TLFG: 16-22 September 2024

Greetings everyone and welcome to the latest edition of TLFG.

How has your week been?

Unbelievably, I made it to three games over the last few days and ticked off a new ground in the process.

The first was on Tuesday lunchtime when I headed to Loftus Road to watch a very young QPR side get thrashed 6-0 by Sheffield United in a development match.

Then on Wednesday night I made the short journey to the Quintin Hogg Memorial Ground in Chiswick to see Actonians Reserves take on Richmond & Kew in a London & South East Women's Regional League game.

Despite making a disappointing start to the campaign following promotion, R&K had a great evening and opened up a 2-0 half-time lead.

A few promising moves came to nothing for the A's before a thunderous effort nearly took the net out to give the hosts a 3-0 win.

Actonians' American captain Mara Bramwell makes her presence felt against Abingdon United 

It was the first cold night of the autumn and a jumper and coat were definitely in order.

Located on the north bank of the Thames by Chiswick Bridge, the QHMG is a fine modern 3G facility which is so new it doesn't exist on Google Maps.

It's quite similar to Rectory Park but doesn't have any covered seating and I don't think there were any refreshments available which I think renders it of no use in the Women's National League and the top six levels of men's non-league football.

It is, however, absolutely fine for Step 7 and below with Surrey Premier County side AFC Cubo currently using it as their home ground.

Today (Sunday), I returned to watching the first team but instead of heading to the aforementioned Rectory Park, my daughter and I went to Bedfont Sports as I presume the former was already booked up.

Located very close to the runway at Heathrow, this ground is famous for fans being able to watch football and airliners at the same time and my five-year-old was pretty thrilled by the experience - particularly on the walk back to Hatton Cross as they fly right over your head!

Today's opponents were Abingdon United, who play in a parallel fourth-tier division to Actonians, in the Preliminary Round of the Women's National League Plate.

Even with several senior players rested, it was apparent that the A's have a good young squad this year and they were at it from the off.

Numerous chances came and went before Ikraam Mohamed prodded home from a corner on 26 minutes before Khyri McKenzie doubled the lead two minutes later.

Mohamed was on target again shortly before the hour after a bad mix-up in the visitors' defence and that was it.

Many more chances came and went but it ended 3-0 and they now travel to Chatham Town in the next round in two weeks.

So what have you been up to? 

I'm going on to early shifts at work tomorrow so my chances of seeing any games this week look slim but you never know.

Lastly this week, many thanks to Chris from Germany for donating to TLFG's coffee-drinking fund. I really, really appreciate it.

THE WEEK AHEAD  

Over the next few days we've got games in the Premier League, EFL, EFL Cup, National League, FA Trophy, FA Vase and FA Youth Cup on the male side.

The Women's Super League gets underway this week, the Championship continues and as well as National League games, we've also got the next round of the Women's FA Cup too.

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 16 September

Essex Senior League

Ilford v Romford @745pm - the Foxes are having issues hosting games at Cricklefield and have therefore played all of their five fixtures away from home. It is for this reason that this game has been moved to Redbridge's home at Oakside. With all the travelling, they've only managed to pick up three points and are in the relegation zone. The visitors have had a much better start, sit fourth and should be favourites going into this derby. Tickets will be available on the gate

FA Youth Cup First Qualifying Round

The next round of the country's most prestigious U18 competition gets underway this week and there are ties every day except Saturday. On Monday, the local derby between Dartford and Erith Town would be my pick of the games

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Tuesday 17 September

EFL Cup Third Round

Brentford v Leyton Orient @745pm - after narrowly losing to Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday, the Bees return to League Cup action on Tuesday night. They've drawn League One strugglers and fellow Londoners Orient who have only won one league game this season. Although starting very much as second favourites, the O's managed to cause an upset in the last round by beating the higher-ranked Millwall but this presents a significantly harder challenge. Games like this present groundhoppers and casual football watchers with a rare chance to watch a game at the often sold out GTech so don't miss your chance to get tickets

QPR v Crystal Palace @745pm - just up the road in Shepherds Bush, the R's will be looking to pick up a notable scalp in another London derby. These sides were very similar size clubs for many years but the Eagles have now established themselves in the top flight whilst QPR have become a staple of the Championship. For many Rangers fans, this is all about the return of former star Eberechi Eze who moved to Palace four years ago and he's likely to receive a warm reception. In terms of club honours, the League Cup represents QPR's greatest ever triumph. They won it by beating West Brom in 1967 and also made the final in 1986. Palace have never won it but they put out a very strong side in the last round and it's believed they could be taking it very seriously this year. Tickets

Premier League International Cup

Crystal Palace v Real Sociedad @7pm - in an unfortunate bit of scheduling, the Eagles' U21 side are also playing the same night. This competition sees young sides from the Premier League and around Europe first compete in a group stage before moving on to the knockout rounds. All matches are played in England. Palace are the reigning champions and were runners-up the season before that. The visitors play in the third tier in Spain and are making their debut in the competition this season. This match is being played at Sutton United and tickets are available

FA Cup Second Round Qualifying Replays

Wingate & Finchley v Cray Wanderers @745pm - after fighting out a 1-1 draw at Flamingo Park on Saturday lunchtime, these two Isthmian Premier sides will have to do it all again. There's little to choose between them in the league at the moment so it could well go to penalties. Neither side have made it beyond the qualifying rounds before and with the draw for the next round on Monday, they should know who they'll be playing if they progress. Tickets

Barking v Gorleston @745pm - the ninth-tier Blues are the lowest-ranked London club left in this season's FA Cup after a 2-2 draw in Norfolk. It could've been so much better for Jonny Fowell's side as they were 2-0 up but sadly couldn't hold on. The visitors play a level above them in the Isthmian North so beating them will definitely represent an upset. Tickets are £10 on the gate

Isthmian League South East

Beckenham Town v Margate @745pm - it seems the Becks are going through a weird cycle of boom and bust in recent years. Two seasons ago they pushed for the title and last season they were so bad, they required a reprieve to stay up. The 2024/25 campaign has got off to another flyer and they're top. Unbeaten after six matches, they next face a Margate side who were relegated from the Isthmian Premier last season and who arrive on the back of a resounding 4-0 win at Bognor in the FA Cup. Tickets will be available on the gate

CCL Premier North

Egham Town v Amersham Town @745pm - with boss Jordan Berry back from his stint at Harrow Borough, the Sarnies have made a solid start. Currently fourth in this ninth-tier division, they look set to challenge for a play-off place as they did the last time he was in charge. On Tuesday, they face a visit from a team who are riding the crest of a wave. Amersham romped to the CCL Division 1 title last season and have started well again. They're only eighth at the moment because they've played fewer games than everyone else as a result of the sensational FA Cup run they're also on. Saturday saw them beat Isthmian League club Burgess Hill Town in Sussex as they achieved their best ever performance in the competition. Tickets will be available on the gate

CCL Division 1

London Samurai Rovers v Windsor & Eton @745pm - Tuesday night gives you the chance to take a look at another side who've made an impressive start. Playing at this level for the first time since re-forming in 2023, the visitors are really making people sit up and take notice. With 10 wins from 11 games, the Berkshire club are four points clear at the top already. LSR, on the other hand, are winless in 10 and really struggling - there looks like being only one winner. This match is being played at Hanworth Villa and tickets will be available on the gate

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Wednesday 18 September

SSML Premier

London Lions v Colney Heath @8pm - the highest level game on offer on Wednesday is this rather unremarkable ninth-tier match at Rowley Lane. The hosts are going along well enough in eighth whilst the visitors, who hail from the outskirts of St Albans, are in 10th. Tickets will be available on the gate

CCL Division 1

Staines & Lammas (Middlesex) v Westside @745pm - clubs in TLFG's catchment area have made a bright start, filling six of the current top 10 positions in this 10th-tier division. The hosts have just enjoyed promotion from the SPCFL and are more than holding their own in that group. Westside are also up there so this should produce an evenly-matched contest. This is being played at Abbey Rangers and tickets will be available on the gate

SPCFL Premier

Dial Square v Addlestone @745pm - talking of the SPCFL, the hosts are now up to the 11th tier and well worth keeping an eye on. Dial Square was the name originally used by Arsenal and this club was formed in 2020 by a Gunners fan who was disillusioned with the way Stan Kroenke was running them. They play just down the road from Abbey Rangers (mentioned above) at Chertsey Town's ground and this match sees them play Addlestone in a derby. Tickets are £5 on the gate

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Thursday 19 September

FA Youth Cup First Round Qualifying

Today is all about matches in this U18 competition. There are three games spread around the capital but it's the one between Barking and Ware which most interests me. The Blues had a superb run in this last season and went all the way to the Third Round where they took Millwall to extra-time at The Den before losing 5-3. They've still got to win many more matches just to equal that run but it would be great to see them get close again. Tickets will be available on the gate

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Friday 20 September

Women's Super League

Chelsea v Aston Villa @7pm - the WSL gets underway on Friday night with this match at Kingsmeadow. The Blues won the title again last year but they're having to begin this campaign without the legendary Emma Hayes at the helm. She's been replaced by French coach Sonia Bompastor who won pretty much everything with Lyon as a player and manager. They've brought in a number of new players too including Lioness Lucy Bronze who's likely to make her debut here. Villa finished a disappointing seventh last season and they've brought in a Lioness of their own in the form of Katie Robinson. They also spent £250,000 on Brazilian striker Gabi Nunes to give them a bit more firepower. Adult tickets are £16 and there are only a few left

Professional Development League

Watford v Charlton Athletic @1pm - if you're also around earlier in the day then you've got the chance to see this U21 game too. It's being played at Vicarage Road so it's a great chance to get that groundhopper tick on the cheap if you've never been. I haven't seen any ticket details yet but it shouldn't be more than £5 - check on the day for all the latest info

FA Vase Second Round Qualifying

Enfield Borough v Frenford @745pm - the next round of this national knockout competition for clubs in the ninth and tenth tiers gets underway on Friday. The hosts play a level below Frenford so will do well to win. Both sides are fairly new to the Vase but both have previously made it as far as the Second Round proper. This match is being played at Wingate & Finchley and tickets will be available on the gate

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Saturday 21 September

Premier League

West Ham United v Chelsea @1230pm - there's a busy programme of top-flight games in London on Saturday so the capital's transport infrastructure is likely to be heavily loaded. It all begins at the London Stadium at lunchtime with this tasty looking derby. With only one win from four, the Hammers could've made a better start and on form they should start as second favourites here. The Blues are higher up the table but a title challenge still looks beyond them despite their largesse with transfer fees and contracts. They've also not won here since 2021 so a draw looks quite likely. Tickets are available

Fulham v Newcastle United @3pm - with only one defeat from four games, the Cottagers have made a respectable start and are hovering in midtable. The Magpies, however, are unbeaten and up in the top three. The hosts' record against the Toon is pretty bad - they're currently winless in nine and have lost the last six in all competitions so it's not looking too promising. Maybe that's reason why tickets are on general sale

Tottenham Hotspur v Brentford @3pm - we've also got a derby in N17 where it's a case of North versus West. With only one league win, Spurs have made a pretty underwhelming start and were very close to being dumped out of the EFL Cup by Coventry in midweek before some late goals saved them. The Bees continue to belie their minnow status and gave Manchester City a run for their money at the Etihad last weekend before losing 2-1. Although their current form is better, they've only won one of the six games they've played against Tottenham since joining the Premier League three years ago. I was actually offered a ticket to this but am working so sadly had to refuse. Tickets are only on sale to members but hospitality packages are available from £299

Crystal Palace v Manchester United @530pm - in the late game, the Eagles will go in search of their first league win of the season. Palace did the double over United last season and stuffed them 4-0 at Selhurst Park in May so they should feel capable of getting something against a side who are currently 10th in the league. Tickets are only on sale to members and hospitality packages have sold out

Championship

QPR v Millwall @1230pm - if Premier League prices are putting you off, then this derby in Shepherds Bush certainly won't be lacking in atmosphere. Games between these two are always lively and in recent seasons both sides have often needed to win these matches to keep themselves out of the relegation zone. Although the R's have made a better start and have home advantage, the Lions and their fans are always up for these games and nothing can be taken for granted. The away allocation sold out in quick time but you can still get tickets in home areas

League One

Charlton Athletic v Blackpool @3pm - with only one defeat, the Addicks are joint top as they've enjoyed a fine start to the campaign. The same can't be said of Blackpool and they sacked manager Neil Critchley a month ago. Just a point above the relegation zone, you can't see them getting much here. Tickets

Premier League 2

Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion @230pm - there's a random bit of U21 action at Kingsmeadow on Saturday afternoon. Other than Blues fans who can't get a ticket for the first team, I can't see who this match will really appeal to as there are lots of much better competitive match options to choose from. Tickets are £7

National League

Wealdstone v Barnet @530pm - the non-league game of the day is this derby which is being played in Ruislip. The main reason these two sides have a grudge is related to The Hive where the Bees now play. It's complicated but essentially, it was intended to become the Stones' new home and they never ended up moving in. Visiting supporters have been known to vandalise the ground and it's facilities on previous visits. However, this is being played at Grosvenor Vale. To add a little more spice to the contest, Barnet manager Dean Brennan left Wealdstone to join their rivals three years ago and he's done a good job as they've become perennial promotion contenders. With the hosts third from bottom and visitors third from top, they've both got lots to play for and the atmosphere could be intense. Tickets

Sutton United v Ebbsfleet United @3pm - things should be a little calmer at Gander Green Lane where the U's will look for their second consecutive win after a poor run of results. With three defeats in a row and a number of draws before that, fans were starting to worry but a 3-1 win at Southend United made things look a lot better. The visitors are bottom but won their first game of the season last weekend to give new boss Harry Watling a great start. With Sutton having spent some time in the EFL, these two haven't played since 2019/20 and it was Ebbsfleet who won last time they visited GGL. Tickets

National League South

Hornchurch v Chelmsford City @3pm - there are three games in the sixth tier on Saturday but I've gone for this as my pick as it's an Essex derby. The Urchins won promotion to this level last season and are more than holding their own in 12th. The visitors often challenge for promotion and finished second last year before losing in the play-offs. They've made a disappointing start but an ambitious new owner has recently taken over and they've won two in a row to start climbing the table. Tickets

Isthmian League Premier

Cray Valley PM v Billericay Town @3pm - two of the top four in this division meet in the game of the day in the seventh tier. The hosts are new to this level following promotion and have adapted well. Fourth and unbeaten in six, they should be confident of getting at least a point against a Ricay side who will be looking to achieve a repeat of the play-off spot they managed last season. Tickets

FA Trophy Second Round Qualifying

Hadley v Ipswich Wanderers @3pm - although a cup match, if you want to see some eighth-tier teams in action then head to north London for this. The Bricks have been superb this season, have yet to lose and are top of the Southern League Division 1 Central. On Saturday they entertain a team from a parallel division of the Isthmian League but they're only midtable and should be beaten. Tickets are £10 on the gate

FA Vase Second Round Qualifying

Bedfont Sports v Bedfont @3pm - it's also Vase day with loads of ties featuring ninth and tenth-tier clubs taking place around the capital. The pick of the bunch for me is the Bedfont derby. There are lots of local rivalries all over London but this must geographically be the closest as the clubs inhabit grounds which are literally right next to each other. The hosts play a level above the visitors so will start as favourites. Don't forget, you also get to watch all those planes landing at Heathrow too. Tickets are £8 on the gate

Chipstead v VCD Athletic @3pm - after many years in the Isthmian League and the FA Trophy, the Chips are back in the ninth tier and playing in the Vase for the first time since 2006/07. After getting past Chessington & Hook United in the last round, they now face one of the best teams at this level. Already seven points clear at the top of the SCEFL, the Vickers should consider themselves as one of the favourites to win the competition. Tickets are £10 on the gate

Clapton CFC v Hoddesdon Town @3pm - for a bit of atmosphere then the biggest crowd of the round could well be found at the Old Spotted Dog which is the capital's oldest stadium. The sides are both seventh in their respective 10th-tier divisions so it should be close. Tickets are £5 on the gate

Edgware & Kingsbury v Newport Pagnell Town @3pm - the hosts are really struggling and are bottom of the ninth tier CCL Premier North. On Saturday they welcome NPT who have made two of the last three finals at Wembley, winning once in 2022. Although their league campaign hasn't started that well, they're Vase royalty and this tie will be taking place within sight of the national stadium and its famous arch. Tickets are £7 on the gate

Wembley v FC Deportivo Galicia @3pm - if you're on the 'Road to Wembley' and trying to see a match in every round then you really should try and see Wembley FC in action at Vale Farm. Currently fifth in the ninth tier CCL Premier North, they've had one of their best starts for some time. Tenth-tier FCDG play in the division below and are really struggling so it looks good for the hosts. Tickets are £8 on the gate

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Sunday 22 September

Women's Super League

Arsenal v Manchester City @1230pm - with reigning champions Chelsea opening their WSL campaign with a win over Aston Villa on Friday, their two main title rivals meet at the Emirates Stadium in their first games on Sunday lunchtime. City had a wonderful chance to become champions last season but conceded two late goals against the Gunners in their penultimate game to effectively hand the Blues the title. Arsenal and boss Jonas Eidevall have a lot to prove as despite their big names and big crowds, they've only won two League Cups during the three years he's been in charge. Both sides played Champions League first-leg games in midweek with City thrashing Paris FC 5-0 in France and Arsenal disappointing with a 1-0 defeat to Hacken in Gothenburg. On these showings, you'd have to fancy the visitors here. Tickets are available

Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace @2pm - over at Brisbane Road in Leyton, last season's beaten FA Cup finalists Spurs begin their campaign against the newly promoted Eagles who are playing their first ever game at this level. With Palace pipping Charlton to the Championship crown by just a point last season, they had to make some signings and they've brought in nine new players from around England, Europe and the USA. Survival will be their main priority and a point will represent a great start. Tickets are £10 on the gate

Women's Championship

Charlton Athletic v Durham @12pm - after two games of the new season, these two are the only sides with a 100% record. The visitors have scored one more goal than the Addicks to put them marginally ahead. With other clubs in the division having some serious money thrown at them this year, they're doing well to already be ahead. This match is being played at The Valley and tickets are two for the price of one

London City Lionesses v Bristol City @2pm - LCL are one of those teams to have received some serious investment and they've picked up four points from their first two games. Sunday's match against City will be a great test of their credentials as they've just come down from the WSL. The match is being played at Bromley and tickets are £13

FAWNL Southern Premier

AFC Wimbledon v Exeter City @2pm - the Dons are new to this level and are still finding their feet but with five points from four games, they've shown enough to convince most that they'll probably be okay. The Grecians are also new to the division but are one of four teams to be sharing top spot after a fine start. This is being played at Raynes Park Vale and tickets are £7 on the gate

Hashtag United v MK Dons @3pm - the Tags are also part of the leading group and they'll start as huge favourites against the bottom club who have already conceded 28 goals in just five games. Hashtag were runners-up last year and beat Newcastle United to win the League Cup. This is being played at Aveley and tickets are £5 on the gate

Watford v Cheltenham Town @2pm - just below the leading group, we have these two in fifth and sixth. The Hornets got relegated from the Championship last season and will be looking to bounce back straight away. The visitors won their first two but are now winless in three and will be looking to arrest that slide. This match is being played at Wealdstone and tickets are £7

FAWNL Division 1 South East

London Bees v Actonians @2pm - these two last met just over three weeks ago in the Determining Round of the League Cup. Both sides rested players and the Bees edged to a 2-1 win, inflicting the visitors' only defeat of the season so far. In the league, it's the A's who've made the better start with 10 points from four games putting them right up there with the leaders and they'd hope to get at least a point here. Tickets are £5

London Seaward v Ashford Town (Middlesex) @2pm - after five games these two find themselves filling the bottom two so this game is of huge importance for both already. Seaward have managed one win this season whilst the Tangerines have lost every game and conceded 25 goals in the process. Tickets are available on the gate but I can't find any info on the price but it shouldn't exceed £7

Women's FA Cup Second Round Qualifying

At this stage of the competition, fifth tier teams enter the draw. Some of the lower-division sides that have made it this far play on little more than park pitches so it's a huge weekend for some of them. There are loads of ties around London but here are my pick:

Dartford v Hammersmith @2pm - after causing a huge shock by thrashing sixth tier Bromley 4-0 in the last round, Hammersmith head to the impressive surrounds of Princes Park to take on a club which narrowly missed out on promotion to the fourth tier last season. The Darts will start as huge favourites and anything less than a comfortable win should raise eyebrows. Tickets are £5 on the gate

Haringey Borough v Royston Town @2pm - both of these sides are in the top three of the fifth tier ERWFL and would probably have been licking their lips at the prospect of playing one of the many minnows in the draw. Instead they both face the prospect of an early exit. I haven't seen any ticket prices but I'd expect £5

Chigwell v Luton Town @2pm - whatever the female equivalent of David and Goliath is, this match is pretty much it for the round. East London club Chigwell play in the seventh tier and are one of those aforementioned sides who use little more than a park pitch for their games. The Hatters are right up there with Haringey and Royston at the top of the ERWFL and famously made it all the way to the Fourth Round last season before bowing out to WSL side Brighton. Admission is free as you can just stroll up

Epsom & Ewell v Fulham @2pm - come to think of it, you could argue that this is even more of a mismatch with the hosts playing in the eighth tier and the Cottagers among the leaders in their fifth tier division. The last time I looked this was being played at Cobham but Fulham have venue 'TBC' on their website so check on the day if you do want to go 

GET INVOLVED

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

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