TLFG: 29 April - 6 May 2024

After suffering the disappointment of Harrow Borough's relegation, the last few days have been filled with far more joy as QPR secured their place in the Championship with a game to spare.

A home game against a Leeds United side looking for an instant return to the Premier League looked like a tough assignment.

Most of us were hoping for a hard fought 1-0 win a bit like the one against Preston the week before but what transpired took us all by surprise.

Ilias Chair scored in the eighth minute and the R's never looked back.

January signing Lucas Andersen scored a second before half-time and then Lyndon Dykes and Sam Field added two more in the closing stages for a thoroughly deserved 4-0 win.

Crystal Palace celebrate their promotion to the WSL

The result saved Marti Cifuentes' side from relegation and confirmed Leicester City's promotion back to the top flight.

Leeds are now in a battle with Ipswich Town for the final automatic promotion place.

Currently level on points, the Suffolk club have a game in hand against Coventry in midweek which if won could put them at a big advantage going into the final match.

Anyway, that's for them to worry about.

As for live football, with Actonians' friendly on Sunday cancelled, I went to Selhurst Park to watch Crystal Palace rubber stamp their promotion to the Women's Super League for the first time in their history.

Three points ahead of nearest rivals Charlton Athletic going into the final game but with a much better goal difference, the result against Sunderland didn't really matter.

A crowd of around 7,000 turned out to watch the Eagles' women ride their luck and grind out a 0-0 draw which saw them win the title by one point.

They'll be replacing Bristol City who confirmed their relegation with a 4-0 loss to leaders Manchester City.

Five of the 12 teams in next season's WSL will now be from London so there'll be no shortage of top women's games in the capital in 2024/25.

Next Sunday I'm hoping to swap a shift at work so I can get to Actonians' final match of the season against AFC Wimbledon at Plough Lane.

The Dons have already won the fourth-tier division they both play in so it'll be a bit of a victory lap for them - hopefully my girls will be able to spoil the party.

At the time of writing, the play-offs have got underway in most divisions which means the schedule of games at the end of the week and into the bank holiday has still to be decided so come back on Friday to see what's on.

What we do know is that Bromley will be playing Solihull Moors at Wembley on Sunday for a place in League Two so the best of luck to them - tickets go on sale on Monday morning.

THE WEEK AHEAD

This week we've got matches in the Premier League, National League, Women's Super League and most of 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.

Donate to TLFG's coffee-drinking fund here

Also if you're unfamiliar with the English league structure I indicate the level at which an individual league sits in the national 'pyramid' with the Premier League at the top (Level 1) and various minor leagues at the bottom (Level 10). Typically a top level game will see crowds of anywhere between 20,000-60,000. These figures will gradually decline as you go down the leagues until you get to Levels 8-10 where attendances of 150 or less are most common.

It should also be noted that the top four levels are for fully professional teams. Level 5 has a mixture of professional and semi-professional teams, while Levels 6-10 will see most players paid but it will vary from no more than travel expenses at the bottom, right up to several hundred pounds a week at the top.

MIDWEEK MATCH MAP

Monday fixtures - yellow pin

Tuesday fixtures - green pin

Wednesday fixtures - turquoise pin

Thursday fixtures - purple pin

Friday fixtures - black pin

BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND MATCH MAP
Saturday fixtures - blue pin

Sunday fixtures - orange pin

Monday fixtures - yellow pin

    

TLFG DAILY DIGEST

In the following section, I list 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 29 April

Premier League 2

Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur @7pm - the final round of regular-season games in this competition is being played on Monday. Whatever happens here, Spurs have already finished first in this 26-team league. Once this game is complete, the top 16 move into a play-off stage where 1st plays 16th, 2nd faces 15th etc. The Eagles are also through but a win here could see them finish as high as ninth. This is being played at Sutton United and tickets will be available on the gate for no more than £5

London Senior Cup Final

Hendon v Charlton Athletic U21 @745pm - if you'd prefer to see a match with a lot more riding on it then head to Dulwich Hamlet's Champion Hill which is playing host to this final. The Greens finished their Southern League campaign in a very respectable 10th and will want to end their season on a big high with a win here. They last won this cup in 2020 when they beat a young Brentford side. On Monday they face the Addicks who won it last year after edging past Haringey Borough 5-3 in a dramatic final. Tickets are £10 and can be bought online or on the gate

CCL Division 1

RB Kensington v Bedfont @745pm - the hosts still have three games to go and have an outside chance of grabbing a play-off place if they win all three. The visitors are down in 12th and will complete their over-running season with this match. This is being played at North Greenford United and tickets will be available on the gate

--------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 30 April

SCEFL Premier Semi-Final Play-Off

Glebe v Erith Town @745pm - after some thrills and spills in the National League over the weekend, the play-off season gets into full swing this week. First up is this all south-east London tie at Foxbury Avenue. The hosts were top for a while and have been in the leading group all season. They eventually finished third and now take on a Dockers side who surged into the top four after a fantastic late run of results which also saw them win the Kent Senior Trophy. Form suggests that the visitors might just edge it. Tickets will be available on the gate

EAL Senior Division Cup Final

Walthamstow Reserves v FC Baresi @730pm - Leyton Orient's Brisbane Road plays host to this 11th-tier cup final. Baresi won the league so they'll be hoping to complete a double against midtable opposition. Tickets will be available on the gate

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday 1 May

Isthmian League Premier Play-Off Semi-Final

Enfield Town v Wingate & Finchley @745pm - one of the smallest clubs in the division, the visitors have done the almost unthinkable and made it to the play-offs. They made sure of it with a solid 3-0 win over Carshalton on the final day. Next up comes a formidable tie against north London rivals Enfield who should start as favourites. The Towners pulled in over 1,000 fans for their final game against Chatham and a large and vocal crowd should be there to cheer them on again. Tickets are £12

L&SE Women's League D1 South

Bromley v Newhaven @745pm - in the women's game we've got a top-two clash in this sixth-tier division. The Ravens are second and their Sussex opponents top. Whatever happens, they'll finish in those positions so it's purely pride at stake here

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 2 May

Premier League

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur @730pm - the Blues did well to draw 2-2 at Aston Villa on Saturday as they gave a vastly improved performance from the one which saw them lose 5-0 at Arsenal. Still in with a chance of a European place, they've got to start winning again very soon. With Spurs chasing a Champions League spot themselves, they need a victory too. Despite Chelsea's really poor showing this season, one of the few highlights was the 4-1 win at the THS in the reverse fixture - although Tottenham played the last 35 minutes with 9 men so it wasn't actually that impressive. Tickets are only available to members but hospitality packages are available from £300

Capital Women's Senior Cup Final

Haringey Borough v Ashford Town (Middlesex) @730pm - the form guide suggested this final was going to be between Actonians and AFC Wimbledon but both fell victim to upsets in the semi-finals. Haringey thoroughly deserved their 3-2 win over the A's whilst a look at the Dons' squad for their last-four tie suggested a bit of squad rotation. Either way, both these sides should be at full strength for this. Ashford play a level above Haringey so should start as favourites. The match is being played at Hendon - tickets are £5 and can be bought online or on the gate

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 3 May

Professional Development League

Millwall v Wigan Athletic @2pm - split into a Group North and a Group South, the top two teams in each division after 30 matches qualify for the play-offs. The Lions won this U21 competition last year and may well have secured top spot in the South again by the time this kicks off as they have a game at Peterborough earlier in the week. Wigan are not in the running. This is being played at The Den and tickets are available

Watford v Burnley @2pm - there's little at stake in the other game of the day between two also-rans but it's being played at Vicarage Road so if you haven't been before then this is a good opportunity. Tickets

Essex Senior League Play-Off Semi-Final

Woodford Town v Sporting Bengal United @745pm - after a delay of a couple of days, the ESL play-offs are finally here. Ashtons plays host to this match between two London clubs which should generate a great atmosphere. The sides scored 165 goals between them over the course of the league campaign so hopefully this will deliver a load more. The winners will play Barking or Romford in the final. Tickets are £7 on the gate 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Premier League

Arsenal v AFC Bournemouth @1230pm - the Gunners come into this as league leaders but only by a point and main challengers Manchester City have a game in hand. With three games to go, they simply have to win every one and that still might not be enough. The Cherries should be beaten but they've had a superb season and a top-eight finish is within their grasp. Tickets are only available to members

Brentford v Fulham @3pm - across town, there's a mouthwatering west London derby at the GTech. Games between these two are always keenly contested and with both now having avoided relegation, they should be free to play and put on a good show. The Bees have won three of the last four matches between the sides and will want to improve that record even more. Tickets are only available to members

CCL Premier North Play-Off Semi-Final

Bedfont Sports v Reading City @3pm - if you can't get into either of the above, then a little to the west of the GTech, we've got this exciting play-off match to look forward to. The hosts existed in a strange third-place no-man's land a long way adrift of the leaders and well clear of the chasing pack for a large chunk of the campaign so they've had plenty of time to plan for the post-season. The visitors only secured their place more recently. In the two games between them during the regular season, Bedfont won 6-0 and drew 2-2 so they'll start as favourites. Tickets are £8 on the gate

Rayners Lane v Holyport @3pm - it's crunch time for the hosts who topped the league for months but ended up five points off the pace. If social media is to be believed, many neutrals badly want to see them fail as they've spent a fortune of wages to players with EFL experience in an effort to get promoted. Holyport only made it into the play-offs on Thursday night after Burnham lost to Hilltop, meaning they kept hold of fifth. The hosts should win but let's see. Tickets will be available on the gate

Middlesex Charity Cup Semi-Final

North Greenford United v Harefield United @3pm - a few weeks ago things were looking really exciting for NGU. In the quarter-finals of the FA Vase and firmly in the hunt for the play-offs, they were having a great season. Sadly they lost that quarter-final and eventually missed out on promotion so this competition still gives them the chance to end the campaign on a high. Harefield were bumping along at the bottom for a while but they improved greatly and ended up finishing comfortably in midtable. The winners will face Uxbridge in the final

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday 5 May

Premier League

Chelsea v West Ham United @2pm - after beating Spurs on Thursday night, the Blues look like they might just force their way into the top six at the last minute which would be quite something given how poor they've been. Sadly for David Moyes, the Hammers seem to have run out of steam at precisely the wrong moment and despite fine draws against Bayer Leverkusen and Liverpool in recent weeks, the wins seem to have dried up. Having played one more game than the three teams immediately above them, their hopes of getting back into Europe again seem slim and only really a win will do here. Tickets are only available to members but hospitality packages are available from £300

National League Play-Off Final

Bromley v Solihull Moors @3pm - if Stamford Bridge is beyond your price range then there's also a huge game at Wembley where two sides with no previous EFL experience find themselves only 90 minutes away from a place in League Two. The Ravens made it to the play-off semi-finals last year and have gone one better this time. Although they finished higher in the table than Solihull, this is really tough to call as they've played twice in the last month with very different results. Solihull beat Bromley 2-1 at Hayes Lane to make the final of the FA Trophy, meaning they're going to Wembley twice in a week, and then they lost 3-0 to them at the same venue in a league game shortly after. Adult tickets are available from £35

Women's Super League

Chelsea v Bristol City @645pm - when Emma Hayes announced she would be leaving the Blues at the end of the season there was much talk of her departing on the back of a glorious quadruple. Sadly for her that is not going to happen. Out of the Champions League, FA Cup and beaten in the final of the League Cup, hopes of retaining the WSL title received a huge blow when they lost 4-3 to Liverpool on Wednesday. Now six points adrift of leaders Manchester City with three games to go, it's not impossible but it's going to be tough. Sunday could be pivotal though - Chelsea should comfortably beat already relegated Bristol City but Manchester City have a challenging home game against Arsenal so the gap could close. Tickets have sold out

West Ham United v Leicester City @3pm - with Bristol City having already claimed the only relegation place, these two will now be fighting to avoid the ignominy of finishing second from bottom. The Foxes are still relatively new to this level so for them to be struggling is no shock or disgrace but for the Hammers to be right down there is disappointing. Rehanne Skinner was able to bring in some big names in January and it started quite well but they haven't now won a game for three months and the season can't end soon enough. Tickets

FAWNL Division 1 South East

AFC Wimbledon v Actonians @2pm - it's the final day in the women's fourth tier and there's not a huge amount to play for. The Dons have won the title already and will be doing their trophy lift after this game. The A's had a very shaky start to this transitional season but they've come good since the start of 2024 and could even finish fourth if they somehow win this and QPR drop points against AFC Sudbury. This is being played at Plough Lane and a decent crowd is expected - tickets

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday 6 May

Premier League

Crystal Palace v Manchester United @8pm - with three games to go, the Eagles are safe and can now have a bit of fun in their last few matches. United, on the other hand, are still fighting for a place in the top six and need every point they can get. The London club won the reverse fixture at Old Trafford so know what it takes to beat Erik ten Hag's team. Tickets are only available to members

SCEFL Premier Division Play-Off Final

Erith Town v Corinthian @3pm - finishing fourth and fifth respectively, these sides both caused upsets in the semi-finals by knocking out teams who finished higher in the table. The Dockers have home advantage and are in better form so they look the more likely to make it into the promised land of the Isthmian League South East. Tickets are £8 on the gate

Premier League 2

Fulham v Nottingham Forest @7pm - after finishing third, the Cottagers' U21 side should feel confident as they head into this play-off match against their counterparts from Forest. In this 26-team division, the top 16 make the post-season so there's still a long way to go. This is being played at the club's training ground in Motspur Park and 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!

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

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

TLFG: 22-28 April 2024

This weekend has been a bittersweet one.

QPR gave their chances of staying up a huge boost by beating Preston North End 1-0 on Saturday while a few miles to the north-west, Harrow Borough conceded a 97th-minute goal to lose 2-1 to Tiverton Town and get relegated.

Although I can remember them finishing in the drop zone twice during my 36 years of supporting them, they've always received a reprieve after another side has folded or taken voluntary relegation and they've been the next in line.

This time that's not even to close to happening as they're third line and could miss the cut by up to 10 points if things go badly on the final day.

There's a Women's Champions League semi-final at Stamford Bridge on Saturday - tickets

It was always going to be tough with a tiny budget and inexperienced manager but I'm proud of the players and staff who gave it a really good go and beat a number of top teams during the campaign. 

Several games were decided by very late goals and I'd be interested to see how many extra points Harrow would have had if it were not for those.

So after decades of playing at the same level, it will be interesting to play some different teams, visit some different grounds and hopefully be far more competitive.

With a bit of luck they'll end up in the Isthmian South Central which will massively reduce their travel costs and could see an exciting trip overseas to play Guernsey, if they stay in the same division, as well as a number of local derbies.

You've got to look for the positives I guess.

One other thing for all groundhoppers to look forward to next season will be Cray Wanderers' move to their new home at Flamingo Park and I'd like to thank TLFG reader Martin B who took the time to email me with a full update on everything going on at London's oldest club. 

I've got three days off in the coming week so I hope to see at least one game, not sure what yet but Actonians' reserve game on Sunday is the frontrunner although the National League play-offs look very tempting too.

If I was off on Saturday then I'd probably be prepared to hold my nose and head to Stamford Bridge for the second leg of Chelsea Women's Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

Somehow the Blues won the first leg 1-0 in Catalonia on Saturday so this match has a lot more riding on it than I think many pundits predicted.

The sides are packed with players from the England and Spain teams which contested the World Cup Final in August so it should be well worth a watch - tickets.

That's it from me, enjoy your week.

THE WEEK AHEAD

This week we've got matches in the Premier League, EFL, National League play-offs, Women's Champions League, Women's Super League and 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.

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 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 22 April

Professional Development League

Charlton Athletic v Sheffield United @2pm - the week begins with this U21 match at The Valley. It looks like being a tough game for the Addicks as the Blades will go top of Group North with a win here. Tickets are £3

125th Anniversary Match

Barkingside v Dagenham & Redbridge @745pm - both sides have now completed their seasons so are totally free to enjoy this commemoration of Barkingside's foundation way back in Victorian times. The Daggers play five divisions above the side so it's a prestigious and fitting way to celebrate such an occasion. Tickets are £5 on the gate and there will be a special programme available

--------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 23 April

Premier League

Arsenal v Chelsea @8pm - with Manchester City in FA Cup action, the Gunners returned to the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win at Wolves on Saturday night. Given that City and Liverpool both have games in hand, Mikel Arteta's side can't afford to lose any more. The Blues are gradually improving and only narrowly lost to City in that cup semi-final and they'd love nothing more than to ruin Arsenal's season. Tickets are only available to members but hospitality packages are available from £495

Professional Development League

The top two London clubs in this U21 competition both have games on Tuesday. Millwall host Barnsley at The Den at 2pm whilst QPR entertain Birmingham City at Hanwell Town at 7pm. Tickets are £5

Surrey Senior Cup Semi-Final

Metropolitan Police v Chertsey Town @745pm - the Met have had a disappointing season but they have avoided relegation. Winning this competition would put a very fine gloss on it and help them forget their struggles. Sadly they're up against the team that won the division they're in and they'll no doubt be looking to do a double and end the campaign on an even greater high. Tickets will be available on the gate

CCL Premier North

North Greenford United v Rayners Lane @745pm - thanks to their fantastic run in the FA Vase and lots of bad weather, NGU have to play five games in eight days! The first is this derby against second placed Rayners Lane. If the hosts win, they'll keep themselves in the play-off race and end the visitors' title hopes so there's lots at stake for both. Tickets will be available on the gate

Hilltop v Flackwell Heath @745pm - whatever happens at Berkeley Fields, if the Heathens win at Hilltop then the title will be theirs with a game to spare. Hilltop need the points themselves to make sure of avoiding relegation. This is being played at Uxbridge and tickets will be available on the gate

CCL Premier South

AFC Croydon Athletic v Farnham Town @745pm - it's a huge night for the Rams at the Mayfield Stadium. Not only do they welcome title winners Farnham but if they beat them they'll secure a play-off spot themselves. Tickets will be available on the gate

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday 24 April

Premier League

Crystal Palace v Newcastle United @8pm - at the time of writing, the Eagles sit eight points above the relegation zone and should be fine. In fact, by the time this kicks-off, they could be 11 points clear and pretty much home and dry. The Magpies, on the other hand, are back in the top six and building a bit of momentum. Ten points behind, they're very unlikely to catch fifth-placed Spurs but there are enough games left to do it if they keep winning. Tickets are only available to members but hospitality packages are available from £330

CCL Premier South

Colliers Wood United v Tadley Calleva @730pm - with three games to go, CWU find themselves bottom of the table but only three points adrift of safety. The visitors will claim a play-off spot if they win. All in all, it's a big night at Wibbandune. Tickets will be available on the gate

Essex Senior League

Woodford Town v Romford @745pm - with Tilbury winning the title on Saturday, it's now about who finishes second. Currently the hosts are third, three points behind Romford. The goal difference is tight too, so any win by two goals or more will put Woodford in second with one game to go. Whatever happens, both have already qualified for the play-offs but the higher you finish, the better. Tickets will be available on the gate

Middlesex Intermediate Cup Final

Bush Hill Rangers v Larkspur Rovers @745pm - contested primarily by 11th-tier clubs, this county cup final is being played at Hendon. BHR are the current holders and play in the HSCL where they have an outside chance of a top-three finish. Larkspur are midtable in the parallel MCFL so will probably start as underdogs. Tickets

KCFL Invitational Cup Final

Meridian VP v Halls AFC @730pm - being played at SC Thamesmead, 10th-tier Meridian face the newly crowned champions of the 11th-tier KCFL. Given MVP are fighting the drop, it will be really interesting to see how good this HAFC side are. Tickets will be available on the gate

FAWNL Division 1 South East

QPR v London Seaward @8pm - for the R's, it's now all about making sure they pip local rivals Actonians and Ashford Town to a fourth-place finish and a bit of local supremacy. On paper, all three teams should start as favourites in their games on Sunday (21 April) meaning the R's will need to to win this to keep their noses in front. Saying that, midtable is tight and Seaward are more than capable of beating any of the teams immediately above them on their day. Tickets will be available on the gate

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 25 April

London Senior Cup Semi-Final

Metropolitan Police v Charlton Athletic XI @745pm - it's a big week of cup football for the Met as Imber Court prepares to host it's second semi-final just two days after the last one. Again they face tough opponents in the form of an Addicks development side who are also the reigning champions. Tickets will be available on the gate

SCEFL Premier

Erith Town v Snodland Town @745pm - with eight consecutive wins in all competitions, the Dockers are flying. With their place in the play-offs confirmed, they can still finish second as they have a game in hand on all the teams immediately above them. Snodland are ninth and despite having three games left, they'll still fall short of the top five. Tickets will be available on the gate

CCL Premier North

North Greenford United v Wokingham & Emmbrook @745pm - elsewhere in the ninth tier we have the latest instalment in NGU's mammoth play-off push. Rather than a title challenger, this time they face a side trying to get out of the relegation zone. Tickets will be available on the gate 

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 26 April

Championship

QPR v Leeds United @8pm - the R's gave their hopes of survival a huge boost by beating Preston 1-0 on Saturday to move six points clear of the relegation zone with two games to go. However, with Sheffield Wednesday beating Blackburn on Sunday that cushion was reduced to just four points. Leeds beat Middlesbrough on Monday and will head to Loftus Road in second but automatic promotion is still far from secured whilst a win for the R's will see them avoid the drop. It's clear to see why this has been picked for TV. Tickets have now sold out

Premier League 2

If you can't get in at Loftus Road, there are a fine selection of U21 games available instead. Chelsea, Fulham and West Ham United are all at home (at Kingsmeadow and their training grounds respectively) with all three kicking off at 7pm. Admission is never more than £5

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday 27 April

Premier League

West Ham United v Liverpool @1230pm - both sides have had disappointing weeks and are starting to see their respective targets begin to slip away. With only one win in six, the Hammers' hopes of qualifying for Europe have taken a hit. Still eighth and very much in touch, their form has got to change soon otherwise clubs like Brighton and Chelsea who have games in hand will probably edge them out. The Reds saw their title aspirations dented by an unexpected loss to local rivals Everton which could put them five points behind Manchester City if they win their game in hand. With both having so much to play for, it should be a great game. Tickets are available too

Fulham v Crystal Palace @3pm - at the start of any Premier League campaign, a case can be made for either of these smaller clubs to end up getting relegated so it's a testament to all involved that that isn't going to happen. With four games to go, both a safe. Three points apart in 13th and 14th, it's now all about playing for pride and prize money - the higher you finish, the more you win. Last season, each place was worth around £3m (i.e. 20th received around £3m and the winners got £60m) so it's well worth the extra effort. Tickets are only available to members

Women's Champions League Semi-Final Second Leg

Chelsea v Barcelona @530pm - just down the road from Craven Cottage, one of the biggest matches of the women's season is taking place at Stamford Bridge. Since unexpectedly beating the reigning European champions 1-0 in Spain last weekend in the first leg, interest in the tie has rocketed and tickets have sold out. Personally, I was hugely dismissive of their chances going into this tie but with that win under their belts, Emma Hayes' side are probably never going to get a better chance of beating them

Championship

Millwall v Plymouth Argyle @3pm - having won their last three games, the Lions come into this with Championship status already secured. Not so Plymouth who sit two points above the relegation zone with two games to go. The hosts should be relaxed and free to play their game whilst the visitors have everything to play for. Tickets for this have sold out too

Watford v Sunderland @3pm - with both sides coasting along in midtable, nothing rests on this game. The Hornets, along with Huddersfield, have become the division's draw specialists this season, with the amount of times they've shared the spoils currently standing at 17. A lot of games between these two at Vicarage Road often end in draws too, with the last time Watford lost to the Mackems at home coming way back in 1999. Tickets

League Two

AFC Wimbledon v Walsall @3m - the regular season ends in the fourth tier today and sadly for the Dons, they've fallen short in their efforts to earn a play-off place. The Saddlers have a very slim chance of sneaking into the top seven but they'll need to win handsomely here and see Barrow, Crawley and Bradford all lose. Tickets have sold out

National League Play-Off Semi-Final

Barnet v Solihull Moors @530pm - having finished as runners-up to Chesterfield in the regular season, the Bees should be favourites to win the play-offs and join the Spireites in League Two. Having had a bye through the first round of the play-offs, they now face an impressive Solihull side who beat FC Halifax Town 4-2 in that first round on Wednesday. The West Midlands club have also made it to Wembley for the FA Trophy Final so if they win this, they'll be going to the national stadium two weekends in a row! Tickets are available

Isthmian League Premier

Enfield Town v Chatham Town @3pm - it's the last day of the regular season in the seventh tier and these two have already booked their play-off spots. This match will decide who finishes second. The visitors are currently two points ahead but the hosts are in better form. Tickets

Hornchurch v Kingstonian @3pm - with the Urchins having already won the league, this final match will give them the chance to complete a metaphorical lap of honour for their fans as they celebrate their title win - the trophy will also be presented at the end. They've got the chance to show off against the worst side in the division too. Bottom and relegated a while ago, the K's will hope to keep things respectable. Tickets

Wingate & Finchley v Carshalton Athletic @3pm - the one game with some real jeopardy involved sees minnows W&F come into the final game needing a win to hold on to a play-off place they've held for most of the season. No-one expected them to challenge at all so it's been a magnificent campaign from their point of view. However, if they were to lose that top five place right at the death, it would be devastating. The visitors are ninth and out of promotion contention. Tickets will be available on the gate

Isthmian League South Central

Chertsey Town v Badshot Lea @3pm - there's another trophy presentation and promotion party at Alwyns Lane where the Curfews will celebrate winning this eighth-tier division. The Surrey club have had a great year and will end the season on 100 points if they beat midtable opposition here. They drew a crowd of over 1,000 for their last home game so you're strongly advised to buy tickets in advance if you want to go

Metropolitan Police v Ashford Town (Middlesex) @3pm - at the other end of the division, the visitors will be sweating on getting the one point they need to avoid relegation. Even if they don't get it, their better goal difference should just about be enough to keep them up at either Binfield or Chipstead's expense. The Met have had a disappointing season but have already secured their place in the division. Tickets will be available on the gate

CCL Premier North

Bedfont Sports v North Greenford United @3pm - in the ninth tier, most clubs will end their seasons today but not all due to the huge fixture backlog that's built up in recent weeks. Both of these will continue a bit longer whatever happens here. The hosts already know they will finish third and go into the play-offs whilst NGU have two games to go. If the visitors lose this, then they will fall short of joining Bedfont in the post-season so they simply have to win. Tickets will be available on the gate

CCL Premier South

Colliers Wood United v Sheerwater @3pm - the six-pointer of relegation six-pointers takes place at Wibbandune where the bottom two meet in a battle to avoid becoming the one club who gets relegated from this division. The visitors are currently three points ahead but CWU have the better goal difference so it's finely balanced. Tickets will be available on the gate

SCEFL Division 1

AFC Whyteleafe v Greenways @3pm - if you're on the south side of town, then there's another promotion party and trophy lift to be enjoyed at Church Road where the Leafe have won this 10th-tier division. Like Hornchurch, they'll be entertaining the side who will finish bottom. To top it all, the club have made it FREE ENTRY for everyone

Bridon Ropes v Forest Hill Park @3pm - although down in the bottom six, the hosts are safe for another season. Not so their opponents who need to win here and hope results at two other games go their way

Tooting Bec v Meridian VP @3pm - one of those games is this one where MVP need to win to have any chance of staying up. Both their hopes and those of FHP above both rely on K Sports dropping points against Staplehurst Monarchs

HSCL Premier

Belstone v Chipperfield Corinthians @3pm - if 11th-tier football is your thing, then head to the Medburn Ground near Boreham Wood where the hosts will win the title if they take the three points here. Tickets are £4 on the gate

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday 28 April

Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal @2pm - when it comes to London football, games don't come much bigger than this. The North London Derby must be the biggest rivalry between two clubs in the capital - it certainly generates the biggest crowds. This time it's Spurs' turn to host and they need to get something out of the match if they want to keep the pressure on Aston Villa in the battle for fourth. As for the Gunners, they simply have to win to keep themselves in the hunt for the title as any dropped points will no doubt be punished by a Manchester City side who are hitting form at the right time. Arsenal are unbeaten in three against Tottenham with the match at the Emirates in September producing an entertaining 2-2 draw. Tickets are not available

National League Play-Off Semi-Final

Bromley v Altrincham @4pm - having seen second placed Barnet routed 4-0 at home by Solihull Moors in the first semi-final on Saturday, the Ravens know they'll have to be at their best to join the West Midlands club in the final at Wembley next Sunday. When it comes to Alty, Bromley have a fine eight-game unbeaten run against them going back to 2020 and this would be a terrible time to see that record come to an end. Tickets have sold out

Women's Super League

Tottenham Hotspur v Brighton & Hove Albion @2pm - if Spurs win here, then a highly unexpected top-four finish will still be a possibility. Robert Vilahamn's FA Cup finalists will start as favourites against the eighth-placed Seagulls who they beat 3-1 in the reverse fixture back in October. The match is being played at Leyton Orient and tickets will be available on the gate

Women's Championship

Crystal Palace v Sunderland @2pm - it's the final day of the season in the second tier and the Eagles need just a point to be absolutely certain of winning the title and claiming a place in the WSL for the first time in their 32-year history. Realistically the trophy is already theirs as their goal difference is so much better than anyone else, so this should be an afternoon where the fans get to celebrate watching their side's fantastic achievement. The Mackems are no longer in contention but they're third, could finish second with a win and will no doubt want to make the afternoon as difficult as possible for the hosts. This match is being played at Selhurst Park and tickets are available - I've got mine

Charlton Athletic v Southampton @2pm - if Palace suffer an absolutely monumental defeat, then a huge win for the second place Addicks could see them pip their south London rivals to the title on goal difference but that's highly unlikely. Finishing as runners-up would still be a fine achievement though and the fourth placed Saints could steal it off them if they win. This match is being played at The Valley and tickets are available

L&SE Women's League Premier Division

Dartford v Dorking Wanderers @3pm - with leaders Dulwich Hamlet almost certain to win at bottom club Crawley AFC, the second placed Darts have to win here against sixth-placed Dorking to keep their very slim title hopes alive. Anything less and they'll be in the fifth tier again next season. With London City Lionesses playing at the main stadium, this will take place on the adjoining 3G pitch at Princes Park

Millwall Lionesses v Fulham @6pm - if you want to see two games on Sunday then the Lions have obligingly moved this match at The Den to the early evening. There's little riding on it as the hosts are in midtable and the Cottagers' title hopes are over. Tickets are £5

GLWFL Premier

Richmond & Kew v Comets @2pm - there's a top-two clash in the women's seventh tier which could go a long way to deciding who wins the title. Currently one point apart with three games to go, it's pretty damn tight. Tooting Bec and Leyton Orient, in third and fourth, are still in the hunt too so it might well go to the final weekend. This could well be free entry

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, via X/Twitter or even by good old email.

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

TLFG: 15-21 April 2024

TLFG is back for another week and I'm really glad you could drop in.

How have the last few days of football watching been for you?

I actually managed to see a whopping two matches!

First up, on Tuesday, I took my youngest daughter to see her first match at Loftus Road.

It was an U21 game against Crewe Alexandra and QPR did us all proud by going on to win 7-0.

My first game at Loftus Road was way back in 1983, was also against Crewe and the R's also won by a seven-goal margin (8-1), there's some crazy kind of symmetry going on there!

The impressive THS played host to a Women's FA Cup Semi-Final on Sunday

It was also notable how there were a lot of Bayern Munich fans in crowd for this lunchtime game.

Over for their Champions League match against Arsenal, they'd obviously opted to do a 'double' and it was interesting to see that by the end it was the match with the most check-ins on Futbology so far that day.

On Sunday I took my eldest daughter and a friend to watch Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City in a Women's FA Cup Semi-Final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The THS is now arguably the best stadium in the country. 

I went to the first Premier League game played there against Crystal Palace five years ago and was really impressed with pretty much everything.

This time our seats in the Lower North Stand behind the goal were great but the catering was abysmal.

I'd downloaded the stadium app which promised all kinds of vegetarian and vegan delights but on arrival, the best the club could offer was smashed avocado on sourdough which a couple of 11-year-olds didn't want to touch with a bargepole.

A request to simply buy a portion of waffle fries was refused as you had to buy it in combination with a meat product.

So a bag of salt and vinegar crisps had to suffice - poor, Spurs, very poor!

As for the game itself, Tottenham made heavy weather of it and had to come from behind to beat a spirited Leicester side 2-1 with a goal just before the end of extra time.

The win sees the north London club make it to their first ever Women's FA Cup Final and I'm really chuffed for boss Robert Vilahamn who is also a volunteer youth coach at Actonians and an all-round nice guy by the sounds of things.

They'll play Manchester United at Wembley in four weeks after the Red Devils beat Chelsea in the other tie.

Lastly this week, many thanks to Mark K from Massachusetts, USA who made a donation to TLFG's coffee-drinking fund - I really appreciate it.

THE WEEK AHEAD

This week we've got matches in the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, EFL, National League, Women's Super League and 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.

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 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 15 April

Premier League

Chelsea v Everton @8pm - despite their somewhat embarrassing draw with bottom club Sheffield United last time out, the Blues are still capable of achieving a top-six finish as they've played fewer games than any club in the division. History says they should pick up three points here as they haven't lost to the Toffees at Stamford Bridge since 1994, which is their longest unbeaten home run (28 games) against any club. Sean Dyche's side slipped back towards the relegation zone last week when they were deducted two more points for financial reasons so badly need to get something. Tickets are only available to members

Premier League 2

Arsenal v Aston Villa @7pm - just over 24 hours after seeing the first team suffer a wounding 2-0 defeat to Villa, the Gunners' U21 side face the same opposition in this PL2 game. A win for the hosts will take them into the top four. This match is being played at Boreham Wood

CCL Premier North

Hilltop v Rayners Lane @745pm - leaders Flackwell Heath won their game in hand on Saturday, meaning they're now four points clear of title rivals Rayners Lane with four games to go. Psychologically this must be tough for the visitors' players as they were top for so long. Hilltop are in the bottom four primarily because they've played so few games and their schedule is bonkers with eight games in the next two weeks, then there's a few more after that! This is being played at Uxbridge and tickets will be available on the gate

--------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 16 April

Premier League International Cup Semi-Final

Crystal Palace v Everton @7pm - the Eagles made the final of this U21 competition last season where they lost to PSV Eindhoven. With the Dutch club making the final again, things are all set for Palace to gain revenge. However, they need to get through this tie first and they should as they're several places above the Toffees in the PL2 table. This is being played at Selhurst Park and tickets should be available on arrival

Surrey Senior Cup Semi-Final

Sutton United v Farnham Town @730pm - League Two side Sutton are the second most successful side the in this competition's history with 15 wins from their 28 appearances in the final. On Tuesday they welcome an ambitious club who've just won the CCL Premier South title and will no doubt want to do a double. Tickets will be available on the gate

National League

Wealdstone v Eastleigh @745pm - as we head into the final week of the NL season, one relegation place is still available and a staggering eight teams are all still scrambling to avoid it. Both of these sides are in that group and a draw will be enough for both of them to stay up if Boreham Wood lose their match at Rochdale. If The Wood win, then it could go to the final day. Tickets

Isthmian League South Central

Raynes Park Vale v Metropolitan Police @745pm - with Chertsey winning the title at the weekend, it's now all about who will claim a play-off spot. Five teams are in contention but only four will get one. RPV are currently occupying the last one but Westfield are two points behind with a game in hand so they really need to win this. The Met are in the bottom four and although they will probably stay up they could probably do with one more win to make sure of it. Tickets will be available on the gate

SSML Premier

Cockfosters v Milton Keynes Irish @745pm - the hosts still have a slim chance of making the play-offs. Seventh at the time of writing, they have a 12-point gap to make up on FC Romania but seven games in which to do it. The visitors are second, in a two-horse title race with Real Bedford and could go level on points with a win here. Tickets will be available on the gate

CCL Division 1 Cup Second Round

British Airways v Amersham Town @745pm - the top two in this division do battle in this cup competition which must be way behind schedule given this is only a second-round game. Amersham have already won the title so they'll be keen to do the double and don't have the distraction of securing second spot which BA still do. Tickets will be available on the gate

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday 17 April

Isthmian League Cup Final

Chatham Town v Hashtag United @745pm - with three cup finals taking place across town on Wednesday, you're really spoilt for choice. The biggest is this one which is being played at Aveley's ground. Running since the 1974-75 season, neither of these sides have ever won it. The Chats are currently second in the league so should start as favourites against the midtable Tags. Tickets will be available on the gate

Middlesex Senior Cup Final

Hayes & Yeading United v Rayners Lane @745pm - after trouncing Harrow Borough 5-0 in last year's final, H&YU are back to defend their title. On paper they should beat Rayners Lane who play two divisions below them but the Tithe Farm club have spent a lot on recruiting players with EFL and higher-division experience so it should be closer than it might at first look. This is being played at Uxbridge and tickets are available in advance

London Senior Trophy Final

Croydon v Wimbledon Casuals @8pm - the Trams bowed out at the semi-final stage last season to lower division opposition. This year they've made it all the way to the final and they're the favourites again as they play a side from the 11th tier Surrey Premier County League. However, Casuals should be tough to beat as they won that league last season and appear to be well on course to win it again. This is being played at Carshalton Athletic and tickets will be available on the gate

Essex Senior League

Woodford Town v Great Wakering Rovers @745pm - elsewhere in non-league, I really like the look of this game between two sides who are hoping for some play-off glory. The hosts are third and have already secured their place in the post-season whilst GWR have lots of games in hand after making it to the FA Vase Final at Wembley next month. Down in seventh, they have eight games remaining to make up the 13-point gap on fifth placed Sporting Bengal United. Tickets will be available on the gate

Women's Super League

Chelsea v Aston Villa @7pm - it's a really significant night of action in the women's game too. With Emma Hayes leaving the Blues at the end of the season, there was much talk of her completing a quadruple of trophy wins to sign off with. Sadly for her a double is the best outcome now. After losing to Arsenal in the League Cup Final, they lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday so it's now all about the WSL and Champions League. A win by two goals or more against midtable Villa will put them back on top of the league on goal difference with four games to go. This is being played at Kingsmeadow and tickets are available

L&SE Women's League Premier

Dartford v Ebbsfleet United @745pm - Dulwich Hamlet won on Sunday to open a six-point lead over the second placed Darts who have three games to go. Given the Hamlet also have a far superior goal difference, it's effectively a seven-point lead. In the harsh world of women's football, only one team get promoted so realistically a win is the only acceptable outcome for the hosts. Standing in their way are local rivals Ebbsfleet who have nothing to play for but are fourth and clearly a decent side. Tickets will be available on the gate

L&SE Women's League D1 North

Brentford v Richmond Park @745pm - although I'm told they don't pay their players, the Bees' resources dwarf anything that any other team in this division can muster. Despite this, they still have a battle on their hands to win the title. Thirteen points behind leaders SL Benfica, they have four games in hand so if they win them all they'll still be a point adrift. That's because they only managed a 2-2 draw at Clapton CFC on Sunday and Benfica won 10-0 against Hackney. Richmond Park are one of the weakest teams in the division so will almost certainly lose here. The most interesting thing about this game for groundhoppers is that it's being played at Wheatsheaf Park. Staines Town's former ground is now being used as a secondary venue by Brentford in the same way Chelsea do with Kingsmeadow so if you haven't been yet, pay it a visit. Tickets are £2

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 18 April

Europa League Quarter-Final Second Leg

West Ham United v Bayer Leverkusen @8pm - the chances of the Hammers making a second consecutive European final look slim. Bayer were crowned Bundesliga champions at the weekend and won the first leg 2-0. The Hammers warmed up for this with a 2-0 home loss to Fulham. I don't really know what much more I can say other than for the first time in ages, tickets aren't available which is highly unusual for West Ham games. If you do have one, just go along and marvel at what Xabi Alonso has achieved with the German title winners

Southern League Premier South

Hanwell Town v Plymouth Parkway @745pm - there's a juicy relegation six-pointer to be enjoyed at the Powerday Stadium. The Geordies looked as if they'd pulled themselves clear of the bottom four but one win from seven has left them in a real pickle. Third from bottom but only a point adrift with three games to go, a win here against the side just above them will make a big difference. Tickets will be available on the gate

Middlesex Charity Cup Semi-Final

Uxbridge v Broadfields United @745pm - ninth tier Broadfields continue the defence of their MCC title with a trip to the Reds who won it the year before. On paper, the hosts should start as favourites as they play a level above the visitors. Tickets will be available on the gate

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 19 April

Premier League Cup Semi-Final

Chelsea v Fulham @7pm - get your weekend underway with this attractive looking U21 fixture at Kingsmeadow. Neither of these sides have made the final since the competition began in 2013-14. The Cottagers are one place above the Blues in the PL2 table so it should be close. The winners will play Peterborough United or Sunderland in the final. Tickets will be available on the gate 

ECL Division 1 South

Barkingside v Dunmow Town @745pm - both sides will complete their league fixtures with this game. If the the 'Side win at Hoddesdon on Tuesday, they'll finish snugly in midtable whatever happens here. Dunmow are in a battle with Clapton CFC and Cannons Wood for the last play-off place. If they win at Newbury Forest on Monday, then another win here will secure it. Tickets will be available on the gate

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday 20 April

FA Cup Semi-Final

Manchester City v Chelsea @515pm - the biggest match of the weekend takes place at Wembley where the holders take on the club who have made five of the last seven finals. City got knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in midweek so they'll want to put that disappointment behind them and beat the Blues who will start as underdogs. Tickets are sold out

Championship

Watford v Hull City @3pm - well adrift of the play-off places and well clear of the relegation zone, the Hornets' season is well and truly over. Hull, on the other hand, still have a shot at the play-offs. Six points behind sixth-placed Norwich, they've got four games to catch up so they badly need to win this. Tickets

QPR v Preston North End @515pm - in the tea-time game, there's loads at stake for both teams. PNE are one of Hull's main challengers for the last play-off spot while QPR need every point they can get to stay up. Tickets

League One

Charlton Athletic v Shrewsbury Town @3pm - the Addicks have gone 13 games unbeaten to secure their place in League One for another season. The Shrews are five points behind and haven't quite made it to safety so they could do with a win here. Tickets

Leyton Orient v Fleetwood Town @3pm - the O's first season at this level following their promotion from League Two must go down as a successful one. With two games to go, a top 10 finish looks very possible. The visitors are in the bottom four but can still make it out. However, anything less than a win will see them go down. Tickets

League Two

Sutton United v Crawley Town @3pm - the U's have been fighting hard to get out of the bottom two but it looks like they'll probably fall just short. To have any chance they have to win this but Crawley need the win to stay in the hunt for a play-off place - the stakes are high! Tickets

National League

Barnet v Kidderminster Harriers @1215pm - it's the final day of the regular season in the fifth tier. The Bees are guaranteed at least a third-place finish which means they've secured a bye through the first round of the play-offs. Beating Kidderminster, who are already down, will see them end up in second. Tickets

Boreham Wood v Ebbsfleet United @1215pm - probably the biggest fifth-tier match in London is this relegation six-pointer. As we go into the final game, five teams are scrambling to avoid the one remaining relegation place and this match features two of them. The Wood are the team currently occupying it so they simply have to win to have any chance of staying up. Tickets 

Dagenham & Redbridge v Aldershot Town @1215pm - the Daggers are sitting snugly in midtable and have nothing to play for. The Shots are being kept out of the play-off places by goal difference alone so they need to be going all out to win this. Tickets

National League South

Aveley v Bath City @3pm - it's the last day in the sixth tier too. The Millers are eighth and the Romans are sixth - the top seven make the play-offs. Although not mathematically certain of their place, Bath's goal difference is way better than any of their rivals so a place would appear to be theirs. Aveley have to win or they'll miss out. Tickets

Southern League Premier South

Harrow Borough v Tiverton Town @3pm - Boro have made a valiant charge towards the finish line and three consecutive wins gave them hope of staying up. However, Tiverton's win over Winchester on Thursday night made Harrow's chances of survival almost impossible. Six points adrift with two games to go and with terrible goal difference, it seems to all be over. Anything less than a win here, will definitely finish them. Despite that midweek win, the visitors are still only one point above the relegation zone so they have to win too. Tickets will be available on the gate

Isthmian League North

New Salamis v Lowestoft Town @3pm - the hosts are in the bottom six but are safe from relegation. They can, however, play a big part in deciding who wins the division as Lowestoft are currently top. The Suffolk club arrive in north London two points clear of Bowers & Pitsea with four games to go. But it's not just about them as anyone in the top five can still finish as champions so it's tight. Tickets will be available on the gate

Isthmian League South East

Cray Valley PM v Herne Bay @3pm - the hosts are in a fight to the end with Ramsgate for the one automatic promotion place. Currently on level points with the Kent club but with one game in hand, they've just got to keep winning. Herne Bay are seventh but even if they win their remaining two games, they'll fall short of the all-important top five. Tickets will be available on the gate

CCL Premier North

Rayners Lane v Burnham @3pm - the hosts beat Hayes & Yeading, from two levels above them, to win the Middlesex Senior Cup in midweek. Currently four points behind leaders Flackwell Heath with three games to go, they're still very much in contention for the title in this division too. The visitors are fourth and still need points to make sure of making the play-offs themselves. Tickets will be available on the gate

ECL Division 1 South

Clapton CFC v Harlow Town @3pm - in the 10th tier CCFC will try and secure a play-off place on the final day of their season. A first look at the table might have you questioning that statement as the hosts are sixth and four points adrift of the top five. However, Harlow withdrew midway through the campaign last season and made themselves ineligible for promotion this season so even though they're currently in a play-off place, they can't have it. Therefore, sixth will be enough for CCFC. To get it they need to match or better what Cannons Wood do at Enfield Borough. If you haven't already got a ticket, I'm afraid it's too late as the match has sold out

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday 21 April

FA Cup Semi-Final

Coventry City v Manchester United @330pm - in the second semi-final of the weekend, we've got a real David v Goliath contest at Wembley with a Championship side taking on one of the biggest clubs in the world. The Sky Blues beat Spurs 3-2 in a thrilling final to win the FA Cup in 1987 but haven't got close since. The Red Devils last won it in 2016 and also lost in last year's final. Although United are the overwhelming favourites, they're not in great form so Coventry, who are chasing a play-off spot in the second tier, will rarely get a better chance of beating them. Tickets have sold out 

Premier League

Crystal Palace v West Ham United @3pm - the Eagles ended their winless run in fine style with a shock 1-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield last weekend. The result leaves them eight points clear of the relegation zone with six games to go. The usual points requirement for staying up is around 38 so they need another five. It's quite conceivable that they could get some here as the Hammers are really inconsistent. Last weekend they lost 2-0 at home to Fulham but then held German champions Bayer Leverkusen to an impressive 1-1 draw in the Europa League. With Manchester United pushing them out of the top seven in recent days and Chelsea snapping at their heels, they badly need a win to keep any hopes of another European campaign alive. Tickets are only available to members

Fulham v Liverpool @430pm - the Cottagers have built themselves an unwanted reputation of being a 'yo-yo' club who spend their time bouncing between the Premier League and Championship. So for them to secure another season in the top flight with relative ease is, for me, one of the success stories of the season. A win here could take them into the top 10 and breaking into the top eight by the end isn't inconceivable. However, taking anything off the title-chasing Reds will be a big achievement in itself. Tickets are only available to members

Women's Super League

Arsenal v Leicester City @2pm - the Gunners return to the Emirates Stadium for the final time this season, looking to impress another massive crowd. With four games to go, they're six points behind the top two. Given how rarely Chelsea and Manchester City drop points, that gap is almost unbridgeable so now it's all about making absolutely certain of finishing third which a win here will do if Manchester United fail to beat Spurs. Leicester are way down in 10th but made the FA Cup semi-finals this season and are, in my opinion, a better side than their league position suggests. Tickets are available

FAWNL Southern Premier

Hashtag United v Chatham Town @3pm - the Tags have had a great debut season at this level following their promotion. Top for many weeks of the season, winning this match against the already relegated Chats will see them claim the runners-up spot. This is being played at Aveley and tickets will be available on the gate

FAWNL Division 1 South East

Actonians v London Seaward @2pm - the A's play their final home game against the only other independent women's club in this division. The two met on the opening day at Oakside, where a much better prepared Seaward side won 3-1. Since then, Actonians have improved a lot and they could even break into the top four if they win here and QPR drop points at Chesham. This match is being played at Rectory Park in Northolt. Tickets are available in advance

L&SE Women's League Division 1 North

Brentford v SL Benfica @3pm - the top two in this sixth-tier division meet for what could be a title decider. The Bees have the resources to be comfortably winning this league but they're not. Currently 10 points behind Benfica with four games to go, they simply have to win here or their season is over. This match is being played at Bedfont Sports and 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!

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

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

TLFG: 8-14 April 2024

Welcome to the latest edition of TLFG.

How was your week? 

I didn't see any live football, most of my focus was on a job interview I had on Thursday - hopefully I'll have some news on that one way or another in the next week or two.

My teams had a very mixed weekend.

After superb back-to-back wins over Birmingham and Swansea to pull themselves six points clear of the relegation zone, QPR lost 2-0 at home to Sheffield Wednesday who were and still are in the bottom three!

I'm heading to the THS on Sunday and you could be too - tickets

Harrow Borough are pretty much down but still managed a 2-1 win over Beaconsfield Town to keep the hope alive. 

To be fair, even if they don't make it out of the bottom four, finishing at the top of the relegation zone could be enough to stay up if someone else folds or takes voluntary relegation as was the case last season.

In the women's game, Actonians powered to a 5-2 win over Haywards Heath Town which relegated the Sussex club.

Teenage striker Tori St Clair scored another hat-trick to take her tally to 19 goals in 19 games - impressive stuff for a 17-year-old playing at this level for the first time.

I've got a fair bit of time off this week and might pop into Loftus Road for the U21 game on Tuesday before visiting relatives in Devon at the weekend.

However, I'll be coming back to take my daughter and a friend to see Spurs play Leicester City in the semi-finals of the Women's FA Cup at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

If you've not been to this fine ground, this is a great opportunity to do it at a knockdown price - my ticket was £15.

Anyway, I think that's about it so have a great few days - the football calendar is absolutely packed at non-league level because of all the wet weather postponements in recent weeks.

THE WEEK AHEAD

This week we've got matches in the Premier League, EFL, National League, Women's Super League, Women's FA Cup and 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.

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 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 8 April

U21 Matches

There are a trio of matches spread throughout the day on Monday. Fulham kick things off against Middlesbrough at their training ground at 12pm, Watford host Hull City at Vicarage Road at 2pm before Crystal Palace conclude proceedings against Everton at 7pm at Sutton United's ground. Tickets should be no more than £5 at any of them. Check with the clubs before you travel for all the latest info

CCL Premier North

Hilltop v Rayners Lane @745pm - the hosts face a brutal schedule to clear their backlog of games before the end of the season. Even if it does ultimately get too much for them, they'll probably still just about stay up. Rayners Lane have been top pretty much all season after assembling an impressive and expensive squad but a points deduction for fielding an ineligible player has seen them usurped by Flackwell Heath. Still only a point behind but having played a game more, they have to win here to keep the pressure on. This match is being played at the Middlesex Stadium in Hillingdon

--------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 9 April

Champions League Quarter-Final First Leg

Arsenal v Bayern Munich @8pm - it seems hard to believe but this is the first time the Gunners have made the last eight of this competition since 2010. During the same period, Bayern have been to four finals and won two to make them truly one of the super clubs of Europe. However, despite this pedigree they're not in great form this year. Currently a whopping 16 points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen with six games to go and on a run of two consecutive defeats, the Bavarian giants look very beatable as they head to north London to take on the Premier League leaders. Tickets are not available

Championship

Millwall v Leicester City @745pm - can't get in at the Emirates? Then head to The Den where this second-tier match has all the ingredients to keep you royally entertained. The Lions sit precariously just two points above the relegation zone whilst leaders Leicester are locked in a thrilling title race with Ipswich and Leeds which often sees all three share top spot over the course of a round of matches - it's that close! Tickets

League One

Charlton Athletic v Wigan Athletic @745pm - the Addicks extended their unbeaten run to 11 matches with an impressive win over play-off chasing Barnsley on Saturday. It took Nathan Jones' side to 50 points which will probably be enough to keep them up. Next up they face 2013 FA Cup winners Wigan who sit just two points above them in the table and look very beatable after only one win in five. Tickets

Leyton Orient v Exeter City @745pm - nine points adrift of the play-off places with four games to go, any slim chance the O's have of going up will almost certainly end here if they don't win. They face a midtable Grecians side with nothing to play for but who are third in the form table after picking up 14 points from their last six games. Tickets

National League

Barnet v Bromley @745pm - it doesn't come much bigger than this in London non-league circles. Currently second and third in the fifth tier these two sides have been fruitlessly chasing now champions Chesterfield all season but only one of them can join them via the play-offs. To get a bye through the first round of the play-offs you have to finish second or third. Barnet look pretty secure but Bromley have Altrincham and Solihull Moors snapping at their heels so they can't afford too many slip ups in their last four games. Tickets

Wealdstone v Southend United @745pm - it's a totally different story for Barnet's local rivals Wealdstone who are in real difficulty after being thrashed 4-0 by fellow strugglers Boreham Wood on Saturday. They face a tough game against the Shrimpers who are unbeaten in 13 and would be in the play-off spots if it wasn't for a points deduction earlier in the campaign. Tickets

National League South

Dartford v Worthing @745pm - the Darts pulled off a vital away win at Havant & Waterlooville in their big relegation six-pointer on Saturday. The result keeps them in the bottom four but only one point adrift of safety. The visitors, on the other hand, picked up a stunning 3-1 win at leaders Yeovil to stop them winning the title whilst all-but securing their own play-off place. It looks like being a tough night for the hosts. Tickets

Hampton & Richmond Borough v Bath City @745pm - two more sides looking secure play-off spots meet at The Beveree. In this division the sides in second to seventh make the post-season and these clubs currently fill the last two spots. With the three or four sides below them all within touching distance, this is a game neither can really afford to lose. Tickets

Isthmian League Premier

Wingate & Finchley v Hastings United @745pm - we've got a bit of a David v Goliath contest here as one of the smallest clubs in the division takes on one of the biggest. Despite being one of the minnows, W&F always keep their heads above water but this year, they're threatening to do the unthinkable and get promoted! Last week they beat Hornchurch to delay them winning the title and now sit fourth after a comfortable win at bottom club Concord Rangers on Saturday. Hastings sit just two points outside the top five and will be desperate to win here so they can break into that elite group. Tickets will be available on the gate

Premier League International Cup Semi-Final

West Ham United v PSV Eindhoven @7pm - the Hammers take on reigning champions PSV in the last four of this U21 competition. The Dutch club beat Crystal Palace in the final last year and look well capable of defending their crown. This is being played at Dagenham & Redbridge and tickets should be available on the gate

Professional Development League

QPR v Crewe Alexandra @1pm - if you fancy seeing two games on Tuesday and want to visit Loftus Road on the cheap then this is the match for you. The R's U21 side will go second in Group South if they beat Crewe and they should as they're bottom of the 11-team Group North. Games like this are usually "pay what you want" with all proceeds to the club's trust

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday 10 April

Professional Development League

Charlton Athletic v Barnsley @2pm - this early kick-off provides another chance to see two games in a day. Being played at Dartford's ground, this midtable U21 clash isn't quite as enticing as some of the others above but a double's a double right? Tickets will be available on the gate

SSML Premier

London Lions v Cockfosters @745pm - there's a north London derby at Rowley Lane on Wednesday. Neither of these sides have pulled up any trees this season until now. Suddenly Cockfosters have a chance of breaking into the top five. Although 11 points adrift, they have four games in hand on fifth placed Harpenden and a total of 10 games still to play. Their schedule over the next few weeks is punishing but will they pull it off? A win here would help. Tickets will be available on the gate

Middlesex Premier Cup Final

Brook House v RB Kensington @745pm - a decent bit of silverware is up for grabs at Hanwell Town on Wednesday where two CCL Division 1 sides will battle it out. On the current league standings RBK will start as favourites. Tickets are £8

SCEFL Division 1

FC Elmstead v Lewisham Borough @745pm - a fierce battle for the final play-off spot in this division is in full swing. The hosts are the current incumbents but Lewisham are one of three teams within two points of them and they have a game in hand. Tickets will be available on the gate 

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 11 April

National League

Wealdstone v Dorking Wanderers @745pm - the Stones, along with Gateshead, have played fewer games than anyone else hence the need for another midweek fixture. It's looking like being absolutely huge too as it's against one of their main rivals to avoid the drop. Tickets

Southern League Premier South

Hanwell Town v Sholing @745pm - at the time of writing, these two are also in a relegation scrap in this seventh-tier division. The table could look slightly different after results earlier in the week but a win here would be priceless for both. Tickets will be available on the gate

CCL Premier North

North Greenford United v Bedfont Sports @745pm - the visitors have been third for seemingly ages and it's highly likely that's where they'll finish. NGU have a load of games in hand after poor weather and a great run in the FA Vase caused a number of postponements. In theory they have the players to get a play-off place but will they have the fitness to secure it? Tickets will be available on the gate

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 12 April

Premier League 2

Crystal Palace v Chelsea @7pm - get your weekend underway with this attractive looking U21 fixture at Sutton United's ground. The Blues could break into the top six with a win at the midtable Eagles. Tickets will be available on the gate

Essex Senior League

Woodford Town v Sporting Bengal United @745pm - if you'd prefer a non-league game instead then head north-east where two sides who have led the division meet for a bit of Friday night football. The hosts have already secured their play-off spot and a win for SBU would pretty much wrap-up theirs. Tickets will be available on the gate

Ilford v Coggeshall Town @745pm - at the other end of the division it's approaching last-chance saloon time for Ilford who are eight points adrift of safety with four games to go. Here they play the bottom club who have already been relegated who will no doubt want to do what they can to take them with them. This is being played at Barking's ground and tickets will be available on the gate

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday 13 April

Premier League

Brentford v Sheffield United @3pm - the Bees came from 2-0 down to eventually draw 3-3 at high-flying Aston Villa last weekend to extend their unbeaten run to three games. Sadly for them, all three have been draws so they're still only four points above the relegation zone. The Blades have been bottom for a while and seemingly a lost cause in many people's eyes but they managed a 2-2 draw with Chelsea and Sunday and are mathematically quite capable of staying up. Essentially this is a must-win game for both. Tickets are only available to members

Championship

Millwall v Cardiff City @3pm - the Lions picked up a priceless and unexpected 1-0 win over title-chasing Leicester on Tuesday to give their hopes of staying up a massive boost. Still only four points above the relegation zone, they've still got plenty to do. Nine points adrift of the play-off places with four games to go, Cardiff have realistically little to play for other than trying to end a winless run at The Den which stretches back to 2012. Tickets

National League

Bromley v Solihull Moors @3pm - having lost at home to Solihull in the FA Trophy last weekend, the Ravens now have a chance for some instant revenge in the league. Last time a trip to Wembley was at stake, this time it's a place in the top three and a bye through the first round of the play-offs. Both teams have accrued nine points from their last six games but the visitors seem to have a bit more momentum and will move above Bromley with a win here. Tickets

Wealdstone v Chesterfield @3pm - the Stones were sinking fast under news boss David Noble and they took the decision to sack him on Sunday after the 4-0 humiliation at Boreham Wood. His tenure lasted only 73 days. First-team coach Sam Cox took charge for a busy schedule of two midweek games. They lost 2-1 to Southend before coming from 2-0 down to beat relegation rivals Dorking Wanderers 4-2 on Thursday to keep themselves out of the bottom four. On Saturday they welcome the Spireites who have already won the league. With three defeats from four, they appear to have taken their feet off the gas. Tickets

National League South

Hampton & Richmond Borough v Dover Athletic @3pm - the hosts' lack of form finally caught up with them on Thursday night as Farnborough beat Chippenham to move above them into seventh. Now outside the play-off places on goal difference, the Beavers have got three games to turn things around and force their way back in. They won't get a much better chance to win than a match against bottom club Dover. The Kent club have been pretty abject this season and have already been relegated. Tickets

Isthmian League Premier

Wingate & Finchley v Haringey Borough @3pm - in the seventh tier we have a north London derby at Summers Lane. Located around 3 miles apart, either side of Alexandra Palace, these two have experienced very different seasons. If Wingate win this and other results go their way then they will secure a play-off spot, a superb achievement for a club which draws the smallest average attendance in the division. Haringey have had an unexpected shocker and have already been relegated - let's see if they have enough to ruin their neighbours' big day. Tickets will be available on the gate

Isthmian League South Central

Chertsey Town v Ascot United @3pm - Alwyns Lane would appear to be the place to be in the eighth tier on Saturday. The Curfews have been top for a while and they'll clinch the title with a win here, a draw could also be enough if Marlow fail to beat Westfield. The visitors stormed to the CCL Premier North title last season and won the FA Vase so a lot more was expected of them than the midtable finish they're set for. Nevertheless, they only play a few miles to the west and should bring a few fans for this derby. Chertsey have been averaging crowds of 580 this season and it wouldn't surprise me if they break four figures for this one so buy your ticket in advance

CCL Premier North

Bedfont Sports v Flackwell Heath @3pm - the biggest game in the ninth tier would appear to be this match between the sides in third and first in this division. The hosts are on an impressive 14-match unbeaten run which should see them make the play-offs. It should also mean they provide incredibly stiff opposition for the Heathens who need every point they can get to pip Rayners Lane to the title and the one automatic promotion place which is available. Tickets will be available on the gate

SCEFL Division 1

AFC Whyteleafe v Lewisham Borough @3pm - with four games to go, the Leafe are another local side who have a title win in their sights. Not as dominant as some clubs, they only have a three-point lead so a win here is vital. Lewisham, however, broke back into the top five with a crucial win at FC Elmstead on Tuesday and will do whatever it takes to hold on to that last play-off spot. Tickets will be available on the gate

AFA Senior Cup Final

Civil Service v Actonians @3pm - the showpiece event for the amateur game in London takes place at Norsemen FC in Edmonton. Founded in 1863, Civil Service are one of the oldest clubs in the world and have reached the final 10 times, more than any other club. Actonians, the men's side, have won all four of the finals they've competed in. The sides are only two points apart in the Southern Amateur League so it should be close. Admission is free so just turn up and enjoy

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Sunday 14 April

Premier League

West Ham United v Fulham @2pm - with only one defeat in five, the Hammers are just about hanging on to seventh place which would see them qualify for Europe again. The Cottagers have coasted to midtable safety this season and have little to play for coming into this. They also come into the game knowing they demolished David Moyes' side 5-0 when they last played in December so pretty much any result is possible here. Tickets

Arsenal v Aston Villa @430pm - the big game of the day sees two of the top five meet at the Emirates. The Gunners are top of the table and top of the form table so things are looking pretty good for Mikel Arteta's side. However, with Liverpool and Manchester City still snapping at their heels, they'e got to keep winning. Villa blew a 2-0 lead against lowly Brentford last weekend to lose their place in the top four so they'll be desperate to reclaim it as soon as possible. Tickets are only available to members. Hospitality packages are available from £1,630

Isthmian League South East

Erith & Belvedere v Three Bridges @3pm - if you fancy a non-league game instead then your're in luck. The Deres have had a very disappointing season after winning promotion to this level last year. With four games to go, they're seven points adrift of safety so although the task ahead of them is incredibly tough it's not impossible. It's a different story for the visitors who could confirm a play-off place with a win here. Tickets will be available on the gate 

Women's FA Cup Semi-Final

Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City @12pm - the biggest match of the day in the women's game takes place at the THS where Spurs have made it to the final four for the first time in their history. Since taking over in the summer, boss Robert Vilahamn has done a fine job to guide his side into the top six and be on the verge of a Wembley final. Leicester are ninth in the table and were beaten in a league game recently so they'll rarely get a better chance to make it to an FA Cup Final. Tickets are £15 and I've got mine

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, via X/Twitter or even by good old email.

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