallest club in the Premier League but a win here could take them into the top half. Since joining the Premier League in 2021, they've won on two of their three visits to east London and current form suggests another one wouldn't be out of the question. Tickets

Crystal Palace v Everton @530pm - in the late game we have what appears to be a rather non-descript game. I say that as it features two midtable teams who seem to have done enough to avoid the drop and are way off the European places. It is these sort of games that can produce great entertainment, though, as the pressure to win is not as great - the TV schedulers obviously saw something in it. It should be noted that both clubs were in a much worse position not that long ago, with the recent re-appointment of David Moyes really changing the Toffees' fortunes in particular. A look at the head-to-head reveals Everton to be a bit of bogey team for the Eagles with the Merseyside club unbeaten in eight in all competitions against the Selhurst Park side. Tickets are only available to members

Championship

Millwall v West Bromwich Albion @3pm - the Lions' mini-revival came crashing down in Devon on Wednesday when they were thrashed 5-1 by FA Cup giantkillers Plymouth Argyle. Now 14th and seven points adrift of the play-offs, it's going to require a really consistent run of positive results to get back in contention for the top six. The Baggies are sixth so are exactly the type of team they need to beat to be seen as serious contenders. The omens are good for the hosts, however, as they're unbeaten in seven against the West Midlands club. Tickets

League One

Leyton Orient v Lincoln City @3pm - the O's are one of the most exciting sides in London right now. In great form, they're seventh in the third tier and gave Manchester City a huge scare in the FA Cup last weekend. The Imps are stuck in the midtable doldrums with 10 wins, 10 draws and 10 defeats from their 30 games so they're capable of pretty much anything on their day. They also have a great recent record against Orient and beat them in the reverse fixture in October. It should be a home win but it could be closer than some expect. Tickets

League Two

AFC Wimbledon v Salford City @1230pm - things are looking even better for the Dons in the fourth tier. The south London club are now up to fourth after their midweek win over Crewe and a victory here could put them second. Standing in the way are one of their promotion rivals. Former non-league side Salford have climbed the divisions after being famously backed by a consortium which included Manchester United legends Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes. With only one win in six, their form has dipped in recent weeks but there can be no room for complacency. Tickets

Bromley v Fleetwood Town @3pm - these clubs had very contrasting 2023/24 seasons with Bromley winning promotion from the National League and Fleetwood getting relegated from League One. They're now neck-and-neck and only a point apart in midtable. They met for the first time in a league game in October and it ended 0-0, it could well be a draw again. Tickets

National League

Barnet v Solihull Moors @3pm - the Bees are top of the table and top of the form table but they still haven't been able to shake off Forest Green Rovers and York City in the race for automatic promotion. Solihull made the play-off final last year but lost to Bromley on penalties. Sitting four points below the play-off places, they still have work to do if they want to make the post-season again. Tickets

National League South

Boreham Wood v Eastbourne Borough @3pm - there's a great selection of games in the sixth tier but if I were to pick one it would be this. Featuring two of the top five in what is an incredibly tight promotion battle, these two will hopefully put on a good show. The hosts' form has deserted them in recent weeks with four defeats from their last five but they're still very much in contention. While they've been slipping up, Sussex club Eastbourne have been picking up the points and they're now three ahead of The Wood. With leaders Dorking Wanderers strong favourites to win at struggling Welling United, both these sides need to win to stay in touch or the Surrey club could start pulling away. Tickets

Isthmian League Premier Division

Hendon v Dartford @3pm - the Greens moved back to the Isthmian Premier from the parallel Southern Premier South for this season, something which will have saved them a small fortune on travel expenses. Sadly, the playing side has gone badly wrong. With popular manager Lee Allinson leaving for Hemel Hempstead towards the end of 2024, he was replaced by Harrow Borough's Ben Bukowski. He took over a month ago, they've yet to win and look destined for the drop. Here they welcome the league leaders, so it isn't going to get any easier. In 2012/13, the Darts reached the heady heights of eighth in the fifth tier but they've gone steadily downhill ever since. There have been seasons where they made the play-offs in the sixth tier but failed and now after a second relegation they find themselves in the seventh tier. Only one point ahead of Billericay, they can't afford many slip ups. Tickets are £12 on the gate

Isthmian League South Central

Kingstonian v Hayes & Yeading United @3pm - in the eighth tier there's a top-six clash at Grand Drive. The K's have now played the same amount of games as big-spending divisional leaders Farnham Town and are four points behind, making them the only realistic title challengers at this point. The two meet on Tuesday for one of the biggest games of next week. If they can win here against a much-improved Hayes side then they could reduce the gap to just a point but that's assuming Farnham lose to midtable Southall. Tickets are £10 on the gate

CCL Premier North

North Greenford United v Bedfont Sports @3pm - in the ninth tier, two of the top five meet at Berkeley Fields. NGU had a great run in the FA Vase last season which probably impacted on their promotion challenge as they finished eighth. Now out of that competition, they're fifth and have games in hand on all those above them. The visitors are third and it's probably fair to say that's as high as they're likely to go as Amersham and Egham battle it out for the title. Tickets are £8 on the gate

CCL Premier South

Chipstead v AFC Whyteleafe @3pm - I wouldn't normally recommend two games at this level but this local derby definitely deserves a mention. The Chips suffered relegation from the Isthmian League last year and have found it tough to adjust to life in the ninth tier. In the lower reaches of the division, they should be safe but a few more points would make sure of it. The Leafe are having a great time. Currently second and through to the quarter-finals of the FA Vase, they've been drawing some decent crowds. An away win looks likely but the derby vibe might sway things. Tickets are £10 on the gate

SCEFL Division 1

Croydon v SOUL Tower Hamlets @3pm - the Trams have made a concerted effort to market their club and engage with their local community this season. It's a tactic that seems to have worked as they sit third in the division's attendance charts. It's going well on the pitch too with only goal difference keeping them out of the play-off places. The side keeping them out are SOUL Tower Hamlets so there's quite a bit riding on this match. Being billed as 'Super Saturday' by the club, an effort is being made to woo fans heading to the Crystal Palace v Everton game at 530pm which is just down the road. If you have a ticket for that, you'll get into this for just £2.50, everyone else pays £5

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday 16 February

Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United @430pm - for fans of these clubs, this season must have felt a bit like living in a parallel universe or some kind of nightmare. Two of the biggest sides in the country, indeed the world, would normally expect to be fighting it out for a European place at the very least. As of February 2025, both are closer to the relegation zone than the top six and are having seasons to forget. True, they could both still win cups but in the league it has been a disaster. Although Spurs are two points and one place below United, they do have some hope. I was quite surprised to find that they're unbeaten in five against the Red Devils and have already beaten them twice this season in the league and cup, scoring seven in the process. Despite this, it would take a brave soul to predict how this will turn out. Tickets are only available to members but hospitality packages are available from £449 per person

Women's Super League

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur @1230pm - it looks set to be an incredibly busy afternoon in north London with the women's NLD happening at lunchtime too. Although the Emirates hasn't quite sold out, I've seen statements from the club indicating at least 50,000 could be heading that way. As for the game itself, the main thing of note seems to be the second debut of England star Chloe Kelly who signed for Arsenal on loan from Manchester City on transfer deadline day. The winger played for the Gunners until 2018 so it's a kind of homecoming for her. Although Tottenham are a top-six side, they'll start as considerable underdogs and will probably be delighted with a draw. Tickets

Isthmian League Premier

Hashtag United v Folkestone Invicta @3pm - if you'd prefer a men's non-league game then we've got two games which is unusual for a Sunday. First up is this seventh-tier match on the far east side of town at Aveley's stadium. The Tags are eighth, just one place and three points above their Kentish opponents. Although only three places below the play-off teams, they've got a nine-point gap to make up. Tickets are £12 on the gate and you'll be allowed to stay on for the women's cup match against Barking which begins at 6pm

Isthmian League South Central

Ashford Town (Middlesex) v South Park Reigate @3pm - in the other game, there's a relegation six-pointer as the teams in 21st and 18th meet for three vital points at Cobham's ground, which is Ashford's temporary home. The visitors actually won their last match, against Hanworth Villa, which was something of an upset so they're in better form. Tickets are £10 on the gate

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, via X/Twitter or even by good old email.

Has this blog been helpful? Donate to TLFG's coffee-drinking fund here 

TLFG: 3-9 February 2025

First up - apologies.

Sorry this is up so late. Going into Sunday I thought things were going to plan but various family commitments and a trip to Actonians left me exhausted and ready for bed not long after 8pm.

To be fair, I had got home from work at well after 1am on Sunday morning so that played a big part in my fatigue too.

Monday was really busy as well and I just ran out of time.

At this point it's just match maps and no previews and it may remain that way as Non-League Day prep is building up really quickly with new partners still wanting to join the campaign at this relatively late stage.

Have a great week everyone and enjoy your football.

THE WEEK AHEAD 

This week's highlights include games in the FA Cup, Premier League, EFL, National League, Women's FA Cup, Women's League Cup and lots of other games featuring our local non-league and women's clubs. 

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.

Donate to TLFG's coffee-drinking fund here

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

    

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, via X/Twitter or even by good old email.

Has this blog been helpful? Donate to TLFG's coffee-drinking fund here 

TLFG: 27 January - 2 February 2025

Greetings one and all and welcome to this week's TLFG.

I hope you're all well and have been enjoying your football.

As mentioned last time, I've been on late shifts all week so haven't been able to get to any games but I have been up to my eyes with Non-League Day preparations as we move into the final two months of the campaign.

Over the last few days, we've held meetings with the Premier League, NHS Blood & Transplant and South Western Railway.

This year's NLD is less than two months away

We have also had a couple of big companies reach out to us about getting involved so it's all looking promising.

I've got some days off coming up so I'm hoping to get to QPR's U21 game on Tuesday and maybe a couple of Actonians ones too.

It's been great getting your emails this week, keep them coming as I'm always happy to help when I can.

THE WEEK AHEAD

This week's highlights include games in the Europa League, Premier League, EFL, National League, Women's Super League, Women's FA Cup and lots of other games featuring our local non-league and women's clubs. 

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.

Donate to TLFG's coffee-drinking fund here

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 26 January

Premier League Cup

Brentford v Chelsea @7pm - the week begins with a very decent looking U21 game at Wheatsheaf Park in Staines. This competition is coming to the end of the group stage. As it stands, Chelsea, Brentford and Derby are all level on nine points with only the top team going through automatically and the seven best runners-up joining them. The Blues have a game in hand so are favourites to progress but if the Bees win here in their final group game, it could make things interesting. Tickets

Isthmian League Premier Division

Carshalton Athletic v Hastings United @745pm - the Robins have been incredibly inconsistent this term but their 1-0 win over Hashtag United on Saturday moved them back into the top 10. With average crowds of over a thousand, Hastings are one of the biggest clubs in this division but their form on the pitch has been surprisingly poor and they're in the bottom three. Tickets

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 27 January

Professional Development League

QPR v Colchester United @1pm - if you want to see two games on Tuesday then you've got a great opportunity to do so. This U21 match is being played at Loftus Road where it's usually entry by donation to the club's community trust. Update - this is now at the club's training ground but it's still open to the public

League One

Charlton Athletic v Bristol Rovers @745pm - the Addicks' push for a play-off place stayed on track on Saturday as they beat Shrewsbury 1-0 at The Valley. With Barnsley losing to Stevenage, they're now only two points off the top six. The Gas have been pretty underwhelming with only eight wins from 26 games but they've won on their last two visits and will be looking to complete the hat-trick. Tickets are available and if you buy two, you get a third for free

National League South

Enfield Town v Eastbourne Borough @745pm - there are three games in the sixth tier on Tuesday night but I've gone for this as it affects proceedings at both ends of the table. The Towners' miserable campaign has seen them spend most of it in the relegation zone. Saturday's trip to bottom club Weymouth only yielded a point and left them 10 points adrift of safety. Their task to remain in the division is a huge one and it won't get much easier here as Eastbourne are joint top with three other teams in what has become a very exciting title race. Tickets

Isthmian League Cup Quarter-Final

Hashtag United v Chatham Town @745pm - two seventh-tier teams meet at Aveley for a place in the semi-finals. These two actually contested last year's final with the Chats edging to a 2-1 win. The Tags have been in far better form recently so should start as favourites. Tickets are £12 on the gate

Middlesex Senior Cup Quarter-Final

Hanwell Town v Hayes & Yeading United @745pm - there's a local derby to be enjoyed in this county cup tie. The Geordies play a level above the visitors so should be expected to progress. However, H&YU have made the last two finals and can't be written off. The winners will travel to Bedfont Sports in the next round. Tickets are £12

Isthmian League South Central

Hanworth Villa v Hartley Wintney @745pm - two of the top seven in this eighth-tier division do battle at Rectory Meadow. The hosts saw their big game with leaders Farnham postponed on Saturday as Moneyfields moved above them. Hartley Wintney thrashed fellow promotion contenders Uxbridge 5-1 in a very impressive display which lifted them into the top four. Tickets are £11 on the gate

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday 29 January

Surrey Senior Cup Second Round

Kingstonian v Chertsey Town @745pm - with 11 wins from 17 final appearances, the K's are one of the most successful clubs in this competition's history. However, they're now an eighth-tier club and playing one level below their opponents. The Curfews have been a bit hit-and-miss this season and got stuffed 5-2 at home by bottom club Marlow on Saturday so this in-form Kingstonian side could have a good chance. Tickets are £6 on the gate

Isthmian League North

Sporting Bengal United v Newmarket Town @745pm - there's a big relegation six-pointer at the Mile End Stadium. These two are actually playing each other in back-to-back games after the pair met in the reverse fixture on Saturday. On that occasion Newmarket won 2-1 to move one point ahead of SBU. A win here for either will take them out of the dreaded bottom four. Tickets will be available on the gate - I'm not certain of the price but it should be around £10

Women's FA Cup Fourth Round

Arsenal v Bristol City @745pm - after the frosts of recent weeks, we have two re-arranged ties to look forward to on Wednesday. To re-cap, this is the round where WSL teams enter the draw alongside all the teams who have survived the previous rounds. The Gunners are the most successful club in the competition and they'll start as strong favourites against the second-tier Robins. This is being played at Boreham Wood and tickets are available

West Ham United v Liverpool @745pm - despite their league struggles, the Hammers have again shown that they're a decent cup team after making it to the League Cup semi-finals with a win over Spurs. The Reds were a side that were expected to put pressure on the top five this season but it hasn't quite worked out. Nevertheless, they should start as marginal favourites here. This is being played at Dagenham & Redbridge and tickets are available

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 30 January

UEFA Europa League

Tottenham Hotspur v Elfsborg @8pm - Spurs' disastrous defeat to Leicester at the weekend means Ange Postecoglou's side are in some crisis. Although still well clear of the relegation zone, they're in a mess and there's still time for it to get much worse. The Europa League has been a happier hunting ground for the north London club so far and they're currently sixth out of the 36 teams in the competition. Swedish club Elfsborg are 20th but have won their last two and will know Tottenham are in trouble. Tickets

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 31 January

FA Youth Cup Fifth Round

Fulham v Arsenal @7pm - a place in the quarter-finals of this U18 competition is up for grabs at Motspur Park. The Cottagers are the higher-ranked side in the league so, with home advantage, you might expect them to go through. Tickets are £3

Premier League Cup

Chelsea v Derby County @7pm - as mentioned above, the Blues are top of their group but that could've changed by the time this happens. To re-cap, only the top team in each group goes through automatically with seven best runners-up joining them. As of Monday morning, Derby are on level points with Brentford and Chelsea so it's all to play for as it stands. Tickets

Premier League 2

West Ham United v Stoke City @7pm - being played at the club's Rush Green facility, the Hammers should start as strong favourites against the Potters who are rock bottom of this 26-team U21 league. The visitors have yet to win a game this season so a home win looks highly likely. Tickets are £5 on the gate

SCFL Premier

Lingfield v Peacehaven & Telscombe @8pm - the Lingers have been having some stadium issues so have moved into a groundshare with AFC Whyteleafe for the rest of the season. As a result, we get to see some bonus action from this ninth-tier division. Down in the bottom three, they could definitely do with a win. The visitors are eighth and looking for a play-off place. Tickets will be available on the gate for £8

ECL Division 1 South

Barkingside v NW London @745pm - in the 10th tier we've got an important match between two sides in the bottom six who are just above the relegation zone. A win would be huge for both and incredibly important as some of the teams below have games in hand. Tickets will be available on the gate for £5

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday 1 February

Championship

Millwall v QPR @3pm - for the second weekend running, there are no Premier League games in London on Saturday. The top fixture is this tasty London derby in the second tier. There's little to choose between these teams right now with the R's a point ahead of the Lions in midtable. Games between the two are often hard to call too with either side more than capable of beating the other. Draws are rare though, with only one in the last six between them. Regular tickets have sold out but hospitality is available from £100

Watford v Norwich City @1230pm - if you can't get in above, then there are still a few tickets for this game at Vicarage Road. These two sides are in the pack just above Millwall and QPR and the hosts could go seventh with a win. It's been three years since the Canaries last won here but they breezed past the Hornets 4-1 when they last met in September. Tickets

League One

Leyton Orient v Stockport County @3pm - this third-tier match at Brisbane Road should be well worth a watch. The O's amazing run of form continued in midweek when they won 6-2 at Exeter. Top of the form table, they're now into the play-off places. The visitors sit just above them but the east London club drubbed them 4-1 at Edgeley Park in the return fixture earlier in the season. If the hosts win again, they'll be up to fifth. Tickets

League Two

AFC Wimbledon v Bradford City @3pm - there may be no top-flight games but some of the EFL offerings are really good. Apart from the ones above, this game at Plough Lane is also a top-six clash. With Walsall nine points clear at the top, the battle for the other two automatic promotion places is fierce with only six points separating the teams between second and eighth. The visiting Bantams are fourth and top of the form table whilst the Dons are well placed in sixth. Games between these two have been really tight in recent years with only five goals being scored in the last six games. Tickets

Bromley v Grimsby Town @3pm - the Ravens made a worrying start to life in the EFL before going on a really good run which hoisted them into the top half. Sadly that form has started to dip again and they're four without a win. The chances of them being relegated are very slim but a win would be nice to keep things ticking over. The Mariners are four points above them but winless in five. Bromley's last win over Grimsby came in 2022 when they were both non-league sides. Tickets

National League

Wealdstone v Solihull Moors @3pm - another side to be winless in four, the Stones have slipped back into the relegation zone but they're only one point adrift. On Saturday they take on a Solihull side who lost to Bromley on penalties in last season's play-off final. Currently only a point below the top seven, they look all set to challenge again. Tickets

National League South

Enfield Town v Farnborough @3pm - neither of the games in the sixth tier is particularly mouthwatering but I've gone for this one as the hosts need all the points they can get to survive. Second from bottom and 10 points adrift of safety, they saw their midweek game against Eastbourne postponed. Here they welcome a Farnborough side who seem destined to finish in midtable after seeing their form go out the window. Tickets

Southern League Premier South

Walton & Hersham v Winchester City @3pm - none of the games in the seventh tier are much to write home about either. This match in Surrey features the highest ranked TLFG club at this level to be hosting a game. Sitting two points outside the play-off places, the Swans should be confident of a win over a Winchester side who are in a large group of sides who are battling the drop. Tickets

Isthmian League South Central

Uxbridge v Moneyfields @3pm - there's a far more intriguing game at Honeycroft where two of the top six in this division meet. The Reds are four without a win, a series of results which has cost them a place in top three. It's quite possible that that run could be extended here as Moneyfields, despite being just below them, are flying at the moment and are even better form than leaders Farnham. It's been just over two weeks since they last played and it was the Hampshire side who came out on top by 2-0. Tickets are a very reasonable £5 on the gate

FA Vase Fifth Round

We're down to the last 16 in this national knockout competition for teams in the ninth and tenth tiers with its final at Wembley. At this stage the draw is still regionalised and we're lucky enough to have three of the eight ties in London:

AFC Whyteleafe v Egham Town @3pm - arguably the tie of the round sees two of the Combined Counties League's top teams meet at Church Road. Regular readers might remember I've been tipping the Sarnies to win this for a while now and apparently the bookies are saying they're second favourites behind North Shields. The Leafe are available at odds of 6-1 themselves so they should be expected to give the visitors a tough afternoon. A large crowd is expected and you're advised buy tickets in advance. They're £8 and will also be available on the gate

Erith & Belvedere v Daventry Town @3pm - this game at Park View Road is another really tough one to call as they're both seventh in their respective ninth-tier divisions. The Deres achieved their best showing in this competition 10 years ago when they made it to the quarter-finals and lost to North Shields, a match I actually went to. The visitors have set a new club by record by getting this far but will the trip down from Northamptonshire prove to be too much for them? Tickets are available online for £8

VCD Athletic v Hartpury University @3pm - the Vickers are second in the ninth tier SCEFL Premier but they face a tough afternoon against a side who are top of the parallel Hellenic Premier. Hartpury has only been a university since 2018 but it has a specialism in sport and is probably most famous for its rugby teams which compete at a very high level in the men's and women's games. The fifth round is the furthest either side has ever been. Tickets are £10 on the gate

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday 2 February

Premier League

Brentford v Tottenham Hotspur @2pm - the Bees come into this seven points above Spurs. Ange Postecoglou's side have been really struggling of late but they got a morale-boosting win over Elfsborg on Thursday which saw them through to the next round of the Europa League. Brentford should be a much trickier opponent, particularly away, but they did beat them 3-1 at the THS in September and are unbeaten in three against the west London club. Tickets are only available to members

Arsenal v Manchester City @430pm - in the late televised game, two of the biggest sides in the country meet at the Emirates Stadium. City have utterly dominated the Gunners in recent years, losing only one of the last 18 league games against them as they've picked up numerous titles. However, it's not going to plan this season. Sitting a lowly fourth, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool, they'd dearly still love to reel in second placed Arsenal who will be only three points ahead if they lose this. Tickets are only available to members

Women's Super League

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United @645pm - it looks like being a busy evening in north London with this women's match being played at the THS. The late kick-off means you'll easily be able to see two games on Sunday. Spurs are enjoying a decent four-game unbeaten run in the WSL but lost to Everton in the FA Cup in midweek to ensure they won't repeat the trip to Wembley they enjoyed last season. They lost to the Red Devils in that final and they could well come unstuck again here as Marc Skinner's side are in much better shape than they were last year. Currently second and still going in the FA Cup, they will start as favourites. Tickets

Women's Championship

Charlton Athletic v Blackburn Rovers @12pm - back-to-back wins over Sheffield United and Durham have clawed the Addicks back into title contention. Just two points behind leaders Birmingham City, they face a very winnable game here against a side in the bottom three. This is being played at The Valley and tickets are available

FAWNL Southern Premier

Hashtag United v AFC Wimbledon @3pm - the Tags are currently top of the third tier but they've played three games more than their nearest rivals Ipswich and saw star striker Holly Turner join Nottingham Forest in midweek. The Dons are new to this level but they've adapted well and are up to fifth and should be able to make the hosts work hard. This match will see two former Actonians favourites in action. Two seasons ago Sophie Baigent came in on loan from then WSL side Reading and scored six goals in six games as a centre-back as she showed her undoubted class. Now at Hashtag she's regularly named player of the match and I'd expect to see her in the second tier next season whether her team wins promotion or not. For the Dons we have young striker Dior Knorr who bagged eight goals at the start of the season for the A's which saw her poached by the south London side. Tickets are £5 on the gate and the match is being played at Aveley

Watford v Ipswich Town @2pm - on the opposite side of town, the Hornets welcome the aforementioned title challengers from Suffolk. The hosts became viral stars this week after some bizarre refereeing decisions in their game against Lewes drew a lot of attention on social media. Despite losing that game, they're still fourth but being nine points behind Hashtag, a promotion push seems unlikely. If it is to happen, they simply have to win this. This is being played at Wealdstone and tickets are available

FAWNL Division 1 South East

Actonians v Dulwich Hamlet @2pm - both of these sides have suffered a notable dip in form in recent weeks but both have enjoyed wins in cup competitions to keep their spirits up. Actonians won 3-1 at Ascot United in midweek - a decent result considering they were unbeaten in the league. Two weeks ago, the Hamlet managed a tidy 2-1 win at London Bees who've been really impressive over the last couple of months. Dulwich were the first team to beat the A's this season when they won 2-0 at Champion Hill and the hosts will no doubt want revenge. This is being played at Rectory Park in Northolt and tickets are £5

London Bees v Cambridge United @2pm - the aforementioned Bees have Actonians in their sights and would love to jump above them into the top four. Five points back with a game in hand, it is doable. Cambridge are a real Jekyll & Hyde team, who are equally capable of holding the leaders and getting thrashed by one of the strugglers so who knows what will happen here! Tickets are £5

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, via X/Twitter or even by good old email.

Has this blog been helpful? Donate to TLFG's coffee-drinking fund here 

TLFG: 20-26 January 2025

Welcome one and all to this week's TLFG.

I'm pleased to say it's a bit fuller than last week with match maps and previews up until Friday.

Once again, I've failed to get to a match despite having a whole weekend off.

Chores, family commitments and badly behaved children have seen me miss out this time - I even had media accreditation for Fulham v Actonians on Sunday afternoon which I had to pass up but it looked like a pretty dismal afternoon for the A's so I'm kind of glad I didn't go to their 3-0 defeat.

The end of last week saw the first of some big meetings ahead of Non-League Day (NLD) which takes place on 22 March.

The top two in the Essex Senior League meet
on Wednesday 

We caught up with our charity partners at Prostate Cancer UK and had a chat with some of the team at the FA for the first time in several years which was very encouraging.

Monday sees a chat with corporate partners South Western Railway and there are also meetings scheduled with the Premier League and hopefully NHS Blood and Transplant at some point.

I'm on late shifts this week so I won't be seeing any live football this week either but I hope you will instead.

 THE WEEK AHEAD

This week's highlights include games in the Champions League, Premier League, EFL, National League, Women's Super League, Women's League Cup and lots of other games featuring our local non-league and women's clubs. 

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.

Donate to TLFG's coffee-drinking fund here

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 20 January

Premier League

Chelsea v Wolverhampton Wanderers @8pm - the week begins with a game which will have an impact on both ends of the table. The Blues were being talked about as title contenders at the start of last month but they haven't won a league game since beating Brentford on 15 December. Now winless in five, they've dropped to sixth but will break back into the top four with a win here. Wolves enjoyed a new manager bounce following the appointment of Vitor Pereira but it only lasted three games. They arrive at Stamford Bridge having lost their last two and only above the relegation zone on goal difference. They actually managed to win 4-2 here last season but got walloped 6-2 at Molineux in the reverse fixture in August. General tickets have sold out but hospitality packages are available from £250 

Premier League 2

Crystal Palace v Wolverhampton Wanderers @7pm - if you're a Wolves fan in exile who can't get to Chelsea for whatever reason and you don't want to watch it on TV, then you've got the option of watching the U21s instead. Both these sides are pottering around in midtable so I'd expect an evenly matched game. It's being played at Sutton United and adult tickets are £5

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 21 January

Championship

Millwall v Cardiff City @745pm - the Lions appointed new boss Alex Neil at the end of December and he's still searching for his first league win after losing at home to Hull on Saturday. Now only four points above the relegation zone, they really need a victory. Although below them in the table, the Bluebirds will head to London with renewed confidence. After their dreadful start to the season, they're now unbeaten in five and comfortably beat arch rivals Swansea on Saturday. Tickets

Watford v Preston North End @745pm - the Hornets picked up their first league win in five matches at Derby on Saturday to move level on points with sixth-placed West Brom. Still firmly in touch with the leading pack despite their recent dodgy run, they'll hope to keep the pressure on by beating PNE. The Lancashire club are in the bottom half and haven't won at Vicarage Road since 2005. Tickets

EFL Trophy

Leyton Orient v Stevenage @7pm - the O's superb winning run in League One came to a disappointing end at London Road on Saturday where they could only draw 0-0 with struggling Peterborough United. Their attention now turns to the visit of Stevenage who are in the same division but in poor form. The winners will host Birmingham City in the quarter-finals. Tickets are £10

National League Cup

Dagenham & Redbridge v West Ham United U21 @745pm - there are three matches in this competition in London on Tuesday but this derby is definitely the pick of them. Third and second respectively in this eight-team group, the non-league Daggers will be keen to get one over their top-flight neighbours. I was lucky enough to receive an invite to this from the Premier League but I'm working late so won't be able to go. Tickets are £10

National League South

Boreham Wood v Hampton & Richmond Borough @745pm - with leaders Torquay only drawing with St Albans on Saturday, the Wood managed to capitalise by winning 1-0 at Welling United. Now only two points behind, they'll go top if they win here and Torquay fail to win against Slough. Another one of our local sides, H&RB are having a decent spell at the moment, with their weekend win over Tonbridge lifting them into the top 10. Tickets

Isthmian League Premier

Hashtag United v Bognor Regis Town @745pm - the Tags picked up an impressive 2-1 win over Dover Athletic on Saturday which saw the Kent club knocked off top spot. With four wins from their last five, the hosts are hitting some serious form and will move into the top six if they avoid defeat here. Bognor are bottom and have conceded 11 over their last three games. It will take some doing for them to get anything here. Tickets are £12 on the gate

Southern League Division 1 Central

Hadley v Thame United @745pm - the Bricks have had a great season. Not only are they in contention for promotion, they also set a club record by making it to the Third Round of the FA Trophy before narrowly losing to Oxford City. Currently occupying the final play-off place, they'll be looking to see off the challenge of Thame who sit just below them in the table. Tickets are £10 on the gate

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday 22 January

UEFA Champions League

Arsenal v Dinamo Zagreb @8pm - although sitting third coming into this, the Gunners' position among the top eight teams who go through automatically is precarious. The table is ridiculously tight with only three points separating the teams between third and nineteenth. The Croatian visitors sit one point and one place above the elimination zone so they should be beaten but they should also be determined to try and get something. Tickets are only available to members

Essex Senior League

Woodford Town v Stanway Rovers @745pm - the pick of the night's non-league action is to be found in north-east London. A short stroll from Woodford station will bring you to Ashton's where the top two in this ninth tier division will do battle for supremacy. The hosts are currently two points behind but have a game in hand - it's a huge game! Tickets are £7 on the gate

Women's League Cup Quarter-Finals

Chelsea v Durham @645pm - the Blues have dominated women's football in this country in recent years but if they have an Achilles heel it's this competition. Although they've made the last five finals, they've lost the last three. A place in the semi-finals looks almost certain as they've been paired with the only non-Super League side left in the draw and they've got them at Kingsmeadow too. The visitors, as an independent women's club, are a bit of an inspiration as they challenge for the Championship title but they'll have to do something approaching miraculous to win here. Tickets 

Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United @745pm - whoever wins the tie above will host the winners of this in the semis. Spurs are six points and four places ahead of the Hammers and come into this on a decent run of form. Neither side have made the final before and given that they're likely to face Chelsea in the next round, I can't see that changing. This is being played at Leyton Orient and tickets are available

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 23 January

Suburban League Shield

Abbey Rangers v Eversley & California @745pm - all I can find for you on Thursday is this U23 game in Surrey. The hosts play a level above E&C so should start as favourites

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 24 January

Premier League 2 and Premier League International Cup

Three U21 games top the bill on Friday night in London with Arsenal hosting Nottingham Forest at Boreham Wood, Chelsea entertaining Southampton at Kingsmeadow and Fulham welcoming Danish club Nordsjaelland to Motspur Park. All games kick off at 7pm and shouldn't cost more than £5 - Arsenal is normally free

ECL Division 1 South

Cannons Wood v Dunmow Town @745pm - the best non-league option is this 10th-tier game at Aveley's ground on the far east side of town. Of the clubs playing in TLFG's catchment area, they're the top one in this division. Fifth, at the time of writing, they need to keep winning as the three sides below them all have their eyes on their play-off spot and have games in hand. Dunmow are ninth. Tickets are £7 on the gate

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday 25 January

Championship

QPR v Sheffield Wednesday @3pm - unusually for a regular Saturday, there are no Premier League games in London so this second-tier game at Loftus Road tops the bill. The R's are in fantastic form with only leaders Leeds having better results over the last 10 games. The Owls are on level points with the hosts but all is not well at Hillsborough with a recent fans' forum reportedly lasting almost seven hours. Manager Danny Rohl is one of the highest-rated bosses in the division but with only one win in six, it's not going well. Tickets

League One

Charlton Athletic v Shrewsbury Town @3pm - both of London's third-tier clubs are also cooking with gas at the moment. The Addicks are second in the form table and only four points adrift of the play-offs. The Shrews are down in the relegation zone but have improved a lot following the appointment of Gareth Ainsworth as manager. The south-east Londoners are unbeaten in six against Shrewsbury and won the reverse fixture 1-0 in September. A home win looks the most likely outcome but a draw isn't beyond the realms of possibility. Tickets

Leyton Orient v Reading @3pm - it's going even better for the O's who are unbeaten in nine games and top of the form table. They're a point ahead of Charlton and three behind the visitors. A win for either will see them move into the play-off spots if Stockport slip up against Crawley Town. Games between the two have been fairly rare this century but it's Orient who are unbeaten in five - their last defeat to the Royals came way back in 1999. Tickets

National League

Dagenham & Redbridge v Southend United @3pm - my game of the day in the fifth tier takes place at Victoria Road. After a midweek win over West Ham's U21s, the Daggers will look to get the better of another local rival here. Southend play a few miles to the east so, although outside London, this is a derby in my books. Although both sides will probably finish in midtable, the last game between them produced an entertaining 2-2 draw so hopefully we'll get more of the same. Tickets

National League South

Boreham Wood v Chippenham Town @3pm - another local side in superb form, the Wood went top on Tuesday as they beat Hampton & Richmond whilst Torquay dropped points at Slough. The visiting Bluebirds are pottering along in midtable. It was close last time they played with the Hertfordshire club edging to a 1-0 win in October. Tickets

Isthmian League Premier

Dartford v Billericay Town @3pm - the title race in this seventh-tier division is really hotting up with only four points separating the top five. The Darts are fourth and Billericay are top so this has the potential to be a real humdinger. Things weren't even close earlier in the season as the Essex club romped to a 4-0 win so the hosts will no doubt want to make up for that. Tickets

Isthmian League South Central

Hanworth Villa v Farnham Town @3pm - the visitors have been top of this division for some time but they haven't got things sewn up just yet. Six points clear of second placed Kingstonian, they can still be caught if they draw the odd game. It's been four matches since that last happened. Hanworth are a top-six side themselves and beat Ascot, the last team to take a point off Farnham, in their last outing. It will be really interesting to see how this turns out. Tickets are £11 on the gate

SCEFL Premier Division

VCD Athletic v Faversham Town @3pm - the Vickers topped this league for most of the season but lost top spot a few weeks ago. Kent club Faversham replaced them and fellow Londoners Fisher have also got involved in the title race. VCD are now eight points behind the Lilywhites but have a game in hand. Only one team goes up automatically from this division, so if they want to get top spot back then they can't afford to lose this game. Tickets will be available on the gate - I'm not certain of prices but it shouldn't be more than £10

SCEFL Division 1

Forest Hill Park v Canterbury City @3pm - we've got a top-two clash at the Ladywell Arena where the hosts will look to draw level with the leaders in this 10th-tier division. Overall, it's looking pretty rosy for FHP as they've got four games in hand on Canterbury so you feel it's only a matter of time before they do reach the summit. Again I'm unsure of prices but it will be under £10 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday 26 January

Premier League

Crystal Palace v Brentford @2pm - with 11 points from their last five games, the Eagles are one of the most improved sides in the division. They're now as close to the top five as they are the relegation zone so any fears of going down would seem to be over. The Bees are a point ahead but with only one win in seven, they're not in the greatest shape. Since Brentford joined the Premier League in 2021, five of the seven games between these two have ended in draws and it could well be close again. Tickets are only available to members

Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City @2pm - Spurs are in some trouble with their recent displays plunging them into the bottom six. On Sunday they welcome the Foxes who are in even worse form. Ruud van Nistelrooy's side are 19th so if Tottenham lose here then the alarm bells will really start ringing. When they played in August it ended 1-1. Tickets are only available to members. Hospitality packages are available from £249

Fulham v Manchester United @7pm - the week ends with this unusually timed fixture at Craven Cottage. Up in 10th, the hosts are having a fine season so much so that they're way above United who are seven points behind them. With only one win in 20 against the Red Devils their record against them is really poor but you feel they'll rarely get a better opportunity to improve that. The last few tickets are available from £70 UPDATE - these tickets have now sold out

Isthmian League South Central

Ashford Town (Middlesex) v Horndean @3pm - there's a bonus non-league game thanks to Ashford's groundshare at Cobham. Given their off-field problems which have seen a large drop in income, the Tangerines are doing really well to remain competitive as they fight relegation. They thrashed fellow strugglers Guernsey 5-0 in their last match to really raise spirits. The visitors, from Hampshire, are in poor form and could well be beaten. Tickets are £10 on the gate

Women's Super League

Chelsea v Arsenal @1230pm - the match of the week in the women's game sees the top two meet at Stamford Bridge. There are posters all over London advertising this fixture as the Blues try to emulate the Gunners in generating a sell-out crowd for one of their games. The hosts are favourites coming into the match - they're the reigning champions and are seven points clear at the top. The Gunners dropped most of their points in the early part of the season when Jonas Eidevall was still in charge but his time is now up. Replaced by Renee Slegers, one of his own coaching team, she's turned things round in a big way so it will be really interesting to see how she fares against this highly talented Chelsea side. Lose and the title race will be effectively over. Tickets

Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur @2pm - the hosts are new to the WSL but struggling. Bottom after 11 games, it's been tough. However, all is not lost. Only a point adrift of safety, they've been receiving good reviews from many who cite the main reason for defeat as a lack of top-level fitness. Spurs are a midtable team who have probably disappointed many this season. After a good campaign last year which saw them make the FA Cup Final for the first time, they've failed to push on. On Wednesday they took the lead but bowed out of the League Cup at home to West Ham. Robert Vilahamn's side should have enough to win here but they're also just the sort of side which could come a cropper. This is being played at Sutton United. Tickets

West Ham United v Everton @3pm - as mentioned above, the Hammers come into this on the back of a slightly unexpected win at Spurs which put them in the League Cup semi-finals. Rehanne Skinner's side struggled last year and are in the bottom three again but there's been a bit more about them in recent weeks. The Toffees sit just above them but they've been busy in the transfer market during this month and have brought in a number of players as they look to shore up their place in the top flight. This is being played at Dagenham & Redbridge. Tickets

Women's Championship

Charlton Athletic v Sheffield United @2pm - a bad run at the end of 2024 saw the Addicks slip from top to midtable. Still only five points behind leaders Birmingham they do have a chance but they can't afford many more slip ups. The Blades are having a season to forget and start this just one place off the bottom. This is being played at The Valley. Tickets

FAWNL Cup Semi-Final

Hashtag United v Nottingham Forest @3pm - there's a mouthwatering game to look forward to at Aveley's ground where the Tags are 90 minutes away from making it to the final for the second year running. Last season they beat Newcastle United at Luton Town's ground to win the cup for the first time. Standing in their way are Forest who currently top the northern division of the third tier. Hashtag are top of the southern division so it should be a great contest. Tickets will be available on the gate for £5

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, via X/Twitter or even by good old email.

Has this blog been helpful? Donate to TLFG's coffee-drinking fund here