TLFG: 14-20 October 2024

Welcome one and all to this week's TLFG.

As I write this, it's Monday morning, it's raining steadily outside and I'm about to meet up with blog reader Liam B to go on the latest of my A-Z of football club runs.

Today we're doing F and rather than just run to Fulham which is local to both of us, we've decided to meet at Craven Cottage and then attempt to run along the river to Fisher who play in Rotherhithe.

I'm not certain of the mileage but he's capable of ultramarathon distance and I did my half two weeks ago so let's see what happens.

Back on the football-watching front, I managed two games last week.

Tenth-tier club Croydon are continuing their community outreach efforts

First up I went to Loftus Road on Tuesday to see QPR U21s narrowly lose 1-0 to their counterparts from Bristol City in what was a pretty entertaining game.

Then on Sunday, I made my first visit to Rectory Park since February to see Actonians play Dartford in their crucial Women's FA Cup Third Round Qualifying match.

I say crucial because the prize money on offer is substantial and makes a huge difference to clubs, particularly independent women's ones like the A's.

Sunday's tie was worth £4,000 to the winners and Dartford, from the division below, stood in the way.

The gap between the fourth tier and decent fifth tier sides like the Darts is small and they appear to be clearly well resourced, turning up with enough subs and support staff to fill two benches.

The Kent club were a big, physical side who asserted themselves well and saw a goal ruled out for offside shortly before Actonians took the lead.

Jennie Brereton's ball into the box found the onrushing Dior Knorr who rounded the keeper and finished well.

The teenage striker who joined in the summer has been a revelation and is well clear in the race for the club's golden boot already.

Thereafter it was pretty much Dartford who dominated things.

German goalkeeper Elisa Dogor, who got hitched on Saturday, pulled off some fine saves to keep them out before Knorr scored a second with 12 minutes to got after a fine through ball from Kat Turner.

This visibly lifted the pressure and although around nine minutes of time were added on at the end, Actonians held on for the win and the money.

Right, I've got to get myself to Craven Cottage - have a great week. 

THE WEEK AHEAD

With the international break now over, we've got a full Premier League and EFL programme to look forward to.

Aside from that, we also have games in the Women's Champions League, National League, Isthmian League, Southern League and a load of ties in the First Round of the FA Vase.

On Sunday there are a few men's non-league games but it's mainly about women's football with the WSL and FAWNL League Cup taking centre stage.

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 14 October

Middlesex Premier Cup First Round

Hillingdon Borough v CB Hounslow & Abbots @730pm - the hosts don't get mentioned in here all that often, largely because they've had a pretty lean last few years. Finishing in the CCL Division 1's bottom four in two of the last three seasons, there hasn't been much to shout about. This year has seen a much brighter start, currently seventh and with games in hand on most of those above them, things look promising. On Monday, they play a side from the level below them in the opening round of this cup competition and should start as favourites

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Tuesday 15 October

Professional Development League

Charlton Athletic v Ipswich Town @1pm - this lunchtime U21 game ensures the possibility of being able to do a 'double' on Tuesday. Being played at Dartford's ground, you'll have more than enough time to get to second match later in the day. As for this game, the Addicks are currently top of Group South in this league, whilst Ipswich are five points behind in fourth. Tickets should be available on the gate for no more than £5

Kent Senior Cup Second Round

Bromley v Dartford @745pm - when I started writing this blog in the 2011/12 season, these two were both in the sixth tier and enjoying some decent derby games. Thirteen years later, three divisions now separate them following two promotions for the Ravens and one relegation for the Darts. Now in the EFL, it's good to see Bromley still entering this competition and hosting games. On paper they should win but I'd expect a fair few youngsters to be given a go which should even things up a bit. Tickets

Southern League Premier South

Walton & Hersham v Gosport Borough @745pm - fourth and with a game in hand on the top three, the Swans are the top TLFG club in this in this seventh-tier division. On Tuesday they welcome a Gosport side who are towards the wrong end of the division but have a couple of games in hand after a fine run in the FA Cup. Sadly that run came to an end at Wealdstone on Saturday but they'll hope to now refocus and get on with the task of climbing the table. Tickets will be available on the gate for £12

London Senior Cup Second Round

Harrow Borough v QPR U21 @745pm - it's a big night at Earlsmead and at TLFG Towers where my favourite non-league and pro clubs meet in a competitive game. Harrow required an injury-time equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw against Leatherhead on Saturday, a result which kept them second in the Isthmian South Central. The R's U21 side have been shambolic at times this season but also quite hard to predict. Over the course of a week last month, they lost 6-0 to Sheffield United on the Tuesday, won 7-0 against Preston on the Friday and lost 6-0 to Burnley the following Tuesday. Things have become a bit steadier since then but it's hard to know what kind of side is going to turn up. Tickets are £10 on the gate

Middlesex Senior Cup

Northwood v Brentford U21 @745pm - bar one drawn game, the hosts have lost every match they've played so far this season so it's unsurprising to see them bottom of their eighth-tier division and on the hunt for a new manager. On Tuesday they welcome a young Bees side who take this competition very seriously. They've made two of the last four finals, winning one and losing the other on penalties. It could be another tough night for the Southern League club. Tickets are £10 on the gate

Isthmian League South Central

Raynes Park Vale v Farnham Town @745pm - Tuesday also gives you a chance to take a look at the mighty Farnham who already look set to achieve another promotion after running away with the CCL Premier South last season. Top of this eighth-tier division and having already thrashed second-placed Harrow, they next take their unbeaten record to Grand Drive. RPV finished just short of a play-off spot last season but they're up in the top six again and should be able to pose the leaders a few challenging questions. Tickets are £10 on the gate

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Wednesday 16 October

UEFA Women's Champions League

Arsenal v Valerenga @8pm - Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall has just had a week to forget. A 0-0 draw at home to struggling Everton followed by losses to Bayern Munich and biggest rivals Chelsea has left them in some difficulty. On Wednesday they welcome one of Norway's top clubs to the Emirates for what can only be described as a must-win game. Valerenga are well clear at the summit of the Toppserien but did lose 1-0 to Juventus in their last Champions League game last week. Tickets

Essex Senior League

Woodford Town v White Ensign @745pm - if you'd prefer a men's game instead then I'd recommend a trip to north-east London where the hosts will look to win one of their games in hand and go top of the division. Woodford lost out in the play-offs last season and will hope to go one better this time. White Ensign, who hail from Southend, are in midtable and should be beaten

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Thursday 17 October

L&SE Women's League D1 North

Clapton CFC v Hackney @745pm - the pick of the action on Thursday takes place at the Old Spotted Dog which is the oldest football ground in London. It's also an east London derby so should be well worth a watch. Likely to be the last game under lights at this venue before the end of the year, CCFC usually draw excellent crowds for this level so there should be a decent atmosphere. The merchandise stall is also well worth a visit too. Suggested entry to women's games is £5 but there's a concessionary 'Pay What You Want' offer for a large group of people including local residents, trade union members, the unemployed and refugees - have a look at the full list to see if you qualify

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Friday 18 October

Premier League International Cup

Crystal Palace v Sporting Lisbon @7pm - get your weekend underway by watching some of Europe's up-and-coming talent at Selhurst Park in this U21 game. The Eagles won this competition last year and made the final the year before that. They began the defence of their title with a draw against Real Sociedad in their opening group game so they'll hope for a win here. This will be Sporting's first game of their campaign. Tickets

Essex Senior League Cup

Romford v Stanway Rovers @745pm - there are also several non-league games on Friday with this the best of what's on offer. The hosts had a great season last year which saw them make the play-offs and win the FA Vase at Wembley. The top of the ESL is really tight at the moment with only three points between first and fifth. Romford and Stanway are both in this leading group so we could have quite a match on our hands here. This match is being played at Barking and tickets will be available on the gate for £8

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Saturday 19 October

Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United @1230pm - we've got a London derby to kick things off at lunchtime on Saturday. Sitting a couple of points apart in midtable, it's fair to say that these sides have made a bit of an underwhelming start. Sitting ninth, eight points behind leaders Liverpool, Spurs will probably feel the more disappointed as their expectations would no doubt have been higher. Their last match before the international break saw them throw away a 2-0 lead before losing 3-2 to Brighton and they'll desperately want to improve on that. The Hammers thrashed newly promoted Ipswich 4-1 in their last match but it was only their second win and they'll want to start building some momentum. Tickets are only available to members but hospitality packages are available from £199

Fulham v Aston Villa @3pm - in terms of league placings, this is actually a better looking match than the derby above as both are in the top eight. The Cottagers are playing some good stuff under Marco Silva and a starting to re-establish themselves in the Premier League after several years of yo-yoing between the divisions. Villa finished in the top four last season, famously beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League a couple of weeks ago and are pushing for a high finish again. They've also won five of their last six league games against Fulham so will start as favourites for me. Tickets appear to have sold out but you can still enquire about hospitality packages

Championship

Millwall v Derby County @3pm - if you can't get into either of the above, then the second tier could well provide your entertainment on Saturday. The Lions avoided relegation last season but still finished in the bottom half of the table. Sadly, not a lot has improved and they're down there again. Given how big some of the clubs in the Championship are, 18th out of 24 isn't a disaster by any means and as long as they pick up the odd win every few weeks, then they'll be fine. The Rams are newly promoted from League One but have a much more illustrious history having been crowned English champions twice in the '70s and last playing in the Premier League in 2008. In the top half, they're holding their own and should be capable of at least a draw. Tickets

QPR v Portsmouth @3pm - for me, there's a bigger game at Loftus Road where two of the bottom three meet in this early season 'six-pointer'. Since suffering relegation from the Premier League in 2015, the R's have showed little sign of returning, with 14th being their average finishing position over the last 10 years. The last two seasons have seen them come dangerously close to relegation and this season looks like being tough again. Pompey were a Premier League side between 2003-2010 and won the FA Cup in 2008. Sadly it came at a huge cost as the club's finances fell apart and within three years they were in League Two. Now back in the second tier for the first time since 2012, they're getting great crowds at Fratton Park but they're struggling to adapt on the pitch and they're the only side in the division who have yet to win a game. A look at the record books also shows the Hampshire club haven't won a league game in W12 since 1961 so now would be a great time to end that run. Tickets

League One

Charlton Athletic v Stockport County @3pm - two of the third tier's top eight meet at The Valley in an intriguing looking game. The Addicks made a great start but then three straight defeats saw them start to slide. Thankfully they ended that run before the international break with a superb 1-0 win over top club Birmingham City who were unbeaten at that point. They're now level on points with sixth-placed Stockport. With only one defeat themselves, you'd expect the Mancunian club would be higher up but they've drawn four of their last six games. Tickets

League Two

Bromley v Tranmere Rovers @3pm - Hayes Lane plays host to another important match at the wrong end of the table, with both clubs in the bottom six. The Ravens got off to a promising start but now haven't won a league game since August. Like Millwall, things aren't desperate as they're drawing a lot of games and just about keeping their heads above water. The visitors are only a point above them and having a very similar season. These sides met six times before Covid when they were both in the National League and Tranmere won five and drew one so their record against the south London club is pretty excellent. Tickets

National League

Sutton United v Oldham Athletic @3pm - I often try to write previews for all fifth-tier games but I'm pushed for time so will only do one. The biggest game of the day at this level sees a former EFL club welcome one of the clubs who competed in the inaugural season of the Premier League. The U's edged past Southern League club Chertsey Town in the FA Cup last weekend to book a mouthwatering home tie with Birmingham City. Now back on league duty, they could get themselves back into the play-off places if they can beat the Latics who are a top-six club themselves. Tickets

National League South

Enfield Town v Aveley @3pm - in the sixth tier there's another big game between early-season strugglers. The Towners are playing at this level for the first time since their formation in 2001 but have found things tough since winning the Isthmian League play-offs. Aveley went up the year before and made the NLS play-offs last season but didn't go up again - if they had, it would've been their third consecutive promotion. This season their form has tailed off sharply and they've managed only one win from their 11 games so far. Tickets

Isthmian League Premier

Dulwich Hamlet v Billericay Town @3pm - TLFG reader Liam B, mentioned above, got turned away from Champion Hill last week as the Hamlet sold out against Hastings. This Saturday they face another big game as the team in third pay a visit from Essex. Dulwich are fifth so this game shows real potential. To make sure you don't end up like Liam, buy your tickets in advance 

Isthmian League South Central

Hanworth Villa v Harrow Borough @3pm - it's a case of fifth versus second at Rectory Meadow. After winning the CCL Premier North in 2021/22, the hosts have enjoyed two good seasons in the eighth tier, finishing fourth and seventh. This season has seen them start in similar form and on Saturday they'll have a great chance to prove just how good they are. If you put aside a number of reprieves, Boro suffered their first relegation in decades last season but seem to have found their level after regularly struggling in the seventh tier. With a whole new management team and very different squad in place, they've only lost once and beat QPR U21s on penalties in the London Senior Cup on Tuesday night. Tickets are £11 on the gate - cash or card

FA Vase First Round

This national knockout competition for clubs in the ninth and tenth tiers, with its final at Wembley. has reached its 'proper' stage. There are numerous ties around the capital. Here are my top three:

AFC Whyteleafe v Saltdean United @3pm - fans of the Leafe have had an eventful few years. In 2021 they were supporting an Isthmian League club but then they suddenly folded over problems with the lease at their Church Road ground. They reformed almost immediately as AFC Whyteleafe and have climbed back up to the ninth tier in quick time. Now second in the CCL Premier South, they're well set for getting back to the level they folded at. Saltdean are in the parallel SCFL Premier but are in the bottom three and should be beaten. Tickets will be available on the gate for £8

Egham Town v Colliers Wood United @3pm - Jordan Berry did a great job with the Sarnies a couple of seasons ago and got headhunted by Harrow Borough. The jump of two divisions proved to be too much and the young manager is now back at the Runnymede Stadium where he's guided his side to the top of the CCL Premier North. On Saturday they'll start as strong favourites against CWU who play a level below them after getting relegated last season. I've got a really good feeling about Egham's chances in the Vase this season and fancy them to at least match their best of getting to the Fourth Round. Tickets will be available on the gate, I'm not sure of the price but it shouldn't exceed £10

VCD Athletic v Roffey @3pm - in south-east London we're lucky enough to have another one of the ninth tier's hottest teams.The Vickers are currently top of the SCEFL with 10 wins, two draws and no defeats from their 12 games so far. Like Saltdean, Sussex club Roffey play in the SCFL but are in midtable. They enjoyed their best run in the Vase last season, making the Third Round, but they'll do really well to get through this tie. Tickets are £10 on the gate

SCEFL Division 1

Croydon v Greenways @3pm - if you'd like a 10th-tier option, head south to watch the Trams who continue their push for promotion. The title race in this division is incredibly tight at the moment with only three points separating the top six. Croydon are currently level on points with leaders Forest Hill Park and have a great chance of going clear at the top if they win this match against midtable opposition. The hosts are once again looking to bring local people in and are hoping to capitalise on the lack of a Crystal Palace match taking place on their doorstep. They've given out hundreds of free tickets to local school children so they'll be hoping for a decent crowd. Tickets for adults will be available on the gate - I'm not sure of the price but it shouldn't exceed £10

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Sunday 20 October

Isthmian League South Central

Ashford Town (Middlesex) v Metropolitan Police @3pm - with the Tangerines' ground shut for the laying of a new 3G pitch, they've been playing matches at different grounds this season. Most recently they've been playing at Cobham and in order to get use of their facilities again, they've had to wait until Sunday. With both sides in the bottom five, it's a big game for both. Tickets are £10 on the gate

FA Vase First Round

Epsom & Ewell v Berks County @3pm - the Salts are groundsharing at Corinthian Casuals this season, hence the Sunday playing of this fixture. They play in the ninth tier CCL Premier South and here they take on a side who are in the relegation zone of the parallel CCL Premier North. Unusually, Berks County lost the CCL Division 1 play-off final to British Airways last season but were still granted promotion after some clubs in the higher tier couldn't be reprieved

Women's Super League

West Ham United v Arsenal @3pm - the Hammers struggled last season and have yet to impress in the early stages of this campaign either. Winless in four, they're second from bottom. The Gunners have had a big week, parting ways with boss Jonas Eidevall after a very disappointing start. With him gone, they then thrashed Valerenga 4-1 in the Champions League. On paper they should definitely win here but we thought that last year too and they lost. This is being played at Dagenham & Redbridge. Tickets

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur @645pm - in the late game, the reigning WSL champions will look to extend their 100% record and keep the pressure on early leaders Manchester City who have played a game more. Spurs made the top six and got to the FA Cup Final last season, making it their most successful to date. However, with one win from four, they've been a bit disappointing in the first month of this campaign. The Blues will start as strong favourites. If you've got a ticket for this then you can easily do a double and combine it with either of the men's games above as they're both on this side of town. Tickets are available for this but games at Kingsmeadow often reach capacity so don't delay buying one if you do want to go

FAWNL Cup Second Round

Watford v QPR @2pm - in Ruislip we have this derby at Wealdstone's ground. The R's have done really well to get this far having beaten third tier AFC Wimbledon and Swindon Town who are one of the best sides at the level they play at. In this game they face another third-tier side who have just come down from the Championship and have this week announced investment from Hollywood (with Scrubs actress Judy Reyes being the most recognisable face involved). The Hornets should win but a lot will depend on the strength of the side they field - like in the men's game, youngsters often get a chance in League Cup games. Tickets

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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