TLFG: 27 September - 3 October 2021

It's another short one from me tonight - I've had a very busy week at work and am now writing this to the backdrop of the sound of a screaming child who just won't go to sleep.

Got to go - sorry.                    

UPDATE (01/10/21) - having found a few spare minutes this morning, I've dashed off a quick preview of the weekend's action which you can find towards the bottom of the page. It's not as comprehensive as usual because of time restrictions but it's better than nothing. I intend to be at the FA Cup game between Harrow Borough and Marlow on Saturday so maybe see you there. 

Enjoy!                                 

                                                            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 Super 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 location

Friday 1 October

Professional Development League

Millwall v QPR @1pm - get your weekend underway early with this U23 derby at The Den. Most of the Lions' youth games are played behind closed doors at their training ground so this is a rare opportunity to see them and visit the club's main stadium. Adult tickets are £5

Premier League 2

Arsenal v Brighton & Hove Albion @7pm - in the evening you can grab your second game of the day at the Emirates Stadium which will also be hosting an U23 match. Tickets for this are a very reasonable £4 but you must buy online before you arrive

ECL Division 1 South

May & Baker v Brimsdown @745pm - if you fancy a non-league game instead, the hosts have the chance to go second in the table with a win over bottom club Brimsdown

MCFL Premier Division Cup

Sporting Hackney v Clapton CFC @745pm - although playing another level down from May & Baker, this derby match at Barking's ground could well draw a bigger crowd. The Tons are currently the team to beat in the MCFL and get the biggest crowds so it could be lively

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Saturday 2 October

Premier League

Chelsea v Southampton @3pm - after making a fine start to their campaign, the Blues have had a tough week losing back-to-back games against Manchester City and Juventus. On paper, the winless Saints should provide the perfect opportunity to bounce back. However, they don't lose very often and have so far managed draws against Manchester City, Manchester United and West Ham so it could be tighter than you might think.Tickets are not on general sale but a few very expensive hospitality packages are still available

Championship

QPR v Preston North End @3pm - if you can't get in at Stamford Bridge, then head a couple of miles north to Shepherd's Bush where QPR will be looking to get back into the top six. Despite a recent iffy run, the R's are playing their best football for a decade with the likes of Illias Chair and Chris Willock mesmerising defences. Like Southampton above, Preston occupy a lowly position in the table but that's because they draw loads of games and will be tough to break down here. In fact, QPR have a terrible recent record against PNE at Loftus Road, losing four of their last five. Tickets are available

League One

AFC Wimbledon v Burton Albion @3pm - if you still haven't been to the Dons' new stadium then you've got another chance on Saturday. Three straight defeats has seen Wimbledon slide to 14th but in a division like this, you can climb the table pretty quickly again if the wins start coming. Burton are three points and four places above so are definitely beatable. Tickets are available

FA Cup Third Round Qualifying

There are some National League games at Barnet and Dagenham & Redbridge and lots of matches in the other non-league divisions, but the main focus for me on Saturday will be the next round of the FA Cup. At this stage no new clubs enter the draw so it's whoever's left from the sixth tier and below. The winners of each tie receive £5,625 and will then find themselves only 90 minutes away from a place in the First Round proper which brings the opportunity of playing a League One or League Two club - the stakes are high. There are six ties in London:

Hampton & Richmond Borough v Wimborne Town @3pm - with Dulwich and Welling already out and Dartford away, Hampton & Richmond are the highest ranked of our local sides to be hosting a tie on Saturday. They should start as overwhelming favourites too as Wimborne are bottom of the Southern League Premier Division South, one level below them. As with all games at this level or below, tickets will be available on the gate

Corinthian Casuals v Wingate & Finchley @3pm - elsewhere in south-west London, two clubs towards the wrong end of the Isthmian Premier do battle. The sides produced an entertaining 2-2 draw in a league back in August so it would be nice to see something similar here. CCs haven't made it to the Fourth Round Qualifying since 1983 and Wingate have never been beyond this round so you could see a little bit of football history made if they triumph here

Harrow Borough v Marlow @3pm - as a Harrow fan, when I first saw the draw I was delighted. We'd drawn a team from the level below and had managed to avoid one of the top clubs from the NLS. However, since the start of the season, the Blues have won all eight of their league and cup matches so have the potential to be very tricky opponents indeed. Nevertheless, Harrow are in cracking form themselves, winning their last six matches in all competitions so it could be a thriller

Hayes & Yeading United v Whitehawk @3pm - talking of form teams, Hayes & Yeading were starting to look unstoppable after winning their first nine games but last Saturday Metropolitan Police managed to hold them to a 1-1 draw in the league. So with a record of won nine and drawn one this season, the hosts should have way too much for Whitehawk who are struggling at a level below them

Metropolitan Police v St Albans City @3pm - having held Hayes & Yeading to that impressive draw last week, The Met should fancy their chances of causing a cupset here. St Albans do play a level above them and will hope to secure a play-off place this season so are no slouches but the hosts have some cup pedigree, making the First Round in 2018 and 2012, and should be able to make life difficult for the visitors

Bedfont Sports v Sholing @3pm - two of the lowest-ranked clubs left in the competition have ended up drawing each other. Playing in the eighth tier, they've already had to get through three rounds to reach this stage. Both picked up surprise away wins in the last round with Sholing triumphing at Tiverton and Bedfont humbling Dulwich at Champion Hill. Sholing have made the better start to their league campaign but it really is anyone's

FA Women's Super League

Chelsea v Brighton & Hove Albion @1130am - if you want to a double and see two games on Saturday then you could start off by heading to Kingsmeadow where it's a battle of the big name women's managers - Emma Hayes versus former England boss Hope Powell. As reigning league champions, the hosts will of course start as favourites but Brighton are currently level on points with them and have made a promising start. Tickets are available

Isthmian League South Central

Sutton Common Rovers v Guernsey @12pm - staying on the subject of a double, you can also begin your day at Gander Green Lane where SCR entertain Guernsey just a few days after playing Jersey - that can't have happened too often!

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Sunday 3 October

Premier League

West Ham United v Brentford @2pm - there are a trio of games kicking off a 2pm in the top flight on Sunday but I'm only going to preview this one as I'm pushed for time and it's the only one which still has tickets on general sale. It should be good - it's a derby, both sides are doing well and it will be another excellent opportunity to gauge just how good the Bees are. No-one expected them to draw 3-3 with Liverpool last week so who knows what they can do here?

FA Women's Championship

Crystal Palace v Sheffield United @2pm - the best match of the day in the women's game sees the Eagles take on the division's early leaders. The Blades are currently top on goal difference after winning three of their opening four games

 

GET INVOLVED

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

NEED HELP?

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

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

TLFG: 20-26 September 2021

It's just after 3pm on a Sunday afternoon, I'm not at a game, but the house is quiet and I'm on the verge of finishing this week's guide well before sunset!

To be fair, I got up at around half five and made a start, before juggling various things throughout the day on my way to this glorious point of near completion.

How was your football week?

I made it to another live game on Wednesday night as QPR B played their first ever game against their counterparts from Brentford.

The match took place at Wealdstone's ground in Ruislip which is pretty straightforward to get to from Shepherd's Bush but with walking at both ends of the journey, still took the best part of an hour.

With tickets a very reasonable £5, a crowd of 200-300 made it to Grosvenor Vale.

Despite being a derby, there was no segregation and fans of both sides mingled pretty happily, although there was a fair bit of banter.

I'd have to say the Brentford contingent were far more vocal but they had a lot more to cheer as they trundled to a pretty comfortable 3-1 win.

I was joined by my near neighbour James M, who is a Bees fan, and met up with fellow QPR/Harrow fan Ash when we got there.

It was also really pleasing to meet another TLFG reader Roy, who introduced himself at half-time and there were several other regulars from the West London non-league/youth football circuit.

On Saturday morning, my nine-year-old daughter returned to action with her Actonians side playing Ruislip Rangers in the Capital Girls League.

She and her team-mates have endured a very tough introduction to football with all the sides they've played seemingly way more experienced.

They lost their first game together, back in April, 19-2 and there were several more bloodbaths after that.

On Saturday things began well enough, but a bad period in the middle of the game where a youngster playing her first ever match volunteered to go in goal, was left unprotected and the score swiftly went from 1-1 to 5-1.

After a bit more rotation, the game ended 8-2.

It must be really tough coaching at this level. 

All the best players who were really starting to get the hang of things, have moved up an age group so can't play anymore and they've largely been replaced by youngsters who've barely kicked a ball in their lives.

The next match, in two weeks, is against Acton & Ealing Whistlers - so I guess it's a case of onwards and upwards!

Hopefully that Saturday will be one of great jubilation all round as Harrow Borough will also be playing in the Third Round Qualifying of the FA Cup.

Boro caused a bit of a cupset by winning 2-0 at National League South side Welling United yesterday and can now look forward to the draw on Monday lunchtime.

Lastly from me, many thanks to Paul F from Greenford for donating to TLFG's coffee-drinking fund. Much appreciated, cheers.

There are lots of great games again this week so fill your boots!

THE WEEK AHEAD

The highlights of the next few days include games in the Premier League, EFL, next round of the FA Vase, most of our local non-league competitions and the FA Women's Super 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 20 September

Youth & Development Matches

To my knowledge there is only one U23 game in the leagues I normally cover but it features Millwall who usually play their games behind closed doors at their training ground. Check with them on Monday morning what the final arrangements are. Elsewhere, Bedfont Sports, Chertsey Town, Chipstead and Uxbridge are among the non-league clubs to have Isthmian youth matches. I don't usually cover football at this level, for time reasons as much as anything else, so the details aren't on the match maps and you'll need to do your own research I'm afraid 

A bit further afield

Reading v Norwich City @7pm - if you're prepared to make a short journey beyond London's western boundary then we have this U23 game at what was formerly known as the Madejski Stadium. Details are a bit sketchy at the moment so please check on the day

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Tuesday 21 September

EFL Cup Third Round

Brentford v Oldham Athletic @745pm - we're down to the last 32 now and all the top clubs have now entered the draw. Top-flight new boys Brentford have what should be the easiest tie of the round - a home draw against the side who are rock bottom of the EFL and in all kinds of trouble off the pitch. Saying that, they have had to beat Tranmere and Accrington to get this far so they're not completely useless. Tickets are on sale to non-members for £10

Fulham v Leeds United @745pm - elsewhere in London, there are some pretty decent ties. The Cottagers suffered an unexpected loss to Reading on Saturday but are still among the Championship's top clubs. Consequently, you have to fancy their chances against Leeds who haven't won a league game yet and will no doubt rest a few players for this one. Tickets are £20 for adults 

QPR v Everton @745pm - things were looking good for the R's this time last week but defeats against Bournemouth and Bristol City abruptly ended their unbeaten run. The Toffees could have come into this as Premier League leaders but lost 3-0 at Aston Villa on Saturday to drop to fifth. Nevertheless, this will be incredibly tough for the hosts unless Rafa Benitez makes loads of changes. Tickets are £25

Watford v Stoke City @745pm - the Hornets pulled off a hugely important 3-1 win over Norwich on Saturday to move up to the heady heights of 11th in the Premier League. They'll no doubt rest a few for the visit of the Potters who are one of the Championship's top sides - a cupset is very possible. Tickets are £15 and in plentiful supply

FA Cup Second Round Qualifying Replays

If some of the clubs above view the EFL Cup with disinterest, then that definitely can't be said about the sides fighting out the midweek FA Cup games. With over £3,000 on offer to the winners of each tie, non-league clubs have plenty to play for

Corinthian Casuals v Leatherhead @745pm - there's an all-Isthmian League and all-Surrey affair in Tolworth on Tuesday night which should generate quite a bit of interest. I think it's fair to describe the hosts as one of London's cult clubs (with their historic name, unusual kit and rich historical links to Brazil), this little part of south-west London draws some lively crowds, especially for important matches like this. The Tanners have a proud FA Cup history, making the Fourth Round in 1975, but they've started this season poorly and will do well to win here. Tickets are £12 on the gate. The winners will host Wingate & Finchley

Hadley v Enfield Town @730pm - playing two levels below the Towners, the Bricks did superbly well to draw this north London derby at the QEII Stadium on Saturday. This is the sort of game that the FA Cup is all about so if you're in the Barnet area on Tuesday, get yourself along - it should be a cracker. Hadley usually charge £7 to get in. The winners will travel to Chelmsford City

Jersey Bulls v Sutton Common Rovers @730pm - after drawing at Gander Green Lane on Saturday, the two sides were supposed to meet again in the Channel Islands for the replay. However, SCR have had trouble arranging travel and given the rules relating to offshore clubs, the match has been switched back to GGL. The winners will be at home to Chertsey Town

Friendly

Hornchurch v Basildon United @730pm - the value option on Tuesday is this friendly between two Isthmian League clubs on the eastern side of town. The club have announced it will be free entry

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Wednesday 22 September

EFL Cup Third Round

Arsenal v AFC Wimbledon @745pm - one of the ties of the round in my eyes, this London derby is the first-ever meeting between the two since the Dons re-formed. It marks a huge night for the League One club who, in their old guise, managed seven wins over the Gunners between 1987-1998. Although Mikel Arteta's side are slowly climbing the Premier League table, they are still highly vulnerable and can't afford to be complacent in any way whatsoever. Tickets are on sale non-members from £11.65

Chelsea v Aston Villa @745pm - one of only four all-Premier League ties, this is a re-run of last weekend's league game between the two which the Blues won 3-0. Aside from their 1-1 draw at Liverpool last month, Chelsea seem to be doing everything at a canter at the moment and I can't see them coming unstuck here. Tickets are supposed to be on general sale but I couldn't find any online - try calling the box office instead

Millwall v Leicester City @745pm - the final tie of the week is another very decent one as the Lions also welcome Premier League opposition. Unbeaten in four, the south London club will hope to record their first win over the Foxes since an FA Cup game in 2017. Tickets are £16

Friendly

Hampton & Richmond Borough v Brentford B @7pm - having seen off Walton Casuals in the FA Cup on Saturday, the Beavers next welcome the Bees' second string for a re-arranged friendly that fell foul of Covid back in the summer. Tickets are £7

London Senior Cup First Round

Erith & Belvedere v Charlton Athletic U23 @745pm - another pro side to be sending teams out into the non-league community are the Addicks who routinely enter county cup competitions. More sides need to do this in my opinion - it generates interest and toughens up the youngsters with some proper competitive experience. The Deres suffered their first league defeat of the season at Deal on Saturday so they'll want to bounce back immediately here

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Thursday 23 September

Youth & Development Matches

Similar to Monday, there's not a lot of senior football taking place that I'm aware of. Cray Valley PM are among the clubs hosting youth matches so do a bit of digging to find out more

London Underground League

For those hardcore football addicts who must get their fix, the LUL usually provides something on Thursday afternoons. According to their fixture list, the British Transport Police are playing London Overground. They matches are at Market Road near Caledonian Road Tube station and tend to kick off at 2pm or 4pm. Check with the league or clubs for details

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Friday 24 September

Premier League 2

There's another really decent selection of U23 football on Friday night where the blockbuster fixture between Chelsea and Liverpool at Kingsmeadow tops the card. Tickets are £5 and can be bought online. Elsewhere, West Ham play Crystal Palace at Rush Green and Fulham face Newcastle United at their training ground - entry details to these are yet to be confirmed

Isthmian North

Aveley v Barking @745pm - these two Essex rivals are set to reprise their recent epic FA Cup saga from last week. With the tie requiring a replay and penalties, Barking eventually came out on top and then proceeded to get knocked out by AFC Dunstable in the next round. The Blues have won all four of their league matches so should start as favourites

FA Vase Second Round Qualifying

The next round of the FA Vase gets underway on Friday night. If you don't know, this is a national knockout competition primarily for clubs in the ninth and 10th tiers with its final at Wembley in May. Although not as lucrative as the FA Cup, it's highly prestigious for the teams involved.

New Salamis v Takeley @745pm - groundsharing at Haringey Borough, the hosts are one of the top clubs in the Spartan South Midlands League.This is only the third time they've competed in the competition and they've made it to the First Round in the two previous seasons so have a little bit of pedigree. Takeley are usually one of the stronger teams in the parallel Essex Senior League but they've made a disappointing start

Bedfont & Feltham v Rayners Lane @745pm - there's another attractive tie at The Orchard were B&F welcome fellow CCL Division 1 club Rayners Lane. The visitors are currently second so should come out on top

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Saturday 25 September

Premier League

Chelsea v Manchester City @1230pm - the day's action begins with this gargantuan clash at Stamford Bridge. It's a battle of the European champions and Premier League champions. City ceded control of top spot on Saturday when they were surprisingly held to a draw by Southampton at the Etihad. In fact, if Chelsea beat Spurs on Sunday then they could go top. Thomas Tuchel has also won all three of the matches against City which he has presided over as Blues boss. Only hospitality packages appear to be available at this stage

Watford v Newcastle United @3pm - in the middle game of the day, there's another big game for clubs hoping to avoid the drop. Although the Hornets are currently pushing for a place in the top half, it's early days and they're still fancied to go down. The Magpies, on the other hand, are in obvious trouble - winless from five and in the bottom three. Many fans want to see boss Steve Bruce replaced so defeat here could prove terminal for the experienced manager. Tickets are available to non-members

Brentford v Liverpool @530pm - the day's action concludes with arguably the Bees' toughest test since joining the Premier League. Having won at Wolves on Saturday to go ninth, they're doing way better than many thought but surely the Reds will prove to be a level too far? We'll see. This will also be the first time the clubs have played since 1989 when Liverpool beat a valiant Brentford side who were on a great run in the FA Cup. It may have ended 4-0 that day but it was still a fine performance as the gulf between them was huge. Unsurprisingly, tickets are long gone

League One

Charlton Athletic v Portsmouth @3pm - with both of these former Premier League sides in the bottom half after seven games, it's fair to say they're underachieving. The Addicks are actually second from bottom with only one win so things are looking dark at The Valley. Pompey have won three of their last four league games here and you can see them picking up three points again. Tickets are available

League Two

Leyton Orient v Mansfield Town @3pm - the O's have begun this campaign really well and with only one defeat from eight, are sitting second at the time of writing. The Stags aren't far above the relegation zone so another three points should be staying in E10 on Saturday evening. Tickets are available

Sutton United v Carlisle United @3pm - the U's finally got a couple of wins to pull them out of the bottom two but defeat at Exeter on Saturday means they could slide straight back in. Carlisle are the kind of midtable team they'll hope to beat so we should get an evenly-contested game. Tickets are available

National League

Dagenham & Redbridge v Solihull Moors @3pm - of the matches in the fifth tier, this looks like the best. Currently second and eighth and with only two defeats between them, this should provide a decent contest. Last season this fixture produced a five-goal thriller so hopefully we'll have some more of the same. Tickets are available

National League South

Welling United v Dartford @3pm - although only a sixth-tier game, I'd choose to watch this derby over several of those listed above. Playing only a few miles apart, games between these two generate quite a bit of interest. Over the last decade, the Darts have dominated and should win again as they top the division. The Wings are struggling and lost at home to the lower ranked Harrow Borough in the FA Cup on Saturday. Tickets are available

Southern League Premier Division South

Metropolitan Police v Hayes & Yeading United @3pm - in the seventh tier, I recommend a trip to Imber Court where two of the division's top five do battle. In fact, Met Police have a game in hand which if won would put them third. H&YU are top and one of the most in-form teams in the country at the moment. Having won their first seven league games, they're also still in the FA Cup having trounced National League South club Tonbridge Angels 5-0 on Saturday. Their imperious run must end at some point. Tickets are available on the gate for all games at this level and below

Isthmian League South Central

Northwood v Uxbridge @3pm - with a lot of teams involved in FA Trophy ties outside London, there's not much happening in the eighth tier on Saturday. However, of those games that remain, this derby should be worth a watch. Uxbridge are in their 150th year and pushing for promotion. Second at the time of writing, they'll be looking to close the gap on Bracknell with a win over midtable Northwood

FA Vase Second Round Qualifying

Erith Town v Sheppey United @3pm - two of the SCEFL's top four meet at the Erith Leisure Centre. The Dockers have made it to the Third Round proper a couple of times in recent years. Sheppey also made the Third Round in 2019 but came unstuck against eventual finalists Cray Valley PM. The visitors are currently only a point ahead in the league table so this should be close

Croydon v Horley Town @3pm - the Trams have made a great start to the season and are four points clear in the 10th tier SCEFL Division 1. On Saturday they welcome Horley who doing well in the CCL Premier South, one level above. With Horley located just north of Gatwick on the Southern mainline, this has the flavour of a derby to it too

May & Baker v Glebe @3pm - the hosts, who groundshare at Aveley, are third in the ECL Division 1 South at the time of writing after a fine start. The visitors, who play a level above, are three points clear at the top of the SCEFL and have yet to lose a league game

MCFL Premier Division

Clapton CFC v NW London @3pm - the biggest crowd in the 11th tier, anywhere in the country, will almost certainly be found at Wadham Lodge where league leaders CFC play for the first time this season. Crowds in excess of 300 have attended their games on neighbouring pitches so I wouldn't be surprised to see at least 500 for this one - whatever happens it should be lively. Admission is usually by donation

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Sunday 26 September

Premier League

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur @430pm - there have been some big games in the capital this week but arguably the biggest has been saved until last. For years the Gunners ruled in north London but Spurs have definitely been more successful of late, certainly in terms of final league position. Much has been made of Arsenal's terrible start but a couple of wins against fellow strugglers has pulled them up the table. Tottenham started really well and then lost to Palace, meaning a lot will depend on how they fare in Sunday's game against Chelsea. If they pull off a win against the Blues then they'll go second. Lose and they'll be only a win ahead of that lot from the Emirates. Talking of the Emirates, Spurs haven't won a league game there since 2010 and have received a few hidings since. Tickets for these matches do not go on general sale

FA Women's Super League

Arsenal v Manchester City @645pm - for all those Gunners fans who can't get tickets to the above, there should be no hesitation about heading to Boreham Wood instead for this huge WSL game. With Chelsea and Manchester City in their opening three games, they couldn't have been given a much tougher start. However, they beat Chelsea and then saw off Reading and come into this in top form. City surprisingly lost to Spurs last week so this could be the season that Arsenal become strong title contenders again having not won since 2018-19. Tickets are cheaper if bought in advance but I couldn't actually find a way to do that on Arsenal's website when I looked - it usually is there but not when I looked. Pay on the gate if you can't do this. UPDATE - online tickets are now available (thanks to TLFG reader N5N7Badges for the info)

Tottenham Hotspur v Reading @2pm - in the interests of fairness, Spurs fans can also watch their women's side in action. As mentioned above, Tottenham have made an equally fine start to the Gunners and are one of four clubs with maximum points in these early stages. Reading have had a bit of a shocker and should also be beaten. This match is being played at The Hive and tickets are only £6.50

West Ham United v Leicester City @3pm - in the other top-flight game of the day, the Hammers go in search of their first win of the season against newly promoted Leicester. The Foxes lost their first two so will be quite happy just to pick up a point. Most of West Ham's games are played at Dagenham & Redbridge. Tickets start at £11

FA Vase Second Round Qualifying

Hilltop v Broadfields United @3pm - back in the men's game, there are two very agreeable ties in the Vase with this Middlesex derby at the Middlesex Stadium great if you're on the west side of town. The hosts, who have their roots in London's Somali community, are new to this level and have made a fantastic start. Top of the CCL Division 1 after nine games, they've played some good stuff. Broadfields, who hail from Harrow, play a level above them and saw a great FA Cup run come to an end on Saturday against Hastings

Newbury Forest v Buckhurst Hill @2pm - if you're on the east side of town, then this Central Line/Essex derby is the one for you. Both sides play in the ECL Division 1 South but it is Buckhurst Hill who have been grabbing all the headlines so far this season. Having just stepped up to this level for the first time, they've lost only one of their eight games, have scored a ridiculous amount of goals and have games in hand on all of those above them which would put them well clear if they won them. The hosts, who groundshare at Redbridge, aren't doing too badly either and are just three points behind. They could actually be level on points when this kicks off as the two meet for a league game on Tuesday

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: 13-19 September 2021

Greetings and all. 

I've got to keep this preamble brief as I'm at work and my break is rapidly coming to an end.

Apart from this waffle, everything else should be where it normally is but I haven't had a chance to proofread it yet so there might be some errors - apologies.

A huge thanks to Kevin and Andy who both donated to the coffee drinking fund this week. Much appreciated!!!

Anyway, got to dash - enjoy!

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 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 13 September

FA Cup First Qualifying Round Replay

Aveley v Barking @745pm - the most important match of the day would appear to be this FA Cup tie. Both sides are playing catch up after Barking's earlier tie against Ilford had to be re-played because of an ineligible player. After getting through, the Blues then drew with Aveley further delaying things. Both sides play in the Isthmian North but Barking are top and should start as favourites. The winners will host AFC Dunstable in the next round on Saturday

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Tuesday 14 September

Champions League

Chelsea v Zenit St Petersburg @8pm - the Blues won last season's Champions League and begin the defence of their title with this group stage match against Russian opposition. Zenit are the reigning champions domestically and arrive unbeaten and top of the Russian league again, having beaten Akhmat Grozny 3-1 on Saturday. Tickets are on general sale

League Two

Sutton United v Hartlepool United @745pm - the U's finally recorded their first victory in the EFL by beating Stevenage 2-1 on Saturday. The win moved them off the bottom and they will pull clear of the relegation zone if they win here. Hartlepool got promoted with Sutton but have made a much better start and will go second if they prevail. Tickets are on general sale

National League

Boreham Wood v FC Halifax Town @745pm - the Wood's fine start to the season continued with a 3-2 win at Bromley on Saturday. Still averaging crowds of only 692, the Hertfordshire outfit are the smallest club in the fifth tier by some distance and yet this result put them joint top. Halifax enjoyed a comfortable win over Southend last time out and should provide stiff opposition. Tickets are on general sale

Dagenham & Redbridge v Weymouth @745pm - just ahead of The Wood and top on goal difference are another TLFG club. The Daggers continued their unbeaten run with victory over King's Lynn on Saturday and should have too much for an inconsistent Weymouth side. Tickets are on general sale

Isthmian League Premier Division

Enfield Town v Haringey Borough @745pm - currently fourth and fifth and only a point apart, this alternative 'North London Derby' tops the bill for me in the Isthmian Premier. Although it's very early in the season, the Towners have seen a significant surge in attendances this season so there will hopefully be a decent atmosphere at the QEII Stadium. Tickets are £11 and can be bought in online in advance 

Isthmian League South Central

Uxbridge v Hanwell Town @745pm - the Reds are currently London's top club in this division, sharing the lead with two other sides. On Tuesday they have a west London derby against the Geordies who have been a little disappointing in the league so far. However, their form hasn't deterred the fans who have turned out in good numbers and made them one of the best supported clubs at this level. Tickets are £10 on the gate

Combined Counties League Premier Division South

Raynes Park Vale v Walton & Hersham @745pm - two of the top six meet at Grand Drive on Tuesday for an intriguing early-season encounter. RPV enjoyed a comfortable FA Vase win over Steyning Town on Saturday which allowed W&H, who had a league game, to leapfrog them with a stunning 7-0 win over AFC Croydon Athletic. The Swans are definitely a club on the rise and managed to draw crowds in excess of 400 for their recent FA Cup ties - not bad for a ninth-tier club!

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Wednesday 15 September

Friendly

QPR B v Brentford B @7pm - with Covid thwarting their attempts to launch last month, QPR's new 'B' team will try again on Wednesday with a derby against Brentford who pioneered the 'B' team idea in this part of London. The match is being played at Wealdstone's ground in Ruislip and it's only £5 to get in, payable on the gate

Isthmian League North

Grays Athletic v Romford @745pm - after a decent start to the season, Grays will look to stay in touch with the leaders and perhaps even go joint top if results go their way earlier in the week. Fellow Essex club Romford are holding their own in midtable but the smart money is probably on a home win

Essex Senior League

Athletic Newham v Stansted @745pm - the recently-promoted hosts are among the dark horses of the division and have made a good start. Although only sixth, they have the games in hand to catch the leaders. The only club above them to have played the same number of games are fourth-placed Stansted so a fair bit rides on this

SCEFL Division 1

Westside v Croydon @730pm - for one reason or another, The Trams haven't had much of a mention in TLFG so far this season so it's about time they did as they're doing really well. After all the disruption of last season, they're back home at the Croydon Arena and with six wins from eight, they are already two points clear at the top. Westside, who groundshare at Colliers Wood United, were rather unfortunate to see themselves moved over from the Combined Counties League in the summer reshuffle but are holding their own in eighth

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Thursday 16 September

FA Youth Cup First Round Qualifying

There are loads of ties in this prestigious U18 competition throughout the week and they're all that's on offer on Thursday. Balham, Colliers Wood United, Hayes & Yeading United and Kingstonian are all at home but please check all the details with the clubs before you travel

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Friday 17 September

Professional Development League

There are a couple of very decent options in this U23 league on Friday with Charlton Athletic playing Sheffield Wednesday at The Valley (1pm) and Watford hosting Hull City at Vicarage Road (2pm). I did see something about the Hornets not admitting fans for their game but, as with all matches at this level, check all the details on the day in case things change. The early kick-offs should allow ample opportunity for you to do a 'double' on Friday and see two games

Essex Senior League

Redbridge v FC Clacton @745pm - like Croydon, the Motormen are another team to go a little undeservedly under the radar so far this season. With seven wins from 10, they are top of the ESL at the time of writing. However, they have played more games than most of the chasing pack so they could well be caught in the not-too-distant future. The visitors are currently eighth

A bit further afield

England v North Macedonia @7pm - a lot of the media's attention on Friday night will be on Southampton where the Lionesses play a Women's World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia at St Mary's. The match is also the first for new England boss Sarina Wiegman and she'll be hoping to make a good impression. Tickets are great value at £15 for adults and £2.50 for kids

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Saturday 18 September

Championship*

Fulham v Reading @3pm - after the feast of Premier League football in London last Saturday, there is none at all this week. Instead, we have a fine selection of second-tier action. The Cottagers suffered their first defeat of the season against lowly Blackpool on Saturday and they've got a great chance to bounce back against another struggling side. The Royals are defensively suspect and conceded two late goals to draw 3-3 with QPR in their last match. Any match against west London opposition is effectively a derby for Reading so they should bring a sizeable contingent of travelling fans. Tickets are on general sale

QPR v Bristol City @3pm - elsewhere in west London, the R's are also among the leading pack with their aforementioned draw at Reading keeping them unbeaten and in the top four. City have been very inconsistent but have taken four points from their last two and with London well under two hours away by train, they always bring a big away support. Tickets are on general sale

Millwall v Coventry City @3pm - in the other Champo game of the day, the Lions host another member of the top group. Cov came unstuck at QPR just before the international break but returned with a fine 2-0 win over Middlesbrough. Millwall have been a bit up and down but are starting to string a run together and came from behind to register an impressive 1-1 at leaders West Brom on Saturday. Tickets are on general sale

*All of our local Championship clubs have away midweek fixtures so some of the stats and information above might change

League One

AFC Wimbledon v Plymouth Argyle @3pm - the third tier looks like it could be pretty tight this season, if the early exchanges are anything to go by. The Dons currently find themselves in fourth despite winning only three of their seven games, whilst Argyle are only a point behind in eighth. Despite their distance from the capital, the Devon club often bring a sizeable away support and many will probably want to make their first visit to Wimbledon's new ground. Consequently, only a tiny amount of tickets are currently available but I know there have been some problems around ticketing and some more might become available later in the week

FA Cup Second Qualifying Round

There are a couple of National League games at Bromley and Wealdstone and many lower league games on Saturday, but the main non-league action is to be found in the next round of the FA Cup. I love the FA Cup and, as a result of that and limited time, I'm only going to write previews for a selection of the ties.

At this stage, National League South clubs enter the draw alongside all our other local surviving clubs from the seventh tier and below. With prize money of £3,375 for the winners of each tie and £1,125 for the losers, the stakes are getting pretty high.

There are numerous ties all over London - here are a few that really caught my eye.

Sutton Common Rovers v Jersey Bulls @1230pm - the first tie of the day takes place at Gander Green Lane, a ground famous for some memorable FA Cup matches. United aren't at home today but SCR, who groundshare with them, are. Newly promoted to the eighth tier, the hosts have struggled to adapt to life in the Isthmian League and are in danger of being 'cupset' by the visitors who play a level below but demolished VCD Athletic, another Isthmian club, 5-1 in the last round

Hayes & Yeading United v Tonbridge Angels @3pm - H&YU continued their 100% start to the season by beating Hartley Wintney 6-1 to remain top of the Southern League. They next face a Tonbridge side who have only managed one win from five at the level above. The cupset potential here is significant

Broadfields United v Hastings United @3pm - in north-west London, ninth-tier Broadfields are making their first-ever appearance in the Second Round Qualifying after an impressive win over Isthiman League club South Park. Hastings are one of the biggest clubs in the eighth tier and comfortably beat Beckenham and Harefield in previous rounds. It's a huge day for the hosts and the Tithe Farm ground they share with Rayners Lane should be busy

Chertsey Town v Chesham United @3pm - the Curfews fanbase has been growing steadily since their FA Vase win two years ago. Big cup matches like this were drawing Covid-capacity crowds last year and a good few hundred should pack into Alwyns Lane for this one against a midtable side from the level above

Walton Casuals v Hampton & Richmond Borough @3pm - it's seventh tier versus sixth tier at the Elmbridge Xcel Sports Hub. Both sides only play a few miles apart so there's more than a feel of a derby to this one

Hanwell Town v Eastbourne Borough @3pm - the nearest tie to me sees the Geordies host a club from two levels above them. The Sussex club have only won one of their opening six so they're not unbeatable but it will take a big effort to get past them

Enfield Town v Hadley @3pm - there's a very intriguing local derby at the QEII Stadium. I was a little unsure about whether to include this as Hadley, the underdogs, are away. The Towners are in good form towards the top of the Isthmian League so play two levels above their visitors and should start as strong favourites

Hornchurch v Walthamstow @3pm - the Stow are another one of the few remaining ninth-tier clubs left in the draw and they face a tough trip to play the Urchins who upset several much bigger teams on the way to sensationally winning the FA Trophy at Wembley last season

Abbey Rangers v Marlow @3pm - the home team are also in the 'ninth-tier minnows' category but have made it past this round before. Marlow only play a level above them but are currently one of the best teams in it - an upset here would be particularly notable

Carshalton Athletic v Ebbsfleet United @3pm - the Robins made it all the way to the First Round two years ago and they'd love to repeat that feat this season. Ebbsfleet are another midtable NLS side to have drawn a TLFG club so they could be vulnerable if not really on their game

UPDATE - thanks to TLFG reader Andy, it has come to our attention that Leyton Orient have an U18 match against Luton Town at their main stadium on Saturday at 11am. It's free entry and allows you to comfortably do a 'double' with many of the games taking place later in the afternoon.

Also of note, the newly formed Shepherds Bush FC play their first competitive match away to Brentham Reserves in the Middlesex County League so if you want to be part of football history, head west.

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Sunday 19 September

Premier League

West Ham United v Manchester United @2pm - after a fallow day for the top flight in London on Saturday, we end the week with a couple of crackers. First up at the London Stadium we should see Cristiano Ronaldo make his return to the capital with the Red Devils. At the time of writing, United are unbeaten and top of the league after their 4-1 win over Newcastle. The Hammers are also unbeaten and former Man Utd boss David Moyes will no doubt want to get one over on his old employers. Tickets are officially on general sale but I couldn't find any when I looked 

Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea @430pm - Spurs saw their hold of top spot slip unceremoniously away at Selhurst Park as they lost 3-0 to Crystal Palace after having a man sent off. Their chances of making an instant recovery look tough as an unbeaten Blues side who easily saw off Aston Villa in their last match pay them a visit. Tickets are only available to members

Premier League 2

Chelsea v Arsenal @12pm - if you can't get a ticket for either of them, or even if you can, then this lunchtime kick-off between the clubs' U23 sides at Stamford Bridge looks like a great shout. Adult tickets are only £5 and I think they need to be bought online in advance but check with the club. UPDATE - this match has been moved to Kingsmeadow. All original tickets have been cancelled and new ones will need to be bought either online or at the box office on the day

FA Women's National League Southern Premier

London Bees v Crawley Wasps @2pm - it's a women's international break which means this third tier game is the top-level match on offer. London Bees play at The Hive which also houses Barnet so it's a good chance to tick the ground off your list

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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: 6-12 September 2021

Apologies for the late publication this week and the reduced content again.

I'm very 'time poor' at the moment with this weekend having been particularly hectic.

Since last Sunday I did actually manage to get to the two games on my wishlist - QPR U23s against Barnsley on Tuesday lunchtime and Harrow Borough v Ramsgate in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Both were particularly enjoyable for having surprise meetings with TLFG readers.

At QPR I met Actonians social media guru Neil and over at Harrow, marathon runner extraordinaire Liam from Putney who bought drinks for myself and my good friend Brentford James who also made the journey.

The matches themselves varied greatly in entertainment with the R's blowing a first-minute lead to ultimately lose 2-1 to the Tykes whilst Harrow and Ramsgate put on a six-goal thriller which Boro eventually closed out 4-2.

The moment of the match was the fantastic fourth goal from George Moore who picked up the ball near the halfway line, ran all the way down left, cut into the box and deftly found the far corner.

As a result, I'll be waiting for the Second Round Qualifying draw this lunchtime with some excitement. (Update - Harrow have drawn Welling United away, tough one!)

I'm moving back on to late shifts this week so won't get to see any live action other than my daughter's return to training with Actonians tonight.

If you are looking for a game tonight, the only senior match I'm aware of takes place just to the north of London at St Albans City's Clarence Park where Watford U23s will take on Newcastle United in a Premier League Cup match.

Tickets are only £4 for adults and you're urged to book online if you can. It's a 6pm kick-off.

Lastly, Shepherds Bush FC also play their first competitive match this weekend as the MCFL Division 1 South/West finally gets underway.

My newly formed local non-league club, who play in the 12th tier, have had some very impressive results in pre-season with wins over teams three or four levels above them.

On Saturday they travel to Roehampton Playing Fields to take on Club Santacruzense De Londres at 2pm - good luck! (THIS HAS NOW BEEN POSTPONED!)

UPDATE (06/09/21) - I found myself with a bit of spare time this morning so have managed to create a 'Daily Digest' for the week

 THE WEEK AHEAD

With it being an international break the highlights of the next few days include games in the Premier League, EFL, FA Vase, FA Women's Super League, and Women's FA 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
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 6 September

Premier League Cup

Watford v Newcastle United @6pm - the only match I know of featuring any of our local teams is this U23 game being played at St Albans City. Tickets are just £4

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Tuesday 7 September

EFL Trophy group stage

AFC Wimbledon v Portsmouth @745pm - the Dons and Pompey get their EFL Trophy campaigns underway on Tuesday night. This much-maligned competition doesn't usually get very big crowds and tickets are available if you want to tick the new Plough Lane off your list

FA Cup First Round Qualifying

Barking v Aveley @745pm - after coming through their re-played Preliminary Round tie against local rivals Ilford, who fielded an ineligible player, the Blues face another all-Essex tie in the next round. Both clubs play in the Isthmian North so it should be close

FA Cup First Round Qualifying Round Replays

Corinthian Casuals v Worthing @745pm - after recording a very creditable draw against their Sussex opponents on Saturday, CCs welcome Worthing back to Tolworth. On paper, the visitors have the stronger side so should start as marginal favourites

Walton & Hersham v Beaconsfield Town @745pm - the Swans provided one of the results of the round by drawing 2-2 at Beaconsfield, a side from two levels above them. Now that they're back at their Surrey base, they'll surely fancy their chances

Southern League Cup Preliminary Round

Hendon v Harrow Borough @745pm - for the second time in just over a week, these two old rivals meet at Silver Jubilee Park for this north-west London derby. The Greens edged to a 1-0 win on Bank Holiday Monday and it's likely to be tight again if the sides put out full-strength teams

Essex Senior League

Walthamstow v Saffron Walden Town @745pm - one of the matches of the week at non-league level sees two of the early pacesetters in the ESL meet at Wadham Lodge. The Stow have won all six of their league games and are still in the FA Cup after beating higher-ranked opposition at the weekend. Although only third, they have played two games less than leaders Saffron Walden who are only a point ahead. A win for the hosts will surely confirm them as strong title contenders

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Wednesday 8 September

Premier League Cup

Charlton Athletic v Reading @2pm - if you're in the market for a 'double' on Wednesday then this U23 match at Dartford could well be for you. As with all youth and reserve matches, check the details on the day in case anything has changed

FA Cup First Round Qualifying Replays

Kingstonian v Oxhey Jets @745pm - the K's were given a scare on Saturday as ninth-tier Oxhey held them to a 2-2 draw in Hertfordshire. The Isthmian League leaders will hope to make up for that surprise result here

Bedfont Sports v Spelthorne Sports @745pm - although not quite as eyebrow-raising a result as Oxhey's, Spelthorne also did well to hold higher division opposition too. The two only play a couple of miles apart so it's a derby

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Friday 10 August

Premier League 2

Fulham v Southampton @7pm - the Cottagers' U23 side welcome Southampton to Motspur Park on Friday evening. For some reason, Fulham have been a bit cagey about admission details for these matches this season. Usually they are open to the public and cost about £3 but check with the club on the day to make sure

A bit further afield

Brighton & Hove Albion v Blackburn Rovers @7pm - probably the best option of the evening is this U23 match at Brighton's Amex Stadium. Located right next to Falmer station and with lots of car parking, it's easy to reach from London

Isthmian League North

Barking v Tilbury @745pm - if you'd rather stay in London, there's another all-Essex affair to be enjoyed at Mayesbrook Park. The Blues have a 100% record at the time of writing so should pick up another three points here

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Saturday 11 September

Premier League

Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur @1230pm - London is absolutely overflowing with Premier League football on Saturday with a whopping five games taking place within the M25. The first of them is this derby which sees the Eagles welcome league leaders Spurs. Recent years have not been kind to the hosts who have failed to win any of their last six league games against Tottenham at Selhurst Park. Given current form, they'll do well to get a draw. Tickets are only available to members

Arsenal v Norwich City @3pm - the Gunners have made such a bad start that they're down in the bottom two with the Canaries, giving this the feel of a relegation six-pointer. It is still ridiculously early in the season but you'd have to fear for the manager's job if they lose this too. If a well-motivated Norwich side turn up at the Emirates then this dysfunctional Arsenal team could be there for the taking. Tickets are only available to members

Brentford v Brighton & Hove Albion @3pm - not the most glamorous match of the afternoon but a hugely important one for those involved. Although they've both made very satisfactory starts, both would view this as a match to take points from when surveying the fixture list. It's certainly more of a must-win for the Bees but they do have an iffy record at home to the Albion so it will probably be tight. Tickets are only available to members

Watford v Wolverhampton Wanderers @3pm - after winning their opening game the Hornets have lost their next two to sit snugly in midtable. Wolves, with a new manager, have lost all three of their opening games to find themselves in the relegation zone. Despite this, I hear the Black Country club are still creating loads of chances so they can't be written off. Tickets are available to non-members

Chelsea v Aston Villa @530pm - the day's action ends at Stamford Bridge where the Blues should feel pretty confident of picking up their third win of the season against an indifferent Villa side who haven't won away to Chelsea since 2011 although they did get a point last season. Hospitality packages are available if you've got loads of money

League One

Charlton Athletic v Cheltenham Town @3pm - with no Championship teams at home on Saturday, we next head to The Valley. The Addicks have made a very disappointing start but recorded a vital win over Crewe the last time out. Cheltenham are three places above them and can be caught with a win. Tickets are available to non-members

League Two

Leyton Orient v Oldham Athletic @3pm - O's fans will be pleased with the start they've made and this game gives them the perfect opportunity to push even further into the top six. The Latics have been really bad this season, with their only win coming against bottom club Sutton. Tickets are available to non-members 

Sutton United v Stevenage @3pm - as mentioned above, the U's have struggled to adapt to life as this level and are still searching for their first win. Stevenage are much improved on last season but are definitely beatable. Tickets are available to non-members

Premier League 2

There are a couple of high profile U23 games on Saturday too which is highly unusual. Arsenal entertain Manchester United at Boreham Wood at 1pm whilst Spurs play Liverpool at Stevenage at 3pm. The early kick-off at Boreham Wood should allow you to scoot across to Rowley Lane for the London Lions v St Panteleimon FA Vase match at 3pm if you want to do a 'double'

National League

Barnet v Eastleigh @3pm - the Bees have picked up where they left off last season, being winless after four games. Hampshire club Eastleigh are just above them in the table so a win is almost essential for the hosts

Bromley v Boreham Wood @3pm - the Wood are third at the time of writing and will arrive at Hayes Lane knowing a win could put them top

Wealdstone v Altrincham @3pm - the Stones started with two defeats but have arrested that run with two very decent draws against Southend and leaders Dagenham & Redbridge. Although Alty have made a decent start, this could provide Wealdstone's breakthrough win

National League South

Dartford v Tonbridge Angels @3pm - in the sixth tier, Dartford are very much the talk of the town having won all five of their league fixtures to sit two points clear at the top. Fellow Kent club Tonbridge have made an underwhelming start and should be beaten

Southern League Premier Division South

Hayes & Yeading United v Hartley Wintney @3pm - nothing really stands out in the seventh tier on Saturday so I recommend, once again, going to watch what appears to be the best team in it. H&YU have won their opening five league games, scoring 16 goals in the process. On Saturday they scored another four as they beat Bognor in an exciting FA Cup tie

Isthmian League South East

VCD Athletic v Haywards Heath Town @3pm - again there aren't any attention-grabbing fixtures in the eighth tier but this one features Haywards Heath who are currently top of this division with three wins from three. VCD made the long trip to Jersey in the FA Cup on Saturday and got stuffed so it looks like being a tough couple of weeks

FA Vase First Round Qualifying

The FA Vase gets underway this weekend. If you don't know, it's a national knockout competition for clubs in the ninth and 10th tiers with its final at Wembley. At this stage the draw is regionalised to minimise travel for the competing clubs. There are lots of ties across London - here are a few that standout

Buckhurst Hill v Enfield @3pm - the hosts are new to this level of football and making their debut in the Vase. They've had some impressive results so far but Enfield play a level above so it will be interesting to see how they fare

London Lions v St Panteleimon @3pm - a north London derby between two clubs who have found themselves shunted over to the Combined Counties League for the start of the new season. There is also a strong religious element to both clubs with the hosts being the capital's top Jewish side and the visitors one with its roots in the Greek/Cypriot Orthodox community. Both have made a great start to the season but St Panteleimon play a level above and should be favourites. As mentioned above, this can be combined with the Arsenal v Manchester United U23 game at Boreham Wood at 1pm

Lingfield v Erith & Belvedere @3pm - Sussex club Lingfield have been playing a lot of games at Church Road in Whyteleafe. They begin their Vase campaign against a very strong Deres side who've won all four of their league games this season

Walthamstow v Hadleigh United @3pm - one of the ties of the round sees leading clubs from the Essex Senior League and Eastern Counties League go head-to-head in E17- definitely worth considering if you're on that side of town

Wembley v Oxhey Jets @3pm - if you're planning on following the FA Vase all the way to Wembley, then why not start your adventure at Wembley FC just down the road from the national stadium? The Lions have made a good start in the Combined Counties League and Oxhey have performed heroics in the FA Cup so this has a lot going for it

MCFL Premier Division

Stonewall FC v Brentham @2pm - it may only be 11th-tier football but it's being played at the London Marathon Community Track facility in the shadow of London Stadium, the home of West Ham. I was there on Sunday and the pitch looked immaculate. There is still some doubt as to whether fans will be allowed pitchside but you can easily watch the match from the path above which has a railing and affords a great view of the pitch. If I get more details I will update this section. Update - we have been informed by Brentham that it's a 2pm kick-off and visitors need to fill out an online Covid form

FA Women's Super League

West Ham United v Aston Villa @1130am - if you're looking for a 'double' on the east side of town then the Hammers' match at Dagenham & Redbridge will give you several options. West Ham lost 2-0 at Brighton in their opening game so will want to bounce back here

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Sunday 12 September

National League South

Dulwich Hamlet v Hungerford Town @3pm - there are some really good non-league options on Sunday with the Hamlet hosting Hungerford in this sixth-tier clash. Apparently it's been delayed by Covid much to the great benefit of neutrals and groundhoppers

Isthmian Premier

Cray Wanderers v Potters Bar Town @3pm - the hosts, London's oldest club, play a good deal of their home matches on Sundays because of their groundshare with Bromley. They've made a slightly disappointing start and bowed out of the FA Cup at home to lower-league opposition on Saturday. PBT are one of those teams who seem to perennially drift around lower midtable and you'd expect Cray to win

FA Vase First Round Qualifying

Tooting Bec v Jersey Bulls @1pm - one of the best Vase ties of the weekend has been held over until Sunday because of the Bec's groundshare. These two had some good duels in the CCL Division 1 but Jersey have now been promoted and after thrashing VCD Athletic in the FA Cup on Saturday, should have the upper hand here

FA Women's Super League

Chelsea v Everton @1230pm - the Blues began the defence of their title with a controversial 3-2 defeat at the Emirates against big rivals Arsenal on Sunday. They will need to get back to winning ways immediately here and they should do as the Toffees lost heavily to Manchester City in their first game

A bit further afield

Reading v Arsenal @2pm - after getting that hugely important win over Chelsea, the Gunners next face the Royals at what was formerly known as the Madejski Stadium

FA Women's Championship

Crystal Palace v Sunderland @2pm - the Eagles women's team welcome leaders Sunderland to Selhurst Park as they hope to entertain their fans on the big stage

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