TLFG: 31 August - 5 September 2021

Bank Holiday greetings dear readers and welcome to the first guide of the autumn as we move into September.

Did you manage a 'double' or even a 'triple' of games on Monday?

I've been working all weekend so haven't seen anything.

As a result, I've only had time to produce the match maps so you'll have to do the digging yourself to find out what's on - if I get the chance to flesh things out a bit later in the week then I will.

I'll hopefully get down to Loftus Road tomorrow lunchtime to watch QPR U23 take on Barnsley at 1pm - it's free to get in although they do have someone with a bucket at the entrance on South Africa Road asking for donations to the club's community trust. 

They usually open a tea bar too and allow you to sit in the best seats in the house so it's a pretty good deal.

On Saturday it's my plan to enjoy a bit of FA Cup action at Harrow Borough as they welcome Kent club Ramsgate to Earlsmead. Will this be the year Boro make it to the First Round? It's been five years since the last time...

On the subject of FA competitions, the FA Youth Cup starts this week and there are ties every day so you'll have plenty to choose from even though it's an international break.

UPDATE - I've now written a few previews for the some of the weekend's best games, see below

THE WEEK AHEAD

With it being an international break the highlights of the next few days include games in the EFL, FA Cup, most of our local non-league competitions and the FA Women's Super League, Championship and National League. There's also an England game at Wembley and the opening round of the FA Youth Cup.

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
Tuesday fixtures - green pin

Wednesday fixtures - turquoise pin

Thursday fixtures - purple pin
Friday fixtures - black pin

WEEKEND MATCH MAP
Saturday fixtures - blue pin

Sunday fixtures - orange pin

TLFG WEEKEND DIGEST

Saturday 4 September

League One

AFC Wimbledon v Oxford United @3pm - this week's international break means that the Dons' match against Oxford tops the bill in London. It shouldn't disappoint either as a close to capacity crowd is expected with the U's among the third-tier pacesetters once again. Tickets are pretty much gone but the club said that a few more may get released 

National League

Boreham Wood v Stockport County @3pm - I always bang on about how small a club The Wood are for this division but that's to highlight their impressive achievements. Once again they've come sprinting out of the blocks and are joint top after winning all of their opening three games. Stockport were an established EFL side not that long ago and should bring a decent away following. Tickets for non-members are £20 which is possibly why their crowds are smaller than they could be

Dagenham & Redbridge v Wealdstone @3pm - one of the other sides with a 100% record are the Daggers who currently sit in first place on goal difference. The Stones picked up their first point of the season against Southend on Monday and will hope for more joy against another opponent from Essex. Tickets are available from £15 and there are various deals available on kids tickets for the international break

National League South

Welling United v Slough Town @3pm - neither of these sides have made a great start and are in the bottom four, giving this the look of an early season six-pointer. Tickets are £14

 FA Cup First Round Qualifying

With the Extra Preliminary and Preliminary Rounds behind us, what is effectively the third round of the FA Cup takes place this weekend. At this point, all seventh-tier clubs enter the draw - that's Isthmian Premier and Southern Premier South teams for us. There are lots of ties around London, the ones below are those that have most caught my eye

Hayes & Yeading United v Bognor Regis Town @3pm - the hosts have made a spectacular start to the season, winning all five of their league games to sit top of the Southern League. On Saturday they enter the FA Cup and will look to make the First Round proper for the third season in a row, which would be some achievement for a seventh-tier club. Last year they lost on penalties to Carlisle United and the previous season 2-0 to a very decent Oxford United side. Bognor are one of the bigger sides in the parallel Isthmian League but they haven't made the First Round since 1995 and got stuffed 5-0 by Hayes last season. Tickets are £10 and available on the gate

Walthamstow v Berkhamsted @3pm - I was always going to include this tie as Walthamstow are a club on the up who draw some lively crowds, making Wadham Lodge a good place to visit for any FA Cup tie. However, having now done a bit of research, this is most definitely one of the standout ties of the round. The Stow are currently sitting pretty at the top of the Essex Senior League having won all six of their games whilst Berko also have a 100% record in the Southern League Division 1 Central, one level up. Combined with the decent crowd, this could be a real rip-roarer!

Uxbridge v Chesham United @3pm - the hosts are celebrating their 150th year and have begun their league campaign well. Chesham play a level above them and don't come from that far away so this has all the ingredients to make a decent cup tie

Broadfields United v South Park @3pm - currently groundsharing with Rayners Lane, Broadfields have been making steady progress over the last few years. By beating Cribbs and Reading City, they've made it to the First Round Qualifying for the first time ever and I can see them giving South Park, who play a level above them, a run for their money

Harefield United v Hastings United @3pm - I started off watching Beckenham Town in the Extra Preliminary Round and if I'd followed their route through the draw then I would be heading to this match. Hastings vanquished the Becks in the last round and now head to Harefield where they should start as strong favourites again. Although there's only a division between them, Harefield will have to be at their best to win

Oxhey Jets v Kingstonian @3pm - the David v Goliath tie of the round with ninth-tier Oxhey hosting the side who are currently top of the division two levels above them. The Hertfordshire club have only got past this round twice in their history whereas the Ks have made it all the way to the Fourth Round before. An Oxhey win would be one of the stories of the day

Spelthorne Sports v Bedfont Sports @3pm - back in west London there's a derby to be enjoyed not far from Heathrow. The Spelly play a division below the visitors so will start as underdogs

FA Cup Preliminary Round

Barking v Ilford @3pm - after a very late stewards' inquiry, this tie is being played again after Ilford were adjudged to have fielded an ineligible player in their surprise win. As a result of the late notice, there won't be a replay so penalties will be employed if necessary. The winners will play Aveley

Women's Super League

Tottenham Hotspur v Birmingham City @3pm - the women's top flight returns this weekend and it brings with it some great opportunities for groundhoppers. This match is being played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium so if you still haven't been, then you won't get many better chances. Adult tickets are only £6.50

Women's Championship

Watford v Liverpool @2pm - in the women's second tier, the Hornets are staging this game at Vicarage Road. Somewhat surprisingly, tickets for this are a hefty £12 

Friendly

England Fans v Lalaha FC @730pm - if one game isn't enough or you're not free in the afternoon, then head down to Bedfont Sports for a bit of Saturday night fun. Lalaha are a side made up primarily of Afghan players and it's free entry too

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Sunday 5 September

Fifa World Cup qualifier

England v Andorra @5pm - in theory the biggest match of the week takes place at Wembley on Sunday evening. Having crushed Hungary 4-0 on Thursday amid disgraceful scenes of racist abuse in Budapest, the Three Lions could rack up a cricket score against international minnows Andorra. Tickets are still available

FA Cup First Round Qualifying

Erith & Belvedere v Chertsey Town @12pm - one of the ties of the round, this should draw a decent crowd to Park View Road. The Deres have won all four of their league games and claimed the scalp of the higher-ranked Tooting & Mitcham United in the opening round. Chertsey famously won the FA Vase at Wembley in 2019 so know quite a bit about putting a cup run together. They play a level above the hosts but it really is a tough one to call. Tickets are a very reasonable £8 on the gate

Balham v Merstham @3pm - elsewhere in south London, Balham will look to make it to the Second Qualifying Round for only the second time in their history. They've landed a tough draw though, with Isthmian Premier club Merstham likely to provide very tough opposition. With the hosts playing their matches at AFC Croydon Athletic's ground, it's only a short journey for the visitors so hopefully they'll bring a few fans

FA Women's Super League

Arsenal v Chelsea @1230pm - one of the biggest footballing events of the whole week is this clash of two of the giants of women's football at the Emirates Stadium. Chelsea won the league and made the Champions League final last season so will start as favourites. Tickets are available online for an incredibly reasonable £7.65

GET INVOLVED

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

NEED HELP?

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

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

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

TLFG: 23-30 August 2021

Greetings one and all and welcome to the August Bank Holiday Special of TLFG.

This edition goes all the way through to next Monday 30 August where there's a whole raft of non-league matches in most, but not all, of our local competitions.

One of the highlights of every bank holiday is the Combined Counties League putting all their matches on at 1130am, allowing you to easily watch two games in a day.

The other thing about a bank holiday fixture programme is that many of the games are derbies so it's usually an exciting time to be watching.

Carlos Simeon makes a fine save as Romford beat Kensington & Ealing in the FA Cup

I've done my best to highlight these in the Daily Digest but I've missed out a lot because there simply isn't the room or time to write about all the good options so you'll have to use the map and your own knowledge to pick out what's most appealing to you.

My footballing week has been surprisingly rich as I managed to watch two games!

On Tuesday lunchtime I headed to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium to watch QPR play Hull City in a highly entertaining U23 game.

The R's saw a 3-0 half-time lead evaporate before winning 4-3 with 10 men thanks to a stunning free-kick just before the end.

Today (Sunday) I headed west to Hanwell Town to watch tenants Kensington & Ealing Borough lose 1-0 to Romford in the FA Cup.

It was a close game, decided by a penalty and played in front of a lively home crowd which was great to see.

The week ahead also has a number of options for me including the first-ever game for QPR's newly formed 'B' team who play a friendly at Wealdstone on Wednesday.

Whether I end up going anywhere depends on work and childcare commitments so we'll see.

Harrow Borough enter the FA Cup draw which will be published at 1pm on Monday so I await that with bated breath.

Have a great week everyone.

THE WEEK AHEAD

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

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

BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND MATCH MAP
Saturday fixtures - blue pin

Sunday fixtures - orange pin

Monday fixtures - yellow pin

TLFG DAILY DIGEST

In the following section I list, by day, 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 23 August

Premier League

West Ham United v Leicester City @8pm - the week gets underway with this fine-looking match at the London Stadium. Only a point separated these sides last season as they finished sixth and fifth respectively to make it into the Europa League. Both started their campaigns with wins last weekend so it's all teed up to be a good game here. Last season the Hammers won 3-2 as they did the double over the Foxes for the first time since 2012. The last few tickets are on general sale

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Tuesday 24 August

EFL Cup Second Round

The EFL Cup often sees Premier League and Championship sides field heavily altered teams in the early rounds as they give their reserves and youngsters a chance to show what they can do. This gives the lower division sides a great chance of causing an upset but also means tickets are cheap and in plentiful supply. As a result, you get the opportunity to visit stadiums that are often inaccessible to non-members and you get to create a ticket purchasing history with the club that can sometimes be useful when it comes to buying tickets for big games in the future

Watford v Crystal Palace @745pm - one of only two all-Premier League ties in the Second Round, this match tops the bill on Tuesday. Both sides' main priority will be to stay in the top flight this season so they could well see this competition as a distraction. They last played two weeks ago in a pre-season game at Selhurst Park which Palace won fairly comfortably but this match is anyones. Tickets are on general sale for £15

Brentford v Forest Green Rovers @745pm - with the Bees now in the Premier League, tickets for games at their new stadium are going to be hard to get so this presents a fantastic opportunity for groundhoppers. Although Brentford remain unbeaten after drawing at Crystal Palace on Saturday, they can't afford to be complacent as FGR arrive as League Two leaders having won all four of their league games, scoring 13 goals in the process. Tickets are on general sale for £10

Millwall v Cambridge United @745pm - the Lions are yet to win a league game and sit just above the Championship relegation zone after four games so could have a challenging evening if a well-motivated Cambridge side turn up. Mark Bonner's side won promotion from League Two last season and sit comfortably in midtable with just one defeat from four games. Tickets are on general sale for £12

QPR v Oxford United @745pm - this fixture has some real history going back to the final of 1986. The R's had enjoyed a superb run to Wembley with stunning victories over arch-rivals Chelsea and then the all-conquering Liverpool in the semi-finals. Oxford had done well to get there themselves but hadn't beaten anyone of similar pedigree and it looked like QPR's to lose. Sadly for me and thousands of other supporters of the club from W12, Jim Smith's boys just didn't turn up and tamely lost 3-0 - it wasn't even close. It remains the only cup final I've ever seen QPR play in as a fan (as a tiny child with no club affiliation, I actually supported Spurs in the 1982 FA Cup final) so it was a hugely disappointing moment. Aside from friendlies, games between the two have been few and far between since then and this is the first time they've met since 1999 when QPR managed a 1-0 win at Loftus Road. After a bruising schedule, QPR will almost certainly rest a few players which could allow the U's to humble them again. Tickets are on general sale for £15

League Two

Leyton Orient v Harrogate Town @745pm - if you want to see an arguably more meaningful game where the two teams should be playing full-strength sides then get yourself over to Brisbane Road where the O's will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to four matches. Tickets are on general sale

FA Cup Preliminary Round Replay

AFC Croydon Athletic v Erith & Belvedere @745pm - the Rams did extremely well to hold the in-form Deres to a 0-0 draw at Park View Road on Sunday. Whether they can overcome them on home turf is anyone's guess 

SCEFL Premier Division

Fisher v Glebe @745pm - I also fancy this ninth-tier match at Salter Road where the Fish play host to Glebe who've won all of their opening three league games. The St Paul's Sports Ground has one of the best backdrops of any non-league ground in London so it's well worth a visit. Tickets are £8

FA Women's National League Division 1 South East

Actonians v QPR @745pm - as regular readers know, I have a vested interest in both of these clubs so I'm very torn when they play each other in this local derby. The main disappointment for me is that QPR scheduled their men's game against Oxford on the same night meaning the attendance for this will almost certainly suffer. The sides last met in the Capital Cup Final in May where QPR came from behind to win a thrilling game on penalties. Tickets are £5 for adults and free for U16s

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Wednesday 25 August

Friendly

Wealdstone v QPR B @730pm - a new era begins on Wednesday when QPR's new B team will play their first-ever game against the Stones. Going forward, Grosvenor Vale will become QPR B's ground for home fixtures. Adult tickets are £8  MATCH OFF

FA Cup Preliminary Round Replays

Sutton Common Rovers v Steyning Town @745pm - I thought for one moment that this match was going to be the first on the new grass pitch at Gander Green Lane but on checking with SCR, this game is being played at Banstead Athletic. The hosts should win as they play at a higher level

Erith Town v Sevenoaks Town @730pm - the Dockers did well to draw at Sevenoaks, who play a level above them, on Saturday. They'll be hoping home turf gives them the advantage they need to see them through

ECL Division 1 South

Park View v Buckhurst Hill @745pm - these two have begun well and are both in the top five at this stage. Buckhurst Hill are playing their first season at this level and are unbeaten as they've made an impressive start

FA Women's National League Southern Premier

Hounslow v London Bees @745pm - there are only two London clubs in the third tier of women's football at they meet at Rectory Meadow on Wednesday. Both sides struggled last year and both begun with defeats last weekend so this has the feel of a six-pointer to it already

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Thursday 26 August

Europa Conference League

Tottenham Hotspur v Pacos de Ferreira @745pm - I think I'm right in saying that this is the first-ever Europa Conference League match to be played in London and you could be there as tickets are on general sale for £20. Having lost the first leg in Portugal 1-0, the result is not a foregone conclusion

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Friday 27 August

Premier League 2

Crystal Palace v Everton @7pm - there are some fine U23 matches on Friday but this one at Selhurst Park is the only one we know that you'll definitely be able to get into. Tickets are £5

Isthmian League North

Aveley v Great Wakering Rovers @745pm - the only non-league game of the night is at the well-appointed Parkside ground in Essex. Having only played one league match each so far, it's hard to say too much about this game or make any predictions but the facilities are fantastic

Women's Friendly

Chelsea v Aston Villa @6pm - the Blues won the Women's Super League and finished as runners-up in the Champions League last season as Emma Hayes's side really impressed. With the new WSL season starting the following weekend, this friendly will be their final warm-up. Tickets are £5

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Saturday 28 August

Premier League

West Ham United v Crystal Palace @3pm - the only Premier League game of the day is this derby at the London Stadium. It seems hardly possible that this is the Hammers' sixth season at this ground - the years are flying by. In the previous five meetings between the two at this venue, Palace have only won once and given the teams' current form I can't see them improving that record. Tickets are on general sale

Championship

Fulham v Stoke City @3pm - the top game of the day in the EFL sees first play third at Craven Cottage. Both sides are locked on 10 points after making excellent starts. After being in the doldrums for a few years, the Potters appear to be firing again but this part of SW6 rarely yields them any points. Fulham have an uncanny knack of winning this fixture 1-0 and it's likely to be tight again. Tickets are on general sale

QPR v Coventry City @3pm - just up the road in Shepherd's Bush there's a game between two sides who are also in the top five. The R's came from 2-0 down to draw with Barnsley on Saturday as they maintained their unbeaten record while Coventry beat Reading to leapfrog Mark Warburton's team. QPR are unbeaten against Coventry at Loftus Road since 2007. Tickets are on general sale

Millwall v Blackpool @3pm - at the other end of the table we've got a clash of two sides in the bottom four so there are some really good games on offer in this division on Saturday. Both have had a pretty tough opening run of fixtures but they would probably both have hoped to have one win by now. The Lions have lost two on the bounce whilst Blackpool came from 2-0 down to get a very creditable draw at promotion-chasing Bournemouth on Saturday. Tickets are on general sale

League One

Charlton Athletic v Crewe Alexandra @3pm - after the optimism of a new takeover, the Addicks have made a very disappointing start with Saturday's 2-0 loss to Wigan leaving them in the relegation zone. Crewe have made a similarly poor start meaning this has become highly important for both clubs. Tickets are on general sale

League Two

Leyton Orient v Bradford City @3pm - if the O's win their midweek game they'll go third just behind Bradford so this could be another really important game in what is clearly a big weekend for our local EFL clubs. Tickets are on general sale

Sutton United v Oldham Athletic @3pm - last but not least we have this match of great historical significance as the recently promoted hosts prepare to play their first home game in the EFL on their new grass pitch. With former top-flight club Oldham currently bottom of League Two, they won't get many better chances to win. When I last checked, over 1,000 tickets were still available. If you do want to go, you're urged by the club to buy online in advance 

National League

Boreham Wood v Aldershot Town @3pm - with average crowds of only 650 it's quite an achievement that The Wood are about to start their seventh season in the fifth tier. They finished next to Aldershot, a much bigger club, in midtable last season and started this campaign with a solid 2-0 away win at Weymouth. The Shots, meanwhile, lost 2-0 to Chesterfield. In 2020/21, games between these two produced 11 goals so hopefully we'll have another goalfest

Dagenham & Redbridge v Bromley @3pm - the Daggers notched a very respectable 3-1 win at Stockport County in their opening day game on Saturday to set a very positive tone ahead of this derby. Bromley lost their televised game against Grimsby to Covid so they've yet to play

National League South

Dulwich Hamlet v Dartford @3pm - talking of derbies, there's another one at Champion Hill. Given the odd number of teams in the division, the Hamlet had the weekend off whilst the Darts beat Slough 3-0 to make it two wins from two to top the division. If you're thinking of going to a game here, you're advised to buy tickets online in advance and arrive in good time as the small ground fills up early

Southern League Premier Division South

Hayes & Yeading United v Taunton Town @3pm - the pick of the action in the seventh tier sees the free-scoring Hayes & Yeading look to extend their 100% record with this match against third-placed Taunton. The hosts have scored 12 goals in their opening three games to move two points clear already

Isthmian League South Central

Uxbridge v Westfield @3pm - in the eighth tier, just down the road from Hayes, there's a top-four clash in the ILSC. Uxbridge pulled off a fine 1-0 win over Cray Valley PM in the FA Cup on Saturday to take their place in Monday's draw. Westfield drew 3-3 at Hythe so will have to replay in midweek which could take that little bit more out of them ahead of this one

CCL Premier North

Edgware Town v Abbey Rangers @3pm - I think I'm right in saying that this will be the first league meeting between the two as they've been in different leagues up until now. Both have made a great start with only two points dropped between them so far. Abbey have won all their games and made further progress in the FA Cup on Saturday so will probably start as favourites

SCEFL Division 1

Croydon v Kent Football United @3pm - second plays fourth at the Croydon Arena in my game of the day in the 10th tier. The Trams have won four of their opening five games, scoring a hefty 13 goals in the process. KFU have played a game less so will move level with them if they win

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Sunday 29 August

Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur v Watford @2pm - as a result of their European exploits, Spurs face another Sunday match at the THS. The smart money is overwhelmingly on a Tottenham win as they haven't lost at home to the Hornets since a cup game in 1994 with their last home league defeat way back in 1985. Tickets are not on general sale

Premier League 2

West Ham United v Chelsea @1pm - there's a very decent looking U23 match at West Ham's Rush Green facility on Sunday afternoon. However, it's not yet clear whether the public will be admitted and I think it's doubtful. Check with the club before you travel

FA Women's Championship

Crystal Palace v Bristol City @2pm - the phased return of the women's season sees the second tier return to action on Sunday. The Eagles, who play at Bromley's ground, welcome the Robins fresh from their relegation from the Super League

FA Women's National League Division 1 South East

QPR v Billericay Town @2pm - these two found the net 14 times between them on the opening day of the season and both won again in the second round of games. There is a set of games in midweek too but these could be the top two by Sunday afternoon

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Monday 30 August

National League

Barnet v Dagenham & Redbridge @3pm - the August Bank Holiday is a huge day in the non-league calendar with many leagues scheduling games, many of them derbies. The only derby on offer in the fifth tier is this match at The Hive where Harry Kewell's Barnet will be desperate to improve on the 5-0 mauling they suffered in their last match against Notts County. They could find it tough as the Daggers have started well

Wealdstone v Southend United @3pm - although not a derby, I really fancy this one between the Stones and Southend who have just come down from League Two. It wasn't long ago that Wealdstone were playing the likes of my side Harrow and now they're in a division packed with former EFL clubs. The Shrimpers scraped past Kings Lynn in their first game so a pumped up Stones team backed by their raucous fans could get something out of this

National League South

Hampton & Richmond Borough v Maidstone United @3pm - given how early it is in the season, it's quite hard to pick standout games when there are no derbies. As I've given Dartford a mention above already, then why not take a trip down to the Beveree? The hosts welcome a Maidstone side who have made a solid start and the ground is one of the most popular among groundhoppers on this side of town

Isthmian League Premier Division

Corinthian Casuals v Kingstonian @3pm - a visit to watch CCs is always worth doing but when they're hosting the K's in a groundshare derby, you can't go wrong. A sizeable and colourful crowd usually turns out for this fixture so don't miss out. The stadium is a short walk from Tolworth station so it's pretty easy to get to

Hendon v Harrow Borough @3pm - pretty much every match in this division is a derby so you'll do pretty well in that respect wherever you go. I've gone for this one as both clubs are in London and both used to groundshare too. In recent years these matches have produced a huge amount of goals with one Boxing Day match ending 5-5 a few years ago. The Greens will start as marginal favourites as they're at home but there shouldn't be much between them

Isthmian League North

Grays Athletic v Aveley @3pm - I still haven't been to Parkside but it's supposed to have some of the finest facilities of any non-league club in the south east. These two Essex clubs have been sharing since it opened so it should generate a decent crowd

SCEFL Premier Division

Erith & Belvedere v Glebe @3pm - at the time of writing, these are two of the top teams in the SCEFL. The Deres have won every league game and are still in the FA Cup. Glebe aren't far behind so this should provide some fine Bank Holiday entertainment MATCH OFF - COVID

CCL Division 1

Hillingdon Borough v Hilltop @1130am - it's a Bank Holiday tradition in the Combined Counties League to start all games in the morning, allowing groundhoppers the chance to comfortably see two games in a day. This match showcases another couple of groundsharers, with Hilltop currently top and scoring for fun. You could easily combine this match with the ones at Wealdstone, North Greenford United* or Hanwell Town to name just three. UPDATE - this match now starts at 1pm so it's no use if you're trying to do a double with a 3pm kick-off, check the map for alternatives

*Don't go to North Greenford as they kick-off at an early time too - thanks to an eagle-eyed reader for noticing. 

PS - Try Barnet or Hendon instead

POSSIBLE "TRIPLE" NOW AVAILABLE

It has come to my attention that there are now several FA Youth Cup ties on Monday night. So far I've only confirmed the location for the game at Woodford Town but Lewisham Borough and Walton & Hersham also have ties.

Also, just outside London, there's a Southern League game between Beaconsfield Town and Hayes & Yeading United being played at Kings Langley's ground at 745pm.

GET INVOLVED

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

NEED HELP?

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

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

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

TLFG: 16-22 August 2021

Greetings and welcome to this week's TLFG.

I'm at work at the moment and really pushed for time so it's a bit of holding piece from me which I will hopefully flesh out tomorrow.

There are some really great FA Cup ties at the weekend which I haven't yet had a chance to write about but they're all on the maps so have a dig around and see what you find.

Have a great week.         

UPDATE - I've now had a chance to fill things out in the Daily Digest so hopefully you'll find it useful.                                           

THE WEEK AHEAD

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

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, by day, 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 16 August

Premier League 2

There's a really fine selection of U23 games today with West Ham v Arsenal at the London Stadium topping the bill. Tickets are only £5 for adults and can be bought online. Elsewhere, Crystal Palace face Leeds at Selhurst Park and a little to the north of London, Tottenham entertain Chelsea at Stevenage. All details are on the match map above

ECL Division 1 South

Barkingside v Frenford @745pm - if you'd rather put some money into the non-league economy instead, there's an interesting local derby at Cricklefields to be enjoyed

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Tuesday 17 August

Championship

Millwall v Fulham @745pm - after playing QPR on the opening day, the Lions face another derby against the title favourites. The Bermondsey club are unbeaten so far but have drawn both league games whilst the Cottagers crushed Huddersfield 5-1 on Saturday to go top. Tickets

League One

AFC Wimbledon v Gillingham @745pm - the Dons welcomed a full crowd to the new Plough Lane on Saturday as they and Bolton served up a thrilling 3-3 draw. The Gills conceded an 89th-minute goal to lose 1-0 here last season. Tickets

Professional Development League

QPR v Hull City @1pm - earlier in the day there's an U23 match at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium. I've had it confirmed that it's free to get in but any donations to the club's community trust will be gratefully received

Southern League Premier Division South

Hendon v Hayes & Yeading United @745pm - the best non-league option of the day is this derby at Silver Jubilee Park. Both clubs made really impressive starts to their seasons on Saturday with Hayes beating Swindon Supermarine 3-0 and Hendon recording a very impressive 4-0 away win at Truro. Tickets are £10.50 if bought in advance and £11 on the gate

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Wednesday 18 August

SCEFL Premier Division

Erith Town v Erith & Belvedere @745pm - there are some good options in the ninth and 10th tiers on Wednesday but this derby is the standout one in my humble opinion. Both have made decent starts to the season are in the top five after three games

Essex Senior League

Woodford Town v West Essex @745pm - a staggering crowd of over 800 packed into Woodford's new ground on Friday night for its first match. If you weren't able to go you've got another chance on Wednesday. The visitors arrive on the back of a spectacular 8-1 win over Sporting Bengal United so should provide stiff opposition

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Thursday 19 August

MCFL Premier Division

CB Hounslow United Reserves v Indian Gymkhana @tbc - for hardcore football addicts I'm aware of only one game on Thursday and it's taking place at Green Lane near Heathrow

UPDATE - there is now also a friendly between District Line and Northern Line as they prepare for the new London Underground League season. The match is at Wadham Lodge in Walthamstow at 3pm

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Friday 20 August

Premier League 2

There's another really decent selection of U23 football on Friday night where the blockbuster fixture between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge tops the card. Tickets are £5 and can be bought online. Elsewhere, Arsenal play Crystal Palace at Boreham Wood's ground and Fulham face West Brom at their training ground

FA Cup Preliminary Round

Walton & Hersham v Guildford City @745pm - for something far more meaningful, the next round of the FA Cup gets underway with this all CCL fixture between two Surrey clubs

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Saturday 21 August

Premier League

Crystal Palace v Brentford @3pm - there's only one top-flight game in London on Saturday and it's a derby. Many might view this as an early six-pointer as both were among the favourites to go down. However, the Bees impressive win over Arsenal in their first game might have changed a few minds. Amazingly this is the first time the sides have played each other in any competition since 1978! Tickets are only on sale to members

Championship

QPR v Barnsley @1230pm - after slightly faltering performances against Millwall and Leyton Orient in their first two games, Rangers notched an impressive 3-0 win at Hull on Saturday which moved them joint top on goal difference. However, that top spot is shared by a whopping 10 clubs as all 100% records have already gone. One of those teams is Barnsley who did very well last season and will be a threat here. Tickets

Fulham v Hull City @3pm - just down the road at Craven Cottage, the team at the top of the table will look to pile further misery on Hull after putting five past Huddersfield themselves on Saturday. This could conceivably be combined with the game at QPR if you have access to a bike or an e-scooter both of which are available to hire in the local area. Cars, buses and trains probably won't get you there in time as the traffic and parking situation will be problematic. Tickets

League One

Charlton Athletic v Wigan Athletic @3pm - the Addicks have had quite a tough start and are still looking for their first league win. The Latics haven't been tearing up any trees either but they did record a useful 1-0 win over Rotherham on Saturday. Tickets

National League

Bromley v Grimsby Town @520pm - the fifth tier National League is the final competition to get going and there are several good looking games on offer. I've highlighted this one purely because of its late kick-off which will allow you to combine it with an earlier kick-off like the match at QPR or maybe a game more locally like Beckenham Town's FA Cup game against Hastings. MATCH OFF

FA Cup Preliminary Round

Barking v Ilford @3pm - the first tie to jump off the page for me was this east London derby at Mayesbrook Park. If you don't know the geography of the area they are literally neighbouring districts. The hosts play a level above Ilford so should start as favourites

Uxbridge v Cray Valley PM @3pm - CVPM had their best ever run in the FA Cup last season as they made the First Round, beating several higher-ranked clubs along the way. Uxbridge are celebrating their 150th season so it would make it extra special for them to have a run

Beckenham Town v Hastings United @3pm - I went to the Becks' tie in the previous round so I'm going to focus on them again. After beating Colliers Wood, they now entertain one of the biggest clubs in the draw at this stage. At the time of last season's curtailment, Hastings were top of the Isthmian League South East so will provide a very tough test for Beckenham. They also drew a crowd of almost 1,000 for their season opener against Herne Bay so they should be expected to bring a healthy travelling support

MCFL Premier Division

FC Soma v Sporting Hackney @tbc - for hardcore groundhoppers, this match is taking place at the Bannister Sports Centre in Harrow. The last time I went there was to compete in the Middlesex Schools Cross Country Championships in the early 1990s. I was something like a third reserve, several people dropped out and I came 48th out of 50 in a rather humiliating afternoon of athletic activity! As for this match, Soma are new to this level. Kick-off times are hard to get hold of in this division but they tend to be at 2pm, 230pm or 3pm - check with either of the clubs for the latest before you travel

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Sunday 22 August

Premier League

Arsenal v Chelsea @430pm - after very contrasting fortunes in their opening fixtures, it's hard to see much beyond an away win here. Having said that, I didn't give Spurs a hope against Manchester City and look what happened there! Tickets are not on general sale

FA Cup Preliminary Round

Kensington & Ealing Borough v Romford @3pm - over on the west side of town, at Hanwell Town's ground, one of the only 10th-tier teams left in the competition will play host to a side from two levels above them. With three wins out of four so far, Kensington have begun brightly whilst Romford scraped past lower division opposition in the last round and on Saturday lost their first league game 7-0. There is real cupset potential here and it's where I'm hoping to spend my afternoon

Erith & Belvedere v AFC Croydon Athletic @4pm - the Deres have made a fantastic start to the season, winning their first three league games and upsetting Tooting & Mitcham in the FA Cup. Next up they face the Rams who play in the parallel fifth tier Combined Counties League. They haven't started nearly as well so could have a challenging afternoon

FA Women's National League Southern Premier

London Bees v Crawley Wasps @2pm - The Hive, also home to Barnet, plays host to this game in the women's third tier. London Bees suffered relegation from the Championship last season and began with another defeat at Keynsham Town on Sunday. Crawley recorded a solid 3-0 win over Cardiff so they should fancy their chances. UPDATE - apparently this match is now against Keynsham, not Crawley

FA Women's National League Division 1 South East

Kent Football United v QPR @2pm - in the fourth tier, KFU prepare to host their first home game of the season following a narrow 2-1 defeat at AFC Wimbledon. It looks like they might have to be at the top of their game as newly promoted QPR started their season with a 6-0 win over Stevenage

London & South East Women's Regional League

Dulwich Hamlet v New London Lionesses @2pm - despite playing way down in the fifth tier, Dulwich have the potential to draw the biggest women's crowd of the afternoon so if you're looking for a bit of atmosphere then it shouldn't be quiet at Champion Hill MATCH POSTPONED - Dulwich have now arranged a friendly against West Ham United U21s. It's still at 2pm and free to get in

GET INVOLVED

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

NEED HELP?

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

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

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

TLFG: 9-15 August 2021

With my two weeks of holiday coming to an end, I was able to get to another game and visit a ground for the first time.

Despite having the big derby between QPR and Millwall taking place on my doorstep, I just didn't fancy it.

I've been to several of these games, they're usually tense affairs often leading to crowd violence.

It was clear the police felt there would be trouble too as their presence was unlike anything you'd see for any other games at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium with numerous vans and officers, several from the Territorial Support Group, on the streets of W12 from around 10am.

Apart from this, I just couldn't justify the cost of a ticket and thought I'd get better value by 'going non-league'.

Ironically, I found myself speeding past The Den on my way to the game I ended up choosing - the FA Cup tie between Beckenham Town and Colliers Wood United.

Colliers Wood defend a corner during their FA Cup tie at Beckenham

The two Combined Counties League clubs were able to play despite lots of pre-match rain, thanks to a fantastic pitch that looked totally unaffected.

In my preview I suggested the Becks would probably start as favourites and they did have the better of things over the course of the game.

They created numerous half chances but fluffed them all as CWU's keeper was rarely tested.

The moment of the match came midway through the second half when the visitors found themselves being awarded a penalty after a foul in the box.

Sadly for them, it thumped against the woodwork and Beckenham's keeper made a fine save from the rebound.

An injury time free-kick in a dangerous position gave the hosts the chance of a dramatic late win but it came to nothing and the match ended 0-0.

With several goals going in elsewhere in the locality at Crystal Palace, Balham and Croydon my companion for the afternoon Mike suggested we'd picked the wrong game!

Beckenham Town is well worth a visit - a warm welcome on the turnstile, decent food and drink at a reasonable price and, importantly for me, very easy to get to by train as it's round the corner from Eden Park station. 

After paying £6 to watch Squires Gate up in Blackpool last week, it was interesting to see that it was £8 here even though they play at the same level.

London prices must play a part in this but it did seem a bit steep for a ninth-tier club.

In other news, regular readers will know I also run the annual Non-League Day event.

After talks this week with various partners, it looks like we might try our first spring event to give us more chance to prepare - apart from anything else, it will stop us clashing with any FA competitions which often causes problems.

Anyway, that's about it from me. I'm back on late shifts this week so won't get to see a game, I hope you have more joy.

THE WEEK AHEAD

The highlights of the next few days include the return of the Premier League, the opening round of the EFL Cup, games in the EFL itself, most of our local non-league competitions and the first week of games in the FA Women's National League.

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
Friday fixtures - black pin

WEEKEND MATCH MAP
Saturday fixtures - blue pin

Sunday fixtures - orange pin

TLFG DAILY DIGEST

In the following section I list, by day, 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 9 August

SCEFL Division 1

SC Thamesmead v Lewisham Borough @745pm - the hosts have made a disappointing start, losing their opening two. Lewisham picked up their first win on Saturday at FC Elmstead so might start as marginal favourites

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Tuesday 10 August

EFL Cup First Round

Millwall v Portsmouth @745pm - after an opening day draw at QPR, the Lions welcome Pompey to The Den for their first home match of the season. The Hampshire club are still in League One but began well with a 1-0 win at Fleetwood. Tickets are on general sale for £20

Charlton Athletic v AFC Wimbledon @745pm - in the other tie of the night, we have a decent south London derby to enjoy. The Addicks started their season with a 0-0 draw against Sheffield Wednesday whilst the Dons notched an impressive 2-1 win at Doncaster. Tickets are a very reasonable £10

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round

Banstead Athletic v Bearsted @745pm - the rain saw this postponed on Saturday so they'll all try again on Tuesday. Neither side have won a game yet so it should be close

Walthamstow v Crawley Green @745pm - the Stow began their season with an emphatic 5-2 away win at newly promoted White Ensign and they should feel pretty confident of making progress here

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Wednesday 11 August

EFL Cup First Round

Leyton Orient v QPR @745pm - there's another decent derby at Brisbane Road where the League Two O's play host to Rangers of the Championship. As a QPR fan, I know there's been quite a bit of interest in this tie with the initial allocation of away fans' tickets selling out. The omens don't look good for the club from W12 as they've won only two of their last 10 meetings with Orient so a cupset could be on the cards. Tickets are on general sale

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round

Sporting Bengal United v White Ensign @745pm - based at the Mile End Stadium, United's pitch got waterlogged by the heavy downpours on Saturday so weren't able to play. Both sides play in the Essex Senior League and both have lost their first two league games so it's quite hard to pick a winner

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Replays

Romford v Harpenden Town @745pm - the hosts are one of only of a small number of eighth-tier teams who are making an unusually early entry into this year's competition. Groundsharing at Barking's stadium, they should have too much for a team from a level below them

Erith & Belvedere v Tooting & Mitcham United @745pm - the Deres recorded a very creditable 1-1 draw at Imperial Fields on Saturday against the higher-ranked Terrors. Will home advantage give them that little bit extra they need to cause a cupset?

Athletic Newham v Virginia Water @745pm - Newham have caught the eye in pre-season and have made an unbeaten start following their recent promotion to the Essex Senior League. Virginia Water have also just moved leagues from the Hellenic to Combined Counties so play at a similar level. I'm tipping the hosts

Colliers Wood United v Beckenham Town @730pm - CGU went into the original game as underdogs and spent most of it on the defensive. Despite this they had the chance of the match when a penalty came their way but they missed it and it ended 0-0. This could well go to penalties

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Friday 13 August

Premier League

Brentford v Arsenal @8pm - the moment many people have been waiting for is here, the opening match of the new Premier League season. More importantly though, it marks the Bees' first game in the top flight since 1947. To top it all, it's being played at the club's new stadium which many fans still haven't been to. The fact it's also a big derby against the Gunners is just the icing on the cake! Unsurprisingly, the match is sold out

Essex Senior League

Woodford Town v Stansted @745pm - on the other side of town, it's also a hugely important night for all those associated with Woodford as they play the first game at their new stadium. Covid has delayed this occasion so let's hope no-one among the squads gets pinged between now and then. Tickets are £7 on the gate

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Saturday 14 August

Premier League

Chelsea v Crystal Palace @3pm - after a disappointing start to last season under Frank Lampard, they finished off by winning the Champions League under new boss Thomas Tuchel. As a result of this improvement, the Blues are now second favourites to win the title with most bookmakers. Palace, with new manager Patrick Vieira, are again tipped to struggle so getting anything out of this will be a significant achievement. You'll need to be a member to get a ticket or be able to spend hundreds of pounds on a hospitality package

Watford v Aston Villa @3pm - after suffering relegation in 2020, the Hornets have made an instant return and resume Premier League life with this home game. Villa have sold Jack Grealish but have brought in some decent talent with the fee and are 7-1 to finish in the top six. Watford, however, are seen as the club most likely to finish bottom. Tickets are on general sale

Championship

Millwall v Blackburn Rovers @3pm - both of these sides faded in the second half of last season to finish some way off the top six. The Lions picked up a very solid point at QPR on Saturday while Blackburn began with a win over Swansea. Rovers have become a bit of a bogey team for Millwall, losing only one of their last 11 games against them. Tickets are on general sale 

League One

AFC Wimbledon v Bolton Wanderers @3pm - the Dons are another club in a new stadium which many fans have yet to visit so demand for tickets will be high. When I looked there were a number still available but it was unclear whether you needed to be a member, you certainly need to set up a ticket account at the very least

League Two

Leyton Orient v Exeter City @3pm - both sides managed top-half finishes last season, with City narrowly missing the play-offs. If I were a betting man I'd go with the Grecians here as they're unbeaten in eight against the O's. Tickets are on general sale

Friendly

Aldershot Town v Brentford B @1pm - a bit of a random one this but if you're looking for an early kick-off, the Shots have moved this game to Glebe's ground in south-east London. Aldershot coach Anwar Uddin used to be manager of Glebe so that might have something to do with the location

National League South

Dulwich Hamlet v Chippenham Town @3pm - for the second season running, Covid caused the premature end of the season in the sixth tier. However, with fewer games played there was no PPG resolution to the campaign and no-one got promoted or relegated. Prior to the pandemic, neither of these sides were exactly challenging for honours but the Hamlet were still pulling in some of the biggest crowds nationally at this level. A trip to Champion Hill is one of the best you can get at non-league level in London. Tickets are available online and you're advised to buy in advance as the small ground does fill up

Isthmian League Premier Division

Cray Wanderers v Lewes @3pm - it's quite hard to pick a stand-out game in the seventh tier as they're all much of a muchness at this stage of the season so why not head down to Bromley to watch London's oldest club Cray in action? They were fourth at the time of last season's curtailment and are fancied to do well this time. Former fifth-tier club Lewes have had a mixed few years, moving up and down the divisions but are a fine bunch and will hopefully do well this year. Tickets can be bought online but it's not essential

Isthmian League South Central

Staines Town v Chertsey Town @3pm - there's a derby to enjoy at Wheatsheaf Lane. Staines are another side who have enjoyed better times, being a sixth-tier side when I started this blog. Financial issues have plagued the club in recent years as they've dropped to the eighth tier but I get the feeling there's renewed confidence about their prospects. Chertsey found themselves at the wrong end of the Combined Counties League when Dave Anderson took over in early 2018. He went on to keep them up and then win the league and FA Vase in 2018/19 before stepping down. The Curfews were, therefore, a club very much on the up but will Covid end that momentum?

Combined Counties League Premier Division South

Cobham v Jersey Bulls @130pm - the Bulls only began playing competitively at the start of the 2019/20 season which they dominated but had promotion taken away from them by Covid. Last season also ended early but the FA decided to promote them because of their great record. They began life at the higher level last week with their first ever league defeat at Beckenham Town. However, they absolutely demolished Horsham YMCA 10-1 in this weekend's FA Cup tie so it will be interesting to see how they get on at Cobham

Combined Counties League Division 1

London Samurai Rovers v Hillingdon Borough @3pm - with their roots unsurprisingly in London's Japanese community, LSR have just moved up to the 10th tier and begin life at Hanworth Villa's ground with this fixture against another west London club

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Sunday 15 August

Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City @430pm - after an unsettling off-season which eventually saw the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo as manager, Spurs come into the new campaign with the future of star striker Harry Kane still undecided. Such uncertainty would be unfortunate at any time but not when you're preparing to play the reigning league champions and favourites for the title. Despite drawing with Chelsea and beating Arsenal in friendlies this week, it's hard to see the hosts getting anything out of this. Tickets are on sale to members only but they can bring guests

FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division

Hounslow v Ipswich Town @2pm - the hosts took QPR's place in the third tier when the club cut the women's funding a couple of years ago. Since then they've really struggled, with Covid preventing their relegation. A recent 5-0 friendly defeat at home to the lower-ranked Actonians would suggest they still have problems. Ipswich have just been promoted to this level and I'd expect them to win

FA Women's National League Division 1 South East

QPR v Stevenage @2pm - the R's are a club on the up following their somewhat controversial promotion from the fifth tier at the expense of Dulwich Hamlet. They're also starting a new groundshare at Hanwell Town which is really easy to get to by car, Tube (Perivale) or bus so hopefully that'll mean a good attendance

Actonians v Cambridge United @2pm - I'm going to be really torn this season as Actonians, who my daughter plays youth football for, are in the same division as QPR who I've always supported. Nowhere near the big name that Rangers are, Actonians have been playing at this level for longer and are run by a hard-working group of volunteers. The players also pay their own subs so they're doing really well to be one of the most competitive sides in this division. Playing at the Middlesex FA's Rectory Park facility in Northolt, the spectator experience isn't great as there's little cover but I can confirm that the tea bar is very good

GET INVOLVED

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

NEED HELP?

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

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

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