Greetings and welcome to the Easter Special of TLFG.
After all the excitement of Non-League Day on Saturday, I haven't had time to produce anything other than the match maps which is pretty poor for an Easter Special.
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| Having a chat with Jeff Stelling across the Premier League trophy on Non-League Day |
The maps going through to Easter Monday are below and full of all the essential info you need to plan your week.
I fully intend to add more detail as the week progresses but forgive me if I don't.
Right, I've got to get to work.
UPDATE - I've now produced a guide for Friday to Monday, see below
THE WEEK AHEAD
This week we've got matches in the Premier League, EFL, National League and Women's Super League as well as all the other non-league and women's competitions which our local clubs compete in.
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.
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
EASTER WEEKEND MATCH MAP
Saturday fixtures - blue pin
Saturday fixtures - blue pin
Sunday fixtures - orange pin
Monday fixtures - yellow pin
TLFG EASTER WEEKEND DIGEST
In the following section, I list what are in my opinion the most notable games of the week and give some brief reasons for my choice. Check the maps above for kick-off times, ticket info and directions.
Friday 29 March
Championship
Milwall v West Bromwich Albion @1pm - with two games over the long weekend, these four days can often have a huge impact on a club's season. With the Lions looking to get well clear of the relegation zone and the Baggies needing to make sure of their play-off place, this game has plenty riding on it. Tickets are available but there aren't many left
QPR v Birmingham City @3pm - with the sides only a point apart and sitting precariously just above the bottom three, this game is arguably even bigger. The R's form is significantly better than that of the visitors but Gary Rowett has just returned to the Blues' dugout on an interim basis and should make them a lot tougher to beat. Tickets have sold out
Watford v Leeds United @8pm - the big matches keep on coming in the second tier. Although the Hornets no longer have much to play for, Leeds definitely do. Coming down from the Premier League at the end of last season, the Yorkshire club are in a thrilling title race with Ipswich and Leicester. With only one point between them going into the weekend, every match is now going to be crucial. Tickets have sold out for this one too
League Two
AFC Wimbledon v Harrogate Town @3pm - the Dons' draw at Crewe on Saturday saw them drop out of the play-off spots again. Still only a point adrift of that all-important seventh place, a win over midtable Harrogate should definitely be achievable. I'm afraid to say this has sold out too!
National League
Boreham Wood v Dagenham & Redbridge @3pm - as one of the smallest clubs in the division, The Wood have massively punched above their weight since moving up to this level in 2015. Reaching the play-offs three times and going on some great FA Cup runs, they've given a great account of themselves. This year is looking worrying though. With six games to go they're in the relegation zone after losing four on the trot. Although just a point from safety in a very tight bottom half, they've got to start winning soon. With only one defeat in five, the Daggers are up in 12th but are still only six points clear of the relegation zone so could do with a couple of wins to make sure of their place in the fifth tier. Tickets
National League South
Hampton & Richmond Borough v Tonbrigde Angels @3pm - if Boreham Wood do lose their place in the National League then they could be replaced by H&RB. Fourth and with games in hand on all of those above them, they're very well placed for a promotion push. However, they're now two without a win and with sides like Farnborough powering up the table, their position can't be taken for granted. Kent club Tonbridge look set for a midtable finish but took a point off the hosts when they played earlier in the season. Tickets
Welling United v Dover Athletic @3pm - the Wings' transformation under Rod Stringer has been stark, moving out of the bottom four and four points clear. Winless in two, though, there's still work to do. Dover have been pretty abject this season and if they lose here then they'll be relegated. Tickets
Isthmian League Premier
Cray Wanderers v Chatham Town @3pm - it's got to that stage of the season where the hosts can enjoy their football and look forward to moving to their new ground for the 2024/25 campaign. Since the turn of the year, Cray have put 16 points between themselves and the relegation zone to calm any nerves they may have had. Chatham, on the other hand, look destined to finish second and will want to keep the points coming in to make sure they carry good momentum into the play-offs. Tickets
Haringey Borough v Hastings United @3pm - twelve points adrift with seven games to go, things are looking pretty terminal for Haringey. With only five wins from 35 games, the writing appears to be on the wall. With only one win from their last six league games, Hastings' promotion hopes seem to be fading. Now seven points adrift of fifth place, they've got to start closing the gap soon. Adult tickets are £10 on the gate
Essex Senior League
Woodford Town v Stanway Rovers @745pm - if you can get yourself over to north-east London on Friday night then do. This match at Ashtons gives you the chance of doing a double but the club have made it FREE ENTRY for everyone. There'll be all kinds of other Easter themed activities going on too and there might be chocolate available. On the pitch, it should actually be a great game too. Woodford are second and mathematically in with a chance of the title, whilst the visitors are also in the top eight
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Saturday 30 March
Premier League
Chelsea v Burnley @3pm - down in 11th, the Blues' league campaign has been a bit of a disaster. However, they're unbeaten in four and a Europa Conference League spot is now only five points away. A win over the relegation threatened Clarets looks a certainty even for this Chelsea side. Regular tickets have sold out but hospitality packages are available from £450
Tottenham Hotspur v Luton Town @3pm - although the sides are at opposite ends of the table, this match should be fun. Both teams like to leave it all out on the pitch and have scored over 100 goals between them this season. With the Hatters coming from Bedfordshire, just to the north of London, this will have a derby feel to it too. Tickets are only available to members
Brentford v Manchester United @8pm - the Bees are winless in six and thankful that Nottingham Forest were recently deducted four points for financial issues. Five points above the relegation zone, they need star striker Ivan Toney to score the goals to get them over the line. The visitors are not the side they once were but are still a top-six outfit and should start as strong favourites here. Tickets are not available
Isthmian League Premier
Dulwich Hamlet v Billericay Town @3pm - with seven wins from their last 10 games, the hosts seem to be timing a run to the play-offs to perfection. Now just two points outside the top five, they've got six games left to make sure of their place in the post season. Billericay were also in contention in mid-February but a seven game winless run has seen them slide to eighth. If they do win here, they'll move level on points with the Hamlet. This game, like most at Champion Hill, will probably sell out so make sure you buy tickets in advance to avoid disappointment and turn up early to get a decent view
Hornchurch v Wingate & Finchley @3pm - there's also a big game at Lodge Avenue in the far east of London. The Urchins look more and more certain to be champions as each week passes. Now 14 points clear with seven games to go, only a most spectacular collapse would see them miss out. On Saturday, they welcome W&F who are one of the smallest clubs at this level. Despite this, they've been in the top five for months as they've confounded most people's expectations. As we approach the final games of the season, their position in that elite group is under real threat from Dulwich so they can't afford many slip ups. Tickets
Isthmian League South Central
Chertsey Town v Westfield @3pm - we've got a very similar match-up in the eighth tier too where the leaders entertain top-six opposition in what is also a derby. The Curfews are 12 points clear with six games to go so their position at the summit would seem to be pretty secure. Westfield, who hail from Woking, are currently sixth but have games in hand on all of the teams above them. Chertsey have been getting average crowds of nearly 600 and I'd expect at least that for this game. Tickets are available in advance and I'd advise getting one
CCL Premier South
Abbey Rangers v Farnham Town @3pm - just down the road from Chertsey, near neighbours Abbey Rangers have a big game too. The visitors sealed promotion and the league title on Saturday so will arrive in triumphant mood. The hosts are fourth and will hope to join them via the play-offs but having played more games than the five teams immediately below them, they've got to keep winning. Tickets will be available on the gate
CCL Premier North
Broadfields United v Hilltop @730pm - elsewhere in the eighth tier we've got a late kick-off which allows you to do a double and get Tithe Farm, home of Rayners Lane, ticked off your list of grounds (despite spending many years of my life living about a mile from here, I've still never been for a game - shocking). The hosts are coasting along in midtable whilst the visitors are making up lots of games in hand and trying to avoid the drop. Tickets will be available on the gate
SCEFL Division 1
SC Thamesmead v Croydon @3pm - in the 10th tier there's a game of real importance at either end of the table. The hosts are six points adrift of safety but have eight games left, more than any of their relegation rivals. The Trams, on the other hand, moved above Lewisham Borough into the play-off places with a 1-0 win over FC Elmstead on Wednesday. With only two points between the teams in fifth and eighth, the battle for that last spot in the post season looks like being a fierce one. Tickets will be available on the gate
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Sunday 31 March
Women's Super League
West Ham United v Brighton & Hove Albion @3pm - despite it being Easter Sunday, there's no let up in London where women's football takes centre stage for the day. In the WSL we should get a pretty evenly matched game between two sides in the bottom half. Although the Hammers have had a disappointing run of late and are near the foot of the table, they have a six-point cushion over Bristol City and with only one team going down they should be alright. Having won two of their last three, Brighton are in no danger and are now eyeing a seventh-placed finish. This is being played at Dagenham & Redbridge. Tickets
Women's Championship
Charlton Athletic v Birmingham City @1pm - only one team go up in this division and the battle for the title is incredibly tight with four points separating the top five. Two of those clubs meet here for what will be a huge game for both. Although both have a game in hand on leaders Sunderland, a defeat here with three games to go could leave them nine points adrift and effectively end their hopes. This is being played at The Valley. Tickets
Watford v Sunderland @2pm - there is also a midtable clash at London City Lionesses but this match at Vicarage Road is much more important. As mentioned above, Sunderland are top and could potentially open a four-point lead if they win here and other results go their way. The chances of them doing that look pretty good as the Hornets are bottom and three without a win. The Hertfordshire club could be all but down if they do lose so they really need something out of this. Tickets
FAWNL Southern Premier
Hashtag United v Cardiff City @3pm - the Tags have had a great debut season at this level and beat Newcastle United to win the League Cup at Kenilworth Road on Saturday. When it comes to the league, it looks like they'll finish second as Portsmouth have pulled away. Eight points behind the Hampshire club with four games to go, it's not mathematically over but any slip ups and it soon will be. Cardiff are in midtable and have little to play for. Tickets will be available on the gate
FAWNL Division 1 South East
AFC Wimbledon v Norwich City @3pm - with these two seemingly in a fight to the death for the title for most of the season, I'd really been looking forward to this match and there's a good chance I will probably go. However, in recent weeks, the Canaries' challenge has faltered with a number of crucial draws. Consequently they're now 10 points behind the Dons and although they have two games in hand, they don't look like catching them. Although the stakes aren't quite as high as they were, this is still effectively a title decider. This is being played at Carshalton Athletic and tickets will be available on the gate
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Monday 1 April
League One
Charlton Athletic v Stevenage @3pm - new boss Nathan Jones has definitely improved things since taking over at The Valley but with six games to go they are still only seven points above the relegation zone. With 21st place Port Vale showing signs of improvement, the Addicks can't rest on their laurels just yet. The visitors have been in play-off contention all season but they've hit a bad patch at a terrible moment and slipped out of the top six after only drawing with Bolton on Friday. Tickets
Leyton Orient v Peterborough United @3pm - with only one win from five, the O's find themselves six points adrift of the play-off places. It's not an insurmountable gap and it will be made somewhat easier if they can beat Posh who are fourth. Darren Ferguson's side suffered a shock 3-1 home defeat to bottom club Carlisle on Friday so they're not at their best. Tickets
League Two
Sutton United v Swindon Town @3pm - in the relegation zone for most of the season, the U's were certainties for the drop in most people's minds. However, Friday's win at Salford was their third in a row and they're now only one point shy of safety. Swindon are in the bottom six so they've got another great chance to pick up some points. Tickets
National League
Bromley v Woking @3pm - there are four games in the fifth tier on Monday but if I had to pick one to go to it would be this as it affects teams at either end of the table. In this division, the teams who finish second and third receive a bye through the first round of the play-offs. The hosts are currently third but Gateshead and Altrincham just behind them are closing the gap. At the other end, the bottom four go down and the Cards sit four points above that group. As a reminder of just how tight things are, only eight points separate the teams between 15th-23rd. Tickets
National League South
Dartford v Eastbourne Borough @3pm - at Princes Park we've got a huge relegation six-pointer to look forward to. Only goal difference is currently keeping the Darts out of the bottom four at Taunton's expense. Eastbourne are just two points behind them so defeat to the Sussex club will put them in the drop zone. Tickets
Isthmian League Premier
Carshalton Athletic v Dulwich Hamlet @3pm - in the seventh tier, this game between two south London clubs really stands out for me. In this division the top team go up automatically whilst the teams in second to fifth play off. These sides are currently sixth and seventh and both three points behind Horsham in fifth. The Robins are currently third in the form table so should start as marginal favourites. Tickets
Isthmian League South East
Beckenham Town v Phoenix Sports @3pm - there should be a significant amount of tension at Eden Park Avenue where two south-east London clubs who are battling the drop contest three very precious points. After pushing strongly for promotion last season, the Becks have fallen apart this year and have been bottom for a while. Nine points from safety with eight games to go, it's starting to look like last-chance saloon time. A victory for the visitors could see them move 10 points clear of the bottom two and pretty much secure their place in the division. Tickets will be available on the gate
CCL Premier South
Balham v AFC Croydon Athletic @1230pm - in one of the day's early kick-offs we've got this mouthwatering groundshare derby between sides who are fighting to get into the play-offs. Similar to other divisions, the teams in second to fifth play-off. At the time of writing, only four points separate the teams in fourth to ninth so it looks like being a great contest to the end. Tickets will be available on the gate
SCEFL Division 1
Croydon v AFC Whyteleafe @3pm - the Trams enjoyed a solid 3-0 win at SC Thamesmead on Saturday to keep hold of the last play-off spot. On Monday they face a visit from the leaders who are suffering a bit of a wobble after failing to win any of their last three games. Still eight points clear, the Leafe should be fine but defeat here could see someone preparing to smash the glass on the alarm bells. Tickets will be available on the gate
GET INVOLVED
If you're going to see a game, whether you're a local or a visitor, please let me know what you've been up to. If you're interested in reviewing a ground in the London area for this blog then get in touch. I also very much welcome photos of your football travels.
NEED HELP?
Got any questions about visiting London? Don't hesitate to ask - be they football or more general travel/touristy queries. I do not charge for this advice like some other sites so don't hold back!
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