TLFG: 20-26 March 2023

Greetings one and all and welcome to TLFG.

The focus this week is mainly on Non-League Day and Women's Football Weekend which both take place this weekend.

With so much going on, I'm absolutely cream crackered so I'll keep this brief.

Over the last few days I've been to three games.

Firstly on Thursday I went to Hanwell Town again to watch QPR U21s take on their counterparts from Charlton Athletic.

The sides put on a very entertaining game which the R's won 4-2.

This year's Non-League Day is on Saturday

I also saw my daughter in action again for Actonians U10s as they played Enfield Town away - the furthest we've yet had to travel for a game. 

Getting there for 9am on Saturday was a challenge but we made it and she did me proud in the wet conditions, getting a great assist for their goal in a 3-1 defeat. 

Then on Sunday, I finished my week watching Actonians Reserves beat Headstone Manor 8-0 in the GLWFL Cup.

As for Non-League Day on Saturday, Athletic Bilbao are sending a delegation to the match between Dulwich Hamlet and Oxford City so I'll be heading there and tickets are available now.

There are several designs in the Non-League Day t-shirt range and you can choose your own colours
and a percentage of the proceeds goes to Prostate Cancer UK

THE WEEK AHEAD

The highlights of the next few days include games in the National League, Isthmian League, Southern League and 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.

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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 20 March

Professional Development League

The week begins with two U21 games at clubs' main stadiums. Charlton Athletic take on Bristol City at The Valley at 2pm  (tickets are £3) whilst Watford host QPR at Vicarage Road at 1pm (tickets are £5). 

London Senior Cup Quarter-Final

Hendon v Brentford B @745pm - these sides have contested two of the last three LSC finals so it's fair to say that they both take this competition pretty seriously. Brentford are the reigning champions after beating the Greens on penalties last year. The main story following the Bees' second string around this season, is the presence of David Beckham's son Romeo in the squad. Occasionally Beckham Senior turns up to watch and causes quite a stir

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Tuesday 21 March

National League South

Welling United v Tauton Town @745pm - defeat at struggling Weymouth on Saturday saw the Wings extend their winless run to seven games. Now only six points above the relegation zone, things look a bit worrying for the south-east London club. However, if they beat Taunton who sit a couple of places below them, things could appear a lot more rosy

Southern League Premier South

Hanwell Town v Poole Town @745pm - the Geordies picked up their first win in nine games at Gosport on Saturday to move 11 points clear of the relegation zone and calm a few nerves. The visitors are on an impressive 12-game unbeaten run and are unsurprisingly in the top five. However, their play-off place is by no means secure and they need to keep the points coming in

Harrow Borough v Bracknell Town @745pm - Boro made the long journey down to Devon on Saturday to play Plymouth Parkway and ended up losing 4-0. The result left them in the relegation zone, three points adrift of safety but with games in hand on most of those around them. Worryingly, star player George Moore went off injured during that game and if that proves to be something serious it could be disastrous for Steve Baker's side. It's not likely to get any easier here either. Bracknell are third, have won nine of their last 12 games and beaten Harrow twice already this season in the league and cup

Metropolitan Police v Swindon Supermarine @745pm - the most finely-balanced game looks like being this one between the clubs in sixth and eighth. Both are still very much in the hunt for a play-off place and the visitors could end the day in the top five if they win and Poole lose, although there would need to be a significant swing in goal difference

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Wednesday 22 March

SCEFL Premier

Phoenix Sports v Erith Town @745pm - game of the day for me is this ninth-tier match between two of the division's top four. As mentioned in recent weeks, leaders Erith & Belvedere who seemed to have an insurmountable lead (23 points clear at the start of February), seem to be wobbling rather badly. With only one win in five, their lead is now only seven points and second placed Phoenix have this game in hand. The Dockers are nine points off the title pace themselves so both really need to win this to close the gap even more

SCEFL Division 1

FC Elmstead v Lewisham Borough @745pm - a couple of points apart in ninth and eighth, these two still have their sights on a play-off spot. With four wins and a draw from their last five, Lewisham currently top the division's form table and could be ones to keep an eye on in the closing weeks of the season

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Thursday 23 March

CCL Division 1

Brook House v Sandhurst Town @730pm - the hosts, formerly known as AFC Hayes, were a Southern League side when I started writing this blog but have suffered a couple of relegations since then. They're not having a great campaign this time either and are in the bottom three. Sandhurst, on the other hand, are the division's highest scorers with 101 goals from just 26 games. Fifth at the time of writing, they have six games in hand on leaders FC Deportivo Galicia and it looks like just a matter of time before they usurp them 

FAWNL Division 1 South East

London Seaward v AFC Wimbledon @745pm - a big game in the women's fourth tier sees third play second. Currently 11 points behind leaders Hashtag United, the hosts have probably left it too late to win the title but finishing runners-up is still an outside possibility if they win here

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Friday 24 March

Essex Senior League

The Non-League Day celebrations get underway on Friday night when the ESL's Groundhop begins. With matches stretched across the whole weekend, three are being played at Athletic Newham, Romford and Woodford Town on Friday. All kick-off at 745pm. My personal pick would be the match at Ashton's where Woodford always get a good crowd and you'll get a free programme 

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Saturday 25 March

NON-LEAGUE DAY

National League

Wealdstone v Barnet @3pm -  topping the bill on NLD is this local derby between two pretty bitter rivals. The Stones and Bees have been playing each other on and off for years but the rivalry has only been properly rekindled since Wealdstone recently returned to the fifth tier. They're both in the top eight and going for promotion too. Barnet took a decent point off title chasing Notts County on Saturday whilst Wealdstone suffered a surprise 4-1 defeat to struggling Scunthorpe. The match is so big that it's being televised live by BT Sport and the hosts are trying to smash their attendance record so I'd strongly advise you to buy tickets in advance - there are discounts available for Premier League and EFL season-ticket holders

Boreham Wood v Eastleigh @3pm - there's also a great looking game at Meadow Park where another two of the top eight do battle for a crucial three points. The Spitfires leapfrogged the Wood with a win over Altrincham on Saturday but they've played two more games and need to win here to stay ahead of Luke Garrard's side. If you buy a ticket for this match, you'll get a free one for the following game against Torquay on Tuesday

National League South

Dulwich Hamlet v Oxford City @3pm - although in the sixth tier, this match at Champion Hill could get the biggest non-league attendance of the day in London. Dulwich always come close to selling out but they get really big crowds on NLD which they usually strongly embrace. To make things even bigger this year, La Liga club Athletic Bilbao will be launching their support for Non-League Day by sending an official club delegation to the game and paying for a number of their fans to attend. The European giants will then host their own version of the event in the Basque Country in September. On the pitch, third place Oxford will start as favourites. You are strongly advised to buy your tickets in advance - this is where I'm going

Dartford v Chelmsford City @3pm - there's another cracking looking game at Princes Park where two of the current top four look for a win which will help cement their play-off place. The Darts have been second for a long time now and with leaders Ebbsfleet 18 points clear, it's the highest they're likely to finish. Ticket offers are available

Hampton & Richmond Borough v Farnborough @3pm - the Beveree regularly does well in polls about fans' favourite London non-league grounds. The club has struggled a bit this season and there has been quite a lot of off-field upheaval but things seem to be settling down and four straight wins has lifted Mel Gwinnett's side eight points clear of the relegation zone. The visitors are only two places above them but there's a whopping 10-point gap as a large group of clubs in the bottom half have been somewhat cut off from the rest. Tickets are cheaper if bought in advance

Welling United v Bath City @3pm - all four of our local NLS sides are at home with the Wings hoping to build on what they hope will be a positive midweek game against Taunton. Still looking to make sure of avoiding the drop, they welcome a Bath side who are still very much in contention for a play-off place. Prices for tickets in all categories have been reduced for NLD

A bit further afield

It's also worth noting that two NLS clubs just outside London who take NLD really seriously are also playing at home. Slough Town host leaders Ebbsfleet United in a huge game which is also being shown live on BT Sport and kicks-off at 1230pm. This will allow you to get to a number of 3pm kick-offs and give you the chance to see two games that afternoon (clubs like Burnham, Uxbridge and Windsor are all close by).  They are also selling a limited number of cheap tickets in advance. On the north side of town, Cheshunt also go to town on NLD with the entertainment starting at 11am ahead of their game against Weymouth at 3pm

Isthmian League Premier

Hornchurch v Margate @3pm - although there's quite a bit on, there aren't many standout fixtures in the seventh tier. The biggest crowd will probably come at Bridge Avenue where the table-topping Urchins will look to extend their lead to six points against midtable Margate. Sadly, they seem to be the only local club in the top three tiers of non-league football to have no acknowledgement of NLD at all on their website or social media

Corinthian Casuals v Wingate & Finchley @3pm - at the other end of the table, two of the bottom six meet for what is undoubtedly an important game for both. NLD is all about people who are new to the game at this level discovering clubs and CC's are one of the most historic in England, giving rise to Brazilian giants Corinthians with whom they still have strong links today

Cray Wanderers v Horsham @3pm - talking of history, they don't come much more historic than Cray who are London's oldest club having being founded in 1860. They're having a decent season and could end the day in the play-off places but the visitors are only a point behind. Ticket deals

Kingstonian v Haringey Borough @3pm - down in the bottom five, the K's could do with a few more points. Haringey are the kind of midtable side that they could beat. Ticket deals

Aveley v Brightlingsea Regent @3pm - there's an all-Essex affair at Parkside where title contenders Aveley take on a side who are rooted to the bottom. Ticket deals

Southern League Premier South

Metropolitan Police v Chesham United @3pm - there are four games in this division on Saturday with this one between two of the top eight being the pick of what's on offer. Imber Court is a fine venue for this level and is only a short walk from Thames Ditton station

Harrow Borough v Gosport Borough @3pm -Boro are struggling at the moment but so are the visitors - this is a hugely important game for both. There are also numerous ticket deals including reduced entry for England v Ukraine ticket holders

Hanwell Town v Swindon Supermarine @3pm - with one member of the NLD team heavily involved at the Powerday Stadium, the Geordies were always going to do something to mark the occasion. You can read what they've got planned here

Hendon v Hartley Wintney @3pm - both fighting to avoid the drop, this is a big six-pointer. It's also only £5 to get in if you wear ANY football shirt

Isthmian League South Central

Chertsey Town v Sutton Common Rovers @3pm - the Curfews are only a point outside the play-off places whilst SCR are scrapping to avoid the drop, so there's plenty to play for here. If you hang around afterwards, the club are hosting a race night

Northwood v Westfield @3pm - former leaders Northwood are now fourth after losing to Thatcham on Saturday and are well out of the title race. The priority now is to preserve their place in the play-offs and they're up against a side who badly want to join them there

Uxbridge v Walton & Hersham @3pm - the hosts are pottering along nicely enough in midtable and won't do too much of note for the remainder of the season. The visitors, however, are second and in a ding dong battle with Basingstoke for the title

Essex Senior League

West Essex v Southend Manor @1230pm - the ESL groundhop resumes on Saturday with this early kick-off at Wadham Lodge in Walthamstow where it's Pay What You Want. A win here could well see West Essex end the day in the top five and it looks quite possible as the visitors are bottom. If you want to continue with the hop, your next destination looks like being Buckhurst Hill and their game against Saffron Walden Town at 3pm

CCL Premier South

Abbey Rangers v Badshot Lea @3pm - the other game which catches my eye in the ninth tier is this match between two of the current top four at Addlestone Moor. Although only four points separate them, Abbey have played three games more

Raynes Park Vale v Redhill @3pm - table topping RPV saw their 21 game unbeaten run come to an end in midweek so they'll want to get back to winning ways here against midtable opposition. In one of the most interesting deals of the day, you can get a free ticket by going to club sponsor Banquet Records in Kingston and simply asking for one

SCEFL Premier

Erith Town v Bearsted @3pm - the Dockers lost their big match against Phoenix Sports on Wednesday leaving them fourth and nine points behind the leaders Erith & Belvedere. Bearsted are in the bottom half but are unbeaten in four. Ticket prices have been cut for NLD

SSML Premier

Cockfosters v Dunstable Town @3pm - for those of you in north London, one of the deals of the day is to be found at Chalk Lane where it's essentially Pay What You Want. The match features two of the division's top eight too, so it should be a fine afternoon

SCEFL Division 1

Lewisham Borough v Snodland Town @3pm - as mentioned above, Lewisham are currently playing well and top the form table. Second in that table are leaders Snodland. They're seven points clear and will take some stopping. They're also offering entry, programme and a hot drink for just £5

Croydon v Faversham Strike Force @3pm - elsewhere in south London, the Trams take on the eye-catchingly named FSF. The hosts plan to hold a football book sale and will be selling beer and pastries from local suppliers

Other matches

There are two other games of note in London on Saturday which are not part of NLD. In League One, Charlton Athletic take on Wycombe Wanderers who are looking for a play-off place. Whilst in the women's game, it's derby day between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal which is being played at Leyton Orient's ground

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Sunday 26 March

UEFA Euro 2024 group stage

England v Ukraine @5pm - the biggest game in London over the weekend sees the Three Lions play their first home qualifier as they attempt to make it to next year's tournament in Germany. Their opening game is against Italy in Naples on Thursday. Tickets for this match at Wembley have sold out

FA Women's Championship

Charlton Athletic v Sunderland @12pm - Sunday's results mean the Addicks still have a slim chance of winning the title. Third and 10 points behind leaders Bristol City, they have two games in hand which if won could make things close. The Mackems are in the bottom four and should be beaten

Crystal Palace v Blackburn Rovers @12pm - currently sixth, the Eagles have a very realistic chance of finishing in the top four and could possibly challenge Charlton for third. Rovers are second from bottom but with only one team going down, the nine points between themselves and Coventry United makes them look pretty safe. The club are also giving away 1,000 tickets so apply now

Capital Women's Senior Cup Semi-Final

London Bees v Arsenal Academy @2pm - the hosts are in the bottom four in the women's third tier and they could find the Gunners' youngsters quite hard to handle. AFC Wimbledon await the winners in the final

FAWNL Division 1 South East

Actonians v Norwich City @2pm - it'll probably come as very little surprise to find out that this is where I plan to spend my Women's Football Weekend. The top three look increasingly settled which means quite a battle is shaping up to finish fourth. Norwich won the reverse fixture 1-0 early in the season. Tickets

Ashford Town (Middlesex) v Hashtag United @2pm - the Tags have been top pretty much from the off and although they've had a wobble in the last few weeks, they'll probably just see it over the line. They demolished Cambridge City 8-0 on Sunday and should get the better of Ashford. However, the Tangerines have improved considerably in recent weeks and won at third placed London Seaward a couple of weeks ago - a point is a vague possibility

QPR v AFC Wimbledon @2pm - if Hashtag do slip up then it's the Dons who will seek to benefit the most. Having thrashed the leaders 4-0 on their own pitch a few weeks ago, the south London club are now firmly in contention to win the title. The R's are one of the teams in the race to finish fourth. They took a very creditable point off London Seaward on Sunday and won the away game against Wimbledon back in August but then got thrashed 7-1 by them in the FA Cup in October. With it being Women's Football Weekend, QPR have moved this game to Loftus Road. Tickets

GLWFL Division 1 North

Leyton Orient v Actonians 3rd XI @2pm - way down in the women's eighth tier, the O's welcome their first team to Brisbane Road less than 24 hours after the North London Derby between Spurs and Arsenal. It's a huge moment for the visitors too, who usually play most of their games on park pitches in front of very few spectators. To top it all, it's free entry MATCH OFF

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.

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