TLFG: 28 November - 4 December 2022

It's been another hectic weekend of youth and senior football with Actonians and as a result, I haven't had time to write a full guide at this point.

The maps are yours to peruse and Monday's Daily Digest is up but that's it for now.

I'm off work on Monday and will attempt to have the rest up by lunchtime.

UPDATE - we're all good to go, with this week's 'Daily Digest' now up for the whole week.

Crystal Palace host Botafogo in a friendly on Saturday

Apologies again for the late publication this week - Sunday was spent on the road with Actonians as they played Ashford United in the Women's FA Cup.

With a place in the Third Round at stake, they started as strong favourites against a team from two divisions below them.

In true FA Cup fashion, the underdogs took the lead and dominated the first half before the A's managed to regroup and take control of the tie.

They eventually won 3-1 (see my full report here) to take their place in Monday's draw alongside all the Women's Championship sides who enter the cup at this stage.

It's a big moment for Actonians, who have never been beyond the Third Round before, and could see them make a lot of money.

 THE WEEK AHEAD

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

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

Details on all of this week's games can be found on the following match maps. If you've never used them before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the drop down menu at the top of the map page to make sure you get all the information. Games are listed from top to bottom in date order so Monday's games (yellow pin) will appear first and Sunday's (orange pin) last. Games are also ranked in terms of status so the higher the division, the higher up the list they will appear on each day.

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 28 November

Premier League Cup

QPR v Derby County @7pm - the R's B team get the week underway again with another match in this U21 competition. Being played at Hanwell Town's ground, QPR's second string games usually produce loads of goals with 30 coming from just the last five! With Rangers only sending two players to the World Cup, they could well field a strong side here. Admission is usually around £5

Isthmian League Premier

Carshalton Athletic v Billericay Town @745pm - if you'd prefer something a bit more meaningful, head south to Colston Avenue where the Robins could move into the top six with a big win here

Isthmian League Cup Third Round

Walton & Hersham v Southall @745pm - two of the better sides in the Isthmian League's second tier meet for a cup of cup football at the Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex. On paper, the hosts should start as favourites

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Tuesday 29 November

Middlesex Senior Cup Second Round

Edgware & Kingsbury v Wealdstone @745pm - my pick of the action on Tuesday night is this David v Goliath contest at Silver Jubilee Park. The hosts play four divisions below the Stones and start as massive underdogs. However, the visitors are unlikely to field their strongest team so E&K should have a chance UPDATE - this match is on Wednesday 

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Wednesday 30 November

Premier League International Cup

Arsenal v Sparta Prague @7pm - the Gunners' U21 side return to European action at Boreham Wood's ground with this match against Czech opposition. So far unbeaten in this competition, Arsenal will hope for a positive result again

Surrey Senior Cup First Round

Kingstonian v Corinthian Casuals @745pm - these two Isthmian League clubs were sharing a ground until last season. However, over the summer, the K's moved out and relocated to share with Tooting & Mitcham United. Wins have been at a premium for both this season so it should be close

Isthmian League South East

Beckenham Town v Chatham Town @745pm - two of the top six meet at Eden Park Avenue for what should be a highly intriguing game. If Chatham win they'll go top

CCL Division 1

RB Kensington v Sandhurst Town @745pm - it's an identical story at Berkeley Fields where two of the top six in this division prepare to do battle. Similar to the match above, Sandhurst will go top with a win

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Friday 2 December

League One

Charlton Athletic v Cheltenham Town @745pm - there's a rare bit of Friday night football to enjoy at The Valley this week. Now winless in four in the league and unable to beat League Two Stockport County in the FA Cup, the Addicks are badly in need of a good result here. The Robins are down in 18th but are climbing the table after managing a 1-0 win over Wycombe last Saturday. Tickets

Essex Senior League

Buckhurst Hill v White Ensign @745pm - the best non-league option of the night takes place towards the north-eastern end of the Central Line. The hosts are spending their first season in the ninth tier and are doing well after a rocky start. Depending on midweek results, a win here against struggling opponents could see them move into the top six

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Saturday 3 December

Friendly

Crystal Palace v Botafogo @1230pm - arguably the match of the week, certainly for the neutral, is this eye-catching friendly between Palace and this Brazilian side. Hailing from Rio, their season finished two weeks ago and they came 11th in the country's 20-team top flight. Adult tickets are £20

League Two

Leyton Orient v Bradford City @1230pm - if you're looking for a more competitive game, then head to Brisbane Road where the leaders welcome fellow promotion chasers from Yorkshire. Having already exited the FA Cup, the O's had this weekend off so should return well rested for this important game. Already five points clear, they could potentially increase that lead to a very commanding eight points with victory here. Tickets

AFC Wimbledon v Grimsby Town @1230pm - after a recent upturn in form in the league, the Dons suffered the disappointment of losing to non-league Chesterfield in the FA Cup on Saturday. The Mariners are experiencing pretty much opposite fortunes at the moment, struggling in the league but winning in the cup - they caused an upset by beating Cambridge United on Saturday. On paper, the hosts should win but your guess is as good as mine! Tickets

National League

Barnet v Wealdstone @1230pm - if you want a game with a bit of an edge to it, head to The Hive where two local rivals who really don't like each other meet for the first time this season. As far as I'm aware, the Stones fans don't get on with the Bees because they've ended up in the ground which was initially intended for them - it's a long story but that's it in a nutshell. Last season, significant damage was done to the ground so I imagine security will be tight. As for the match itself, Barnet are in fine form and should be favourites to get the points which well cement their spot in the play-off places. I haven't seen anything about any ticket restrictions but if you want to go, I would advise buying tickets in advance 

Bromley v Yeovil Town @1230pm - not far behind them, the Ravens could join them in the top seven with a win here. With only one win in five, they badly need to start stringing a few good results together and they should be capable of getting one here against one of the division's strugglers

Dagenham & Redbridge v Torquay United @1230pm - if Bromley slip up, it's likely that they'll be leapfrogged by the Daggers who sit just below them on goal difference. Having won their last three, they should have too much for the bottom club

Isthmian League Premier Division

Enfield Town v Bishop's Stortford @1230pm - there are no sixth-tier games on Saturday but there are several really good seventh-tier ones, with this just about edging it as my pick. Currently fourth and fifth and not a million miles apart geographically, this match shows a lot of promise and should draw a good crowd

Isthmian League South East

Cray Valley PM v Chatham Town @1pm - it looks like being a tough week for title challenging Chatham who make their second visit to a top-six club in a matter of days. As mentioned above, they could well be top by the time this game kicks-off

FA Vase Third Round

Harefield United v North Greenford United @2pm - this national competition for clubs in the ninth and tenth tiers is no down to its last 64 clubs. First up we have this all-CCL Premier North game between two sides on the west side of town. Although NGU are down in the bottom four, they've played fewer games than anyone in the division and haven't met Harefield yet so it's hard to predict who will win

Stansfeld v Erith Town @3pm - there's little doubt that the tie of the round in the London area is this one between two of the top three in the SCEFL Premier. Being played at Glebe's ground, this is another tough one to call. Only two points separate them in the league and they've yet to play each other this season - it looks like a cracker

Sporting Bengal United v Deal Town @3pm - tenth-tier club SBU are one of the lowest-ranked teams left in the competition so they've done incredibly well to get this far. After recording a stunning 6-3 at Glebe in the last round, they should have some confidence facing a team from the same division

ECL Division 1 South

Frenford v Burnham Ramblers @3pm - one point clear at the top of this tenth-tier division, Frenford have had a fine season but if they are to shake off the chasing pack and build more of a lead they really need to beat Burnham who are third 

MCFL Premier Division

Kensington Dragons v Shepherds Bush @2pm - for me, the game of the day is this 11th-tier derby at the Linford Christie Stadium on the edge of Wormwood Scrubs. The ground is located in W12 - famously the Shepherds Bush postcode always used on BBC shows in my youth, but it's the Dragons who call it home. The visitors were only formed at the start of last season and won their division but don't have a stadium of their own. They spent the last campaign at Brunel University in Uxbridge and are now at Rectory Park in Northolt. Will they be bringing football home on Saturday???

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Sunday 4 December

FA Women's Super League

Arsenal v Everton @2pm - after the disappointment of losing to Manchester United in front of thousands of fans at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners return to Super League action against the Toffees. Having surrendered top spot to Chelsea, they'll need to beat a very inconsistent Everton side or risk finding themselves six points adrift of the Blues on Sunday night. Tickets

FA Women's Championship

London City Lionesses v Southampton @2pm - the game of the day in the second tier sees the leaders host the side in third. LCL finished as runners-up to Liverpool last season and are pushing hard for the title again, going top after Bristol City's loss to Birmingham just over a week ago. The Saints are new to this level after winning promotion from the National League and are acquitting themselves well. Aside from defeat in their opening game, they haven't lost a league game since meaning they are now  eight without defeat

Women's FA Cup Second Round

Watford v Crawley Wasps @1pm - after seeing last weekend's match postponed, National League Southern Premier title contenders Watford welcome strugglers Crawley to Grosvenor Vale. The winners travel to Crystal Palace in the next round

FA Women's National League Cup Second Round

London Seaward v Plymouth Argyle @2pm - there's a real chance of a cupset here as Walthamstow based Seaward take on one of the strugglers from the division above them

FA Women's National League Division 1 SE

Actonians v Cambridge City @2pm - the A's will be looking to make it eight wins from nine games when they play a side sitting just above the relegation zone. Having beaten them 4-2 in a cup match already, they should fancy their chances

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: 21-27 November 2022

Greetings one and all and welcome to TLFG.

A punishing work schedule means I'll keep this preamble pretty brief.

I haven't been able to see any live football since last Sunday and I probably won't be able to see any until next Sunday - that's what having a week of shifts that require me to get up between 3-4am does for you.

The World Cup is now underway and I should be back in time to watch England's opener against Iran at 1pm - I have my views on this tournament, like everyone does, but I haven't got the energy to go into them right here and now.

This weekend was a great one for my teams with Harrow Borough pulling off a notable shock in the FA Trophy, winning 4-2 at National League South side Concord Rangers.

Millwall welcome Brondby to The Den on Saturday

They now go into the Third Round draw alongside a number of former EFL clubs so we could have a big moment to almost replicate the one we enjoyed at Pompey in the FA Cup last season.

In the women's game, Actonians recorded an emphatic 4-0 away win at Chesham United to continue their good run of form.

They next face a home game against Hounslow on Tuesday before travelling to Ashford United in the Women's FA Cup on Sunday, which I will try and get to.

Lastly, many thanks this week to Toby P-S from London who donated to TLFG's coffee-drinking fund, I really appreciate it.

THE WEEK AHEAD

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

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

Details on all of this week's games can be found on the following match maps. If you've never used them before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the drop down menu at the top of the map page to make sure you get all the information. Games are listed from top to bottom in date order so Monday's games (yellow pin) will appear first and Sunday's (orange pin) last. Games are also ranked in terms of status so the higher the division, the higher up the list they will appear on each day.

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 21 November

Premier League Cup

QPR v AFC Bournemouth @7pm - the R's B team get the week underway again with another match in this U21 competition. Being played at Hanwell Town's ground, QPR's second string games usually produce loads of goals with 30 coming from just the last five! With Rangers only sending two players to the World Cup, they could well field a strong side here. Admission is usually around £5

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Tuesday 22 November

EFL Trophy Second Round

AFC Wimbledon v Sutton United @745pm - with the group stage complete, it's time for the knockout rounds of this competition that's predominantly for sides in League One and League Two. Usually drawing small crowds, this derby could well pull in a few more fans than normal. Both in League Two and very evenly matched, the U's got to the final last season and beat the Dons in a recent league game. Tickets

Premier League Cup

Charlton Athletic v Fulham @1pm - earlier in the day, the Addicks take on the Cottagers in this U21 match at Dartford's ground. The visitors are currently top of Group A and start as favourites

Middlesex Senior Cup Second Round

Hanwell Town v Harrow Borough @745pm - postponed from last week, there's a decent local derby in west London where these two Southern League sides look to make progress in the county cup. The Geordies won the competition two years ago but lost to Harrow in the final when they last won it in 2015

Isthmian League Premier Division

Wingate & Finchley v Corinthian Casuals @745pm - in north London there's a relegation six-pointer between a couple of the bottom five. The hosts come into this on the back of a valuable away win at Cray Wanderers

CCL Division 1 

Bedfont v Sandhurst Town @745pm - if you fancy a bit of 10th-tier football, head down to the Heathrow area where two of this division's top six go head-to-head. Bedfont were top but have slipped down a bit but they have two games in hand on the leaders, so should be able to get back amongst it

FAWNL Division 1 South East

Actonians v Hounslow @745pm - the A's continued their recent run of good form with a 4-0 win at Chesham United on Sunday. Hounslow have been struggling for two or three years now and this season has been a disaster. Having managed to play only five games so far, they've lost the lot. They've scored only one and have conceded a staggering 47! They lost 12-0 at home to Cambridge United on Sunday and could suffer a similar fate here. This match is being played at Rayners Lane rather than Actonians' normal Rectory Park home. Admission is £5

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Wednesday 23 November

UEFA Women's Champions League

Chelsea v Real Madrid @8pm - there's an eye-catching fixture at Kingsmeadow where two of world football's biggest names do battle. The Blues are currently top of Group A with a 100% record whilst Real are just behind them having taken four points from their opening two. Tickets

Isthmian League South Central

Bedfont Sports v Walton & Hersham @745pm - the hosts had a great run to the play-offs last season but it's all gone badly awry at the beginning of this campaign. Recently parting ways with their manager, they'll hope to bring their 10 game winless run to an end ASAP. However, it's unlikely to happen here as W&H are second and looking to close the gap on leaders Northwood to four points

SCEFL Division 1

Lewisham Borough v Forest Hill Park @745pm - in south-east London there's another relegation six-pointer to enjoy. Not only that but it's a groundshare derby too - the stakes are high!

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Friday 25 November

Suburban League

Bromley v Beaconsfield Town @745pm - there's not much on on Thursday or Friday, with this U23 game being the pick of the action at Hayes Lane MATCH OFF

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Saturday 26 November

Friendly

Millwall v Brondby @1pm - with the World Cup causing an extended international break, bringing a pause to Premier League and Championship football, some sides have decided to arrange friendlies to keep their players in good shape. The first of those, that I'm aware of, is this interesting game between the Lions and one of Denmark's biggest clubs. Adult tickets are a very reasonable £10

FA Cup Second Round

Charlton Athletic v Stockport County @3pm - the Addicks have been the models of inconsistency this season and are mired in midtable in League One. Now four without a league win, they'll need to be wary of the visitors who finally returned to League Two after several years in the fifth and sixth tiers. Although only 14th, they've been on a good run of late and will probably bring a sizeable following with them. In my opinion, there is a decent chance of a cupset here. Tickets

AFC Wimbledon v Chesterfield @3pm - after struggling to get past non-league Weymouth in the last round, the Dons welcome another National League side on Saturday, albeit a much better one. Currently third in the fifth tier, the Spireites arrive in great form and they beat League Two club Northampton Town in the last round. However, AFC Wimbledon are on a good run of their own and could edge through if they put in a thoroughly professional performance. Tickets

Dagenham & Redbridge v Gillingham @5pm - talking of upsets, there's a very good opportunity of seeing one in east London. The Daggers have won four games on the trot and are now only a point adrift of the National League play-off places. The Gills, on the other hand, suffered relegation from League One last season and are now in the bottom two of the fourth tier. Despite this, they're thriving in cup competitions. Not only are they in the second round of this competition, they've sensationally made it to the last 16 of the EFL Cup and won at Premier League Brentford in the last round. Can they get themselves up for the cup again? Tickets

National League

Wealdstone v Scunthorpe United @3pm - the Stones have played a number of the division's big names in recent weeks and they welcome one of the newest fallen former EFL sides on Saturday. The Iron have really struggled since relegation at the end of last season, managing only three wins from their first 20 games. Current form suggests a home win. Tickets

National League South

Dartford v Concord Rangers @3pm - just when the Darts looked to be getting back into making top spot their own, they've wobbled again and are down to third. All is not lost though as they're still only two points behind leaders Ebbsfleet. Concord, who hail from Canvey Island, are way down in 19th and lost 4-2 at home to Southern League club Harrow Borough in the FA Trophy on Saturday

Friendly

Dulwich Hamlet v Chelsea U21 @1pm - the Hamlet were supposed to be playing Ebbsfleet in a league game but they're still in the FA Cup. So rather than have a blank Saturday, they've arranged this decent looking friendly against the Blues' youngsters. Adult tickets are £10

Isthmian League Premier

Wingate & Finchley v Enfield Town @3pm - in the seventh tier, I'd recommend another trip to Summers Lane for this north London derby. With the clubs scrapping for points at either end of the table, this should be well worth a watch

Isthmian League South Central

Tooting & Mitcham United v Uxbridge @3pm - the Terrors have had a very disappointing season and find themselves in the bottom three. As a result they haven't featured much in TLFG in 2022/23. With no real standout games in the eighth tier, give them a visit if you're in south London. They have a great ground and some equally great fans. It's also worth going along to check out the visiting Reds. Although a bit underwhelming in the league, they caused one of the shocks of the round in the FA Trophy on Saturday as they beat NLS side Dover Athletic on penalties

Essex Senior League

West Essex v Redridge @3pm - the game of the day in the ninth tier sees two of the top four go head-to-head at Wadham Lodge in Walthamstow. Only four points separate the top five, so the result of this will have a significant impact on the title race

SCEFL Premier Division

Fisher v Welling Town @3pm - both of these side have made a very disappointing start to this season and are in the bottom three. Consequently, this is a hugely important game. To top it all, it's Fisher's Community Day and the first 50 people through the gate will get a free pie!

CCL Division 1

Bedfont v Langley @3pm - in the 10th tier, I recommend another trip to The Orchard. As it stands, the sides are sixth and first but Bedfont could be in the top four if they win in midweek. Langley are currently a point clear at the top

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Sunday 27 November

FA Women's Super League Cup

Tottenham Hotspur v Coventry United @2pm - the WSL has a week off so its League Cup takes over. Open to WSL and Championship clubs, we're still at the group stage. These two currently jointly top Group E after winning their opening games. Coventry have been really struggling in the Championship and Spurs should win. This is being played at Leyton Orient

West Ham United v Birmingham City @3pm - the Hammers got back to winning ways on Sunday with a narrow 1-0 victory over bottom club Leicester. In their opening group game, they scraped past Championship leaders London City Lionesses on penalties. Birmingham are also a second-tier side and should be beaten

Charlton Athletic v Bristol City @2pm - in south-east London, at VCD Athletic's ground, this clash of two of the Championship's top four could produce one of the games of the day

Crystal Palace v Lewes @2pm - elsewhere in south-east London, two clubs only a point apart in the second tier should also be a close one

London City Lionesses v Brighton & Hove Albion @2pm - recently installed as top club in the Championship, LCL could well cause a bit of an upset against one of the WSL's lower clubs

Women's FA Cup Second Round

At this stage no new clubs enter the draw, meaning this one features the remaining clubs from the third tier and below. There are 28 ties taking place around the country with the winners of each receiving £8,000 and  the losers £2,000. Here are the ties taking place in London:

Watford v Crawley Wasps @1pm - two third-tier teams who've had very different seasons meet at Wealdstone's ground at lunchtime. The Hornets were top but have lost some ground of late with Sunday's home defeat to Billericay leaving them five points behind new leaders Oxford United. Crawley have had a terrible season, failing to win any of their 10 league games and really should be beaten here

AFC Wimbledon v Billericay Town @3pm - Carshalton Athletic's ground plays host to an intriguing tie between one of the best sides in the fourth tier and an ever-improving third tier one. Billericay won the Dons' division last season and have started to build a decent run of results which has lifted them to fifth

Dartford v Hashtag United @4pm - one of the lowest-ranked teams left in the competition, the Darts face an incredibly tough afternoon against a strong Hashtag side who top the division above them

Dulwich Hamlet v Gillingham WFC @2pm - although the Hamlet top the fifth-tier division Dartford play in, they can expect an even bigger challenge as they play host to a midtable third-tier outfit from Kent. There should be a decent crowd to encourage them though

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: 14-20 November 2022

Hi there - how are you?

It's recently gone midnight and I'm writing this while listening to a selection of great tunes on Greatest Hits Radio - "Daydream Believer" is on at the moment.

Today has been largely shaped by cracking tunes thanks to the moment I set foot on a rail replacement bus service at Basingstoke station around 11am this morning.

Now I know what you're thinking - cracking tunes and rail replacement buses aren't traditional bedfellows but today that was the case.

To backtrack a bit, I set off early to make my way to Hampshire to watch Actonians play AFC Stoneham in a Women's FA Cup First Round tie.

Actonians striker Roschelle Shakes keeps Stoneham's defence busy

With the line closed for engineering work, I had to get a bus from Basingstoke to Eastleigh but as soon as I boarded, I was greeted with The Proclaimers belting out '500 miles' and that just set the tone for the rest of the day.

Further classics on the journey included Van Halen's Jump and other top numbers from the likes of KC & The Sunshine Band, Whitney Houston and many, many more - this album is not available in the shops (one for the older readers).

After grabbing a bit of refreshment in Eastleigh, I walked the remaining two miles to the Stoneham Lane football complex, used by Northern Ireland in the Women's Euros, where the match was being played.

It was quite an eventful walk which took me through the back streets of the town and into Lakeside Country Park. 

On its edge I was greeted by a woman walking her dog in the long grass, who exclaimed loudly 'WHERE IS YOUR S***?!" as I passed her - I hope she was successful in her treasure hunt.

Once in the park, I had to navigate a double level crossing across a small gauge steam railway before heading off across the wetlands.

As I was leaving the park, I had to cross a bridge over a river in which a couple of youngsters were having fun driving a car around in - go figure!

With that disorientating sight behind me, I was almost there.

The last landmark was Eastleigh FC's stadium which is on the same road as Stoneham's ground.

Fulham will host West Ham in a friendly during the World Cup

With entry a very reasonable £4, programme included, I was pitchside about 30 minutes before kick-off.

Actonians play two divisions above Stoneham and were strong favourites.

Thankfully they lived up to their billing and won pretty comfortably, with Japanese full-back Chihiro Ebine starring with two goals in a 3-0 win.

The win takes their cup earnings to £10,000 and with £2,000 awarded to losers in the next round, they've guaranteed themselves £12,000 at the very least - a considerable sum for a team at this level.

They'll find out their Second Round opponents in the draw on Monday lunchtime.

If you want a full match report, I wrote my first one in years which you can read on Actonians' website.

I think the last one was for the now defunct Shepherd's Bush Gazette and saw me cover QPR's turgid 1-0 loss to Leicester City at the then Walkers Stadium back in 2005.

The most notable thing I can remember was Ian Holloway deciding to play Georges Santos up front but I digress.

Overall, despite the long journey back from Stoneham, it was well worth going.

The players coming over to say thanks again at the end is always a high point as is the chat with the other supporters who are largely players' parents or injured players who all give great insight.

Thankfully I've got a day off tomorrow to recover.

If you didn't realise, the World Cup break for the Premier League and Championship clubs is now underway.

Next month some of them will be playing friendlies.

So far we know that Crystal Palace will host Botafogo at Selhurst Park and Millwall have Brondby coming to The Den.

We now also know Fulham have West Ham United coming to Craven Cottage.

If you hear of any others let me know.

THE WEEK AHEAD

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

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

Details on all of this week's games can be found on the following match maps. If you've never used them before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the drop down menu at the top of the map page to make sure you get all the information. Games are listed from top to bottom in date order so Monday's games (yellow pin) will appear first and Sunday's (orange pin) last. Games are also ranked in terms of status so the higher the division, the higher up the list they will appear on each day.

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 14 November

Premier League International Cup

Arsenal v Monaco @7pm - the week begins with an eye-catching bit of U21 action at Boreham Wood's ground. It's over two months since the Gunners last played a match in this competition, drawing 1-1 with Feyenoord. Next up are the youngsters from Monaco who beat Manchester United 2-0 at Old Trafford on Friday. Admission to games at Meadow Park is usually free but it shouldn't be more than a fiver

Premier League Cup

QPR v Brighton & Hove Albion @7pm - if west London is more convenient for you, then the R's are playing their first home game of the campaign in this other U21 competition. They managed a 1-1 draw in their opening fixture at Derby County. Brighton lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth so have some ground to make up. Being played at Hanwell Town, there is usually a small charge for admission 

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Tuesday 15 November

FA Cup First Round Replay

AFC Wimbledon v Weymouth @745pm - after being held to a 1-1 draw by the non-league club in the original game, the Dons have another chance to make sure of their place in the Second Round. Playing two divisions above the Dorset club, they should win but that was the case two weeks ago too. The winners will host National League club Chesterfield in the next round. Tickets

Premier League International Cup

West Ham United v Feyenoord @7pm - the Hammers' U21 side have lost their first two games in this competition, including a 5-0 drubbing by PSV Eindhoven last time out. They'll be hoping for better against another Dutch club who have also yet to win a game. This is being played at Dagenham & Redbridge and it's £5 to get in

Middlesex Senior Cup Second Round

Hanwell Town v Harrow Borough @745pm - there's a decent local derby in west London where these two Southern League sides look to make progress in the county cup. The Geordies won the competition two years ago but lost to Harrow in the final when they last won it in 2015

CCL Premier Division North

Raynes Park Vale v Colliers Wood United @745pm - nearly 200 crammed into Wibbandune on Saturday to watch these two local rivals battle it out in the FA Vase. RPV edged to a 1-0 win and they'll be marginal favourites to repeat that scoreline again as these two CCL title contenders meet for one of the most important non-league games of the week

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Wednesday 16 November

Surrey Senior Cup First Round

Kingstonian v Corinthian Casuals @745pm - these two Isthmian League clubs were sharing a ground until the end of last season. However, over the summer, the K's moved out and they've now moved in with Tooting & Mitcham United. Wins have been at a premium for both this season so it should be close

SCEFL Premier Division

Erith Town v Erith & Belvedere @730pm - there's another ninth-tier game of huge importance in south-east London on Wednesday. Like the CCL match above, it features two of the top three clubs but whereas RPV and CWU are only three points apart, there's a whopping 15 points between these two. However, the hosts have three games in hand so they simply must win if they're to have any chance of catching the Deres

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Thursday 17 November

FA Youth Cup Second Round

Charlton Athletic v Northampton Town @7pm - after thrashing Kingstonian 9-0 in the last round of the country's most prestigious U18 competition, the Addicks' youngsters prepare to take on the Cobblers who edged past Peterborough to get this far. This match is being played at Dartford

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Friday 18 November

Essex Senior League

Woodford Town v Barking @745pm - depending on how results go earlier in the week, the hosts could have a chance to force their way into the top six with a win here. The visitors are still trying to get out of the bottom half

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Saturday 19 November

FA Women's Super League

Arsenal v Manchester United @530pm - with the Premier League and Championship now shut for several weeks because of the World Cup, the biggest match of the day will be this women's game at the Emirates Stadium. In excess of 30,000 tickets have been sold to see the current leaders take on the side in third. You can be there too for only £12 adults, £6 kids

League Two

Sutton United v Rochdale @3pm - now four games without a win after losing 2-0 to Bradford City on Saturday, the U's are down to 17th and badly in need of a win. Rochdale are four points behind them and really must be beaten but they're in slightly better form. When they last played at Gander Green Lane in March, Sutton won 3-0 and they'd dearly love to repeat that here. Tickets

Premier League Cup

Arsenal v Stoke City @1pm - having beaten Swansea and Burnley in their opening two group games, the Gunners' U21 side are currently top of Group G. A 1-1 draw with the Clarets has been enough to put Stoke second behind Arsenal. This is being played at Boreham Wood and should finish just in time for you to get to the game at nearby London Lions which starts at 3pm

National League

Barnet v Torquay United @3pm - the Bees won 2-0 at Oldham Athletic on Saturday to move back into the play-off places. The Gulls have struggled this season but held Derby County to a draw in the FA Cup and have their replay against them in midweek

Dagenham & Redbridge v Scunthorpe United @3pm - a fine 3-0 win at promotion chasing Solihull Moors saw the Daggers extend their unbeaten run to three games and lifted them into the top half. The Iron fell out of the EFL at the end of last season and have been in the National League's relegation zone pretty much all season

FA Trophy Second Round

The national knockout competition for sides in the fifth to eighth tiers with its final at Wembley, reaches its second round. This stage features all the remaining clubs from the sixth to eighth tiers, the fifth tier clubs enter the draw in the next round. There are four ties in the London area:

Hampton & Richmond Borough v Farnborough @3pm - neck-and-neck in midtable in the National League South, this tie is very hard to call. They haven't played each other yet in the league but Farnborough are in the middle of a great run in the FA Cup. Having caused an upset by beating Sutton United in the last round, they will next travel to Wrexham and with this momentum in mind, I favour them to prevail here

Welling United v Havant & Waterlooville @3pm - there's another tie between two sixth-tier sides at Park View Road too. The Wings have slipped to 11th in the NLS after going a third game without a win. H&W are third and only three points behind the leaders so they're the favourites coming into this

Hanwell Town v Slough Town @3pm - with only five wins from their 18 league games, Slough have made an underwhelming start and could be in danger of suffering a cupset. The Geordies, who play a level below, have lost a bit of form recently but spurred on by their growing home support, they might just have enough to cause a shock

Uxbridge v Dover Athletic @3pm - with the Reds playing in the eighth tier, they are one of the lowest ranked teams left in the competition. In Dover, they face a side recently relegated from the National League so they face a huge challenge. With average crowds of only 120, Uxbridge will be hoping for a bumper attendance here

Isthmian League South Central

Walton & Hersham v Westfield @3pm - currently tied on 24 points in third and fourth, this eighth-tier game probably also qualifies as a derby as the visitors hail from Woking. The Swans have pulling in incredibly impressive average crowds of 325 this season and should get at least that for this

Isthmian League South East 

Beckenham Town v Whitehawk @3pm - a fine run in the FA Cup means the Becks have some games in hand to make up and if won, they should find themselves back in the top four alongside Whitehawk who have become one of their main promotion rivals

Essex Senior League

Redbridge v Southend Manor @3pm - there are no standout games across the whole ninth tier so I'd suggest going to watch The Motormen who are very much in the ESL title race, currently three points behind leaders Enfield in third. The visitors are bottom and should be beaten

ECL Division 1 South

Frenford v Sporting Bengal United @3pm - if you haven't already done so, it should be worth taking a look at the hosts who are a point clear at the top with a game in hand on most of their rivals. Former ninth-tier club SBU are closing in on a play-off place

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Sunday 20 November

FA Women's Super League

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur @1pm - over the last couple of years, the November international break has been given over to Women's Football Weekend. To the best of my knowledge, it hasn't been officially branded that way this year but with Arsenal playing at the Emirates on Saturday and Chelsea playing this match at Stamford Bridge, it effectively is. In their last match, the Blues taught upstarts Manchester United a lesson by beating them 3-1 at Leigh Sports Village, ending their perfect start to the season. Quite simply, Spurs aren't as good as Man Utd and could easily ship three or four goals here. Tickets

West Ham United v Leicester City @3pm - Paul Konchesky's Hammers side have been models of inconsistency this season with three wins and four defeats. Although two of those defeats were against Arsenal and Chelsea, they pushed both sides hard and should be more than capable of beating the Foxes who have lost every game. This is being played at Dagenham & Redbridge. Tickets

FA Women's Championship

Crystal Palace v Charlton Athletic @2pm - it's derby day in the second tier where these two local rivals, who are fifth and fourth, play each other at Selhurst Park. The Eagles are only a point behind the Addicks but have a game in hand. Tickets

FA Women's National League Southern Premier

Watford v Billericay Town @2pm - after sweeping past Fulham in the Women's FA Cup on Sunday, the Hornets return to league action against Billericay. A win, at Wealdstone's ground, could put them back on top of the third tier

Capital Women's Senior Cup Second Round

Fulham v AFC Wimbledon @2pm - the Cottagers play in the fifth tier but are hosting this match against the third tier Dons at Craven Cottage. It's a local derby but Fulham will have to be at their very best to get even close. Tickets are £5

Capital Women's Intermediate Cup Second Round

Actonians Reserves v Brentford @2pm - elsewhere in west London there's another derby taking place in Gunnersbury Park. Actonians' second string are currently top of the seventh tier whilst Brentford are doing well in the division just above them. The two clubs have their HQs on either side of the park this match is being played in - it really is a local derby. Entry is free

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: 7-13 November 2022

Hi and welcome to this week's TLFG.

Sadly my schedule today (Sunday) is pretty hectic, with my shift at work falling at the sort of time that makes it very tough to do anything before or after.

As a result, there won't be a daily digest - I might update it if time allows during the week but don't bank on it.

UPDATE (07/11/22) - I did find the time and the Daily Digest can be found below.

The only live football I managed this week was my daughter's match on Saturday morning which coincided with my birthday.

It was a big moment for her as she was given the chance to play up a year for Actonians U11s against Enfield Town.

Crystal Palace will play Botafogo on 3 December

It was action-packed, played in constant rain and she got to play the last 45 minutes of the one-hour game.

She held her own in a match which ultimately ended 3-3 and she was buzzing at the end - a great gift for me.

In other news, earlier in the week I received a message from a director of a large European club wanting information on how to set up Non-League Day in their area.

It's early days but they seem very keen so here's hoping something can come of it.

With the World Cup fast approaching, another club have announced plans to host an eye-catching friendly to keep their players fresh during the break.

Last week we saw how Millwall will host Danish club Brondby,  while this week Crystal Palace announced that they will play Brazilian side Botafogo which should generate significant interest.

I've heard of other clubs playing games behind closed doors but if you know of any other friendlies that will be welcoming crowds then please let me know.

Lastly this week, many thanks to Frank G of Kent who donated to TLFG's coffee-drinking fund - I really appreciate it.

 THE WEEK AHEAD

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

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

Details on all of this week's games can be found on the following match maps. If you've never used them before, please note that when there is more than one match at a specific ground you'll only be able to see individual match pins if you zoom right in. If you don't, the pins obscure each other and you might miss them. To avoid this, you can also scroll down the list of games on the drop down menu at the top of the map page to make sure you get all the information. Games are listed from top to bottom in date order so Monday's games (yellow pin) will appear first and Sunday's (orange pin) last. Games are also ranked in terms of status so the higher the division, the higher up the list they will appear on each day.

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 7 November

Premier League 2

There are a couple of very decent U21 options on Monday night with Chelsea playing Tottenham Hotspur at Kingsmeadow at 7pm - tickets are £5. Elsewhere over near Romford, West Ham entertain Wolves at their Rush Green training facility, also at 7pm. Tickets are £5 on the gate

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Tuesday 8 November

EFL Cup Third Round

Brentford v Gillingham @745pm - if you're not a member, getting tickets for Premier League games at the GTech is very hard indeed. However, matches in this competition usually always go on general sale and that's the case here. Gillingham are currently towards the wrong end of League Two and have done really well to get this far. It's unlikely the Bees will field a full strength team and the tickets are only £10 as a result

Championship

QPR v Huddersfield Town @745pm - around three miles to the east, you find Loftus Road where the R's welcome the bottom club. Since turning down a move to Premier League strugglers Wolves, Rangers boss Michael Beale has seen his team go on a bit of a slump. Taking only one point from their last three games, they've slipped from top to fifth. The Terriers should be beaten but QPR lost at home to West Brom on Saturday and they were in the relegation zone too. Tickets

Watford v Reading @745pm - the Hornets seem to be taking one step forward and two steps back under latest boss Slaven Bilic. Just when you think they're starting to string a good run together, they lose at home to one of the strugglers. The Royals begun the season really well but their form has dipped and only one win in five has seen them drop to 12th. However, this division is so unpredictable and with the teams ridiculously close together, you can make big moves up and down the table fairly quickly. Tickets

League Two

AFC Wimbledon v Leyton Orient @745pm - there's a very decent looking derby to be enjoyed at Plough Lane where an improving Dons side welcome the leaders. Unbeaten in three in the league, the south London club are now up to 15th and pulling away from the bottom two. The O's are three points clear at the top but suffered the disappointment of a 1-0 defeat at Crewe in the FA Cup on Saturday so they're by no means unbeatable. Tickets

National League

Boreham Wood v York City @745pm - after making smooth progress against Eastleigh in the FA Cup on Saturday, the Wood return to league duties with this match against midtable York. A win could well see them return to the top six. Tickets

Wealdstone v Chesterfield @745pm - the Stones brought their worrying losing run to an end with a 1-0 win at Altrincham at the weekend, steadying themselves in midtable. It's just as well as the week ahead looks incredibly tough for the Ruislip-based club. It begins with this match against third placed Chesterfield who did the double over them last season. Tickets

National League South

Hampton & Richmond Borough v Ebbsfleet United @745pm - a 3-2 defeat at Dulwich saw the Beavers extend their losing streak to three games and saw them slide to 15th in the process. It's unlikely to get any easier on Tuesday when title-chasing Ebbsfleet pay them a visit. Currently a point behind leaders Dartford but with three games in hand, they are certain to provide a very stern test. Tickets

Southern League Premier South

Hanwell Town v Merthyr Town @745pm - the Geordies suffered a disappointing defeat at lowly Hartley Wintney on Saturday which saw them fall to eighth. Still only two points off they play-off spots, they should beat Welsh club Merthyr who face a long midweek trip up from the Valleys. Tickets

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Wednesday 9 November

EFL Cup Third Round

Arsenal v Brighton & Hove Albion @745pm - the Gunners passed a huge test of their title credentials by winning at Chelsea on Sunday. The result left them two points clear of Manchester City at the top. Next up they face a tricky Brighton side who can't be taken lightly. With consecutive wins over Chelsea and Wolves, they're firmly back in the top six. The Sussex club also have a really good record at the Emirates, taking seven points from their five games there since winning promotion in 2017. Historically, the Gunners have been well known for fielding weakened sides in this competition so there could be even more chance of them losing. Tickets are only available to members and their guests

West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers @745pm - this tie between an out-of-form Premier League side and one of the title contenders in the Championship has cupset written all over it. Given their need for points in the league, David Moyes will almost certainly rest a few players here. If Blackburn don't do the same, then it's theirs for the taking! Tickets

National League

Bromley v Woking @745pm - there's a decent looking option in the fifth tier where two of the current top eight meet at Hayes Lane. Although Woking are in far better form than the Ravens, they've only won two of their last 10 league games against them so this is definitely not a happy hunting ground for them

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Thursday 10 November

Professional Development League

Charlton Athletic v Cardiff City @1pm - the only match I'm aware of on Thursday is this U21 fixture at Dartford's ground. The going rate is usually around £5 but check all details before you travel

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Friday 11 November

Premier League 2

West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur @7pm - the highlight of Friday is this U21 derby match at the Hammers' Rush Green training facility. Entry is £5 on the gate

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Saturday 12 November

Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United @3pm - these sides experienced contrasting fortunes at the weekend with Spurs losing their place in the top three after defeat to Liverpool and Leeds climbing to 12th after a thrilling 4-3 win over Bournemouth. Morale must definitely be higher in the visitors' camp but will that be enough as they travel to a team they haven't beaten in N17 since 2001? Tickets are only available to members

West Ham United v Leicester City @3pm - with only one defeat from their last five games, the Foxes' recovery is definitely on and their win over Everton at the weekend saw them move above the Hammers on goal difference. Still only two points above the relegation zone, this match is of huge importance to both clubs. Tickets

League Two

Sutton United v Bradford City @3pm - a quirk of the fixture computer means there are no Championship or League One games in London on Saturday, meaning this is your next best option if the Premier League isn't for you. The U's are having that tricky second season following promotion. After all the highs of last year, they're really struggling to build any momentum and are ticking over in 17th. Still seven points clear of the relegation zone, it's not time for panic stations but a win would be nice. Since taking over in February, former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has made sure Bradford should be among the contenders for promotion and they're currently fifth. Tickets

National League

Boreham Wood v Woking @3pm - with there being a full round of midweek fixtures before this, it's hard to write an accurate preview but if results go their way, then these two should both be in the top six and be well worth 90 minutes of your time. Tickets

Wealdstone v Wrexham @3pm - I said above that the Stones face a tough week and here's why. With third place Chesterfield visiting on Tuesday, they follow it up with a game against Wrexham who could be top by the time this gets underway. Famously backed by Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds, the Welsh club's fans travel in large numbers so I'd strongly advise you to buy your tickets in advance

Isthmian League Premier Division

Aveley v Hornchurch @3pm - undoubtedly the game of the day in the seventh tier, this Essex derby has the potential to be a cracker. The hosts were top earlier in the season but they've now been replaced by the Urchins at the summit. The title race in this division is really tight with only three points between first and fifth. If you've not been, Aveley's Parkside ground is one of the most modern non-league grounds within the M25 and has some fine facilities, including a 4G pitch so it should go ahead whatever the weather

Isthmian League North Division

New Salamis v Lowestoft Town @3pm - there aren't any truly outstanding games in the eighth tier so I'd suggest going to watch Cypriot club New Salamis who play at Haringey Borough's ground. Their rise through the leagues in recent seasons has been nothing short of remarkable - they were only a Sunday league club in 2016 and now they're more than holding their own at this level after winning promotion from the SSML. Currently 11th, they welcome Suffolk club Lowestoft who are enjoying a renaissance after a few years of struggle and they're already five points clear at the top

FA Vase Second Round

The national knockout competition for sides in the ninth and tenth tiers with its final at Wembley reaches its second round. Still regionalised at this stage to minimise travel expense, here are the pick of our local ties:

Colliers Wood United v Raynes Park Vale @3pm - this tie leapt off the page as soon as I saw it. The A3 Derby between neighbouring clubs in south-west London is definitely one of the highlights of the round. Currently third and first in the CCL Premier South, I can't remember when the two sides were so good at the same time so get down to Wibbandune for what promises to be a great afternoon

Egham Town v Abbey Rangers @3pm - there's also a similar scenario at the Runnymede Stadium where two local rivals who are top four clubs in the parallel CCL Premier North and South go head-to-head in what should also be a brilliant tie

Fisher v Jersey Bulls @130pm - if you need an early kick-off or fancy something a little bit different then head to Salter Road where the Fish will be entertaining opposition from the Channel Islands. One of the title contenders in the CCL Premier South, the visitors should start as strong favourites

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Sunday 13 November

Premier League

Fulham v Manchester United @430pm - just seconds away from taking a point off Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday, the Cottagers succumbed to a 2-1 defeat thanks to Erling Haaland's 95th-minute penalty. With most expecting them to continue their yo-yo existence between the top two divisions, Fulham have confounded many with their performances this season. Up in ninth, they're clearly a match for anyone on their day and an inconsistent Manchester United side who lost 3-1 at Aston Villa on Sunday could come unstuck here. Tickets are only available to members

Women's FA Cup First Round

With the qualifying rounds out of the way, the teams in the women's third tier enter the draw. Winners of each tie receive a cheque for £6,000. Here are my pick of the ties in the London area:

Watford v Fulham @1pm - the third-tier Hornets are the highest-ranked side in action on Sunday. Currently second in FAWNL Southern Premier, they should have too much for the Cottagers who play in the fifth tier. This match is being played at Wealdstone's ground in Ruislip. Tickets

Millwall Lionesses v Gillingham WFC @2pm - the Lionesses have had a great start to the season and are currently five points clear of the fifth-tier division that they play in. After securing their financial future in recent weeks, the visitors will hope to make progress here as they play two divisions above the London club. Tickets 

Clapton CFC v Ashford United @1pm - being played at London's oldest ground, the Old Spotted Dog in Forest Gate, the hosts are having another fine season. Thrashing fourth tier Hounslow in the last round, CCFC are currently top of their sixth-tier division and are one of the lowest-ranked clubs left in the cup.  Ashford are top of a parallel sixth-tier division too so this should be a great game. Tickets

London & SE Women's League Division 1 North

Brentford v Watford Development @3pm - although not in the FA Cup and only a sixth-tier match, the biggest women's attendance of the day could well be achieved here as it sees Brentford Women play their first ever match at the GTech Stadium. Tickets are free but you need to secure one online first

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