TLFG: 29 July - 4 August 2013

Hi there one and all. Apologies for the very late publication, I've hardly had a spare moment all week and as a result this week's effort will be a bit scaled back.

It's mainly going to be about ticket information and the match map as I've simply run out of time.

I did manage my first match of pre-season last Sunday - Kingstonian's 4-1 win over Dulwich Hamlet in the final of the Geoff Harvey Memorial Vase at Corinthian Casuals' ground.

Dulwich Hamlet go close to making it 1-1 but fail and see it all go downhill

Apart from this, a huge amount of time has been put towards getting the Non-League Day website ready for launch and hopefully it'll be up sometime in the next 24 hours.

The week ahead is a big one with the Football League and Combined Counties League seasons getting under way in earnest on Saturday 3 August. There are also some prestigious friendlies several of which feature in the Emirates Cup - Arsenal's annual pre-season spectacular featuring Galatasaray, Napoli and Porto.

Anyway, that's enough about me. Remember to let me know what you've been up to and if you're interested in reviewing a ground within the London area for this blog then get in touch. Also keep the general correspondence coming, I enjoy answering your questions and offering advice if I can.

You can contact TLFG through the comments section below or via Facebook or Twitter.

LATEST TICKET NEWS

Each week at TLFG we attempt to compile a list of what's on general sale to non-members at London's Premier League clubs and for other notable matches (click on the team name for details).

ENGLAND

Wednesday 14 August, 8pm - Scotland, international friendly, Wembley
Friday 6 September, 8pm - Moldova, World Cup qualifier, Wembley
Friday 11 October, 8pm - Montenegro, World Cup qualifier, Wembley (on sale 30 July)

EMIRATES CUP at ARSENAL

Saturday 3 August:
Galatasaray v FC Porto, 2pm
Arsenal v Napoli, 420pm
Sunday 4 August:
Napoli v FC Porto, 2pm
Arsenal v Galatasaray, 420pm

CHELSEA
Nothing currently available

CRYSTAL PALACE
Saturday 10 August, 3pm - Lazio, friendly

FULHAM
Monday 5 August, 8pm - Real Betis, friendly

Saturday 10 August, 3pm - Parma, friendly
Saturday 14 September, 3pm - West Bromwich Albion, Premier League (on sale 24 July)
Saturday 5 October, 3pm - Stoke City, Premier League (on sale 25 July)
Saturday 23 November, 3pm - Swansea City, Premier League (on sale 26 July)

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Saturday 10 August, 530pm - RCD Espanyol, friendly
Sunday 25 August, 4pm - Swansea City, Premier League (on sale 25 July)

WEST HAM UNITED

Saturday 10 August, 3pm - Paços de Ferreira, friendly
Saturday 17 August, 3pm - Cardiff City, Premier League (on sale 23 July)
Saturday 31 August, 3pm - Stoke City, Premier League (on sale 23 July)

There are over 90 matches in the London area this week. However, this number could change as friendlies, particularly involving non-league teams, are often arranged, cancelled or have their venue changed at quite short notice. Therefore, always check with clubs before you travel. Also, please let me know if anything is wrong or missing.

Details on all of this week's games can be found in the following match map. If you've never used it 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 left side of the map page to make sure you get all the information.

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 100 or less are most common.

MATCH MAP
Yellow pin - Monday fixtures

Green pin - Tuesday fixtures
Turquoise pin - Wednesday fixtures

Purple pin - Thursday fixtures
Magenta pin - Friday fixtures

Blue pin - Saturday fixtures
Red pin - Sunday fixtures

View London match map 29 July - 4 August 2013 in a larger map

If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or email.

TLFG: 22-28 July 2013

It's been another busy old week at TLFG Towers with Non-League Day preparations really starting to build-up.

The main task at the moment is populating the interactive match map. With several more leagues releasing their fixtures there are hundreds that need to be added.

Putting TLFG's match map together has also been more challenging than usual with more teams entering the pre-season fray. Frustratingly, several non-league teams provide very few details about their friendlies so have required some chasing. Others have published no information at all and don't respond to my messages meaning their fixtures, if there are any, won't appear here and for that I apologise. I only mention this because I believe such clubs are shooting themselves in the foot - people are looking and do want to know so get it sorted!

Anyway, that's enough about my week. Remember to let me know what you've been up to and if you're interested in reviewing a ground within the London area for this blog then get in touch. Also keep the general correspondence coming, I enjoy answering your questions and offering advice if I can.

You can contact TLFG through the comments section below or via Facebook or Twitter.

LATEST TICKET NEWS

Each week at TLFG we attempt to compile a list of what's on general sale to non-members at London's Premier League clubs and for other notable matches (click on the team name for details).

ENGLAND

Wednesday 14 August, 8pm - Scotland, international friendly, Wembley
Friday 6 September, 8pm - Moldova, World Cup qualifier, Wembley

EMIRATES CUP at ARSENAL

Saturday 3 August:
Galatasaray v FC Porto, 2pm
Arsenal v Napoli, 420pm
Sunday 4 August:
Napoli v FC Porto, 2pm
Arsenal v Galatasaray, 420pm

CHELSEA
Nothing currently available

CRYSTAL PALACE
Saturday 10 August, 3pm - Lazio, friendly

FULHAM
Monday 5 August, 8pm - Real Betis, friendly

Saturday 10 August, 3pm - Parma, friendly
Saturday 14 September, 3pm - West Bromwich Albion, Premier League (on sale 24 July)
Saturday 5 October, 3pm - Stoke City, Premier League (on sale 25 July)
Saturday 23 November, 3pm - Swansea City, Premier League (on sale 26 July)

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Saturday 10 August, 530pm - RCD Espanyol, friendly
Sunday 25 August, 4pm - Swansea City, Premier League (on sale 25 July)

WEST HAM UNITED

Saturday 10 August, 3pm - Paços de Ferreira, friendly
Saturday 17 August, 3pm - Cardiff City, Premier League (on sale 23 July)
Saturday 31 August, 3pm - Stoke City, Premier League (on sale 23 July)

There are 90 matches in the London area this week. However, this number could change as friendlies, particularly involving non-league teams, are often arranged, cancelled or have their venue changed at quite short notice. Therefore, always check with clubs before you travel. Also, please let me know if anything is wrong or missing.

Details on all of this week's games can be found in the following match map. If you've never used it 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 left side of the map page to make sure you get all the information.

MATCH MAP
Yellow pin - Monday fixtures

Green pin - Tuesday fixtures
Turquoise pin - Wednesday fixtures

Purple pin - Thursday fixtures

Blue pin - Saturday fixtures
Red pin - Sunday fixtures

View London match map 22-28 July 2013 in a larger map

Next up is this week's TLFG match recommendations where I list a few games which I think could be worth a watch. Add your own in the comments section below.

TLFG TOP 10

1. Millwall v Rayo Vallecano - as we get into the latter stages of pre-season, the city's bigger clubs come back from their travels to host the odd game. One such club are Championship side Millwall who have managed to arrange a match against Spanish top-flight club Rayo for defender Paul Robinson's testimonial. Hailing from Madrid, they managed to finish eighth last season so should have a few decent players in their squad. At just £13 for adults and £6 for kids this looks like a pretty good value way to spend an afternoon.  (Friendly, 27 July, 3pm. Ticket info)

2. Watford v Granada CF - until Friday the Hornets were all set to play New York Cosmos on this date but have decided to switch at relatively short notice to face Granada. As above it's Championship versus La Liga, although the visitors finished in a more modest 15th in their last campaign. Of particular note is the fact that both clubs are owned by the Italian Pozzo family, something which probably helped when it came to arranging things. Again this is a fine value option with adult tickets going for £10. (Friendly, 27 July, 3pm. Ticket info)

3. Leyton Orient v New York Cosmos - having seen their match at Vicarage Road disappear, the Cosmos have managed to hold on to their game at Orient. The famous American side had their heyday in the '70s with players like Pele and Franz Beckenbauer among their ranks. Football in the USA fell on hard times and the club stopped competing in 1985 but reformed again in 2010 and now play in the American second tier. A look through their squad would suggest that former Villarreal and Spain midfielder Marcos Senna is probably the biggest name. The League One O's are averaging four goals a game in pre-season so will hope for one or two more here. Tickets start at £10. (Friendly, 24 July, 730pm. Ticket info)

4. Dagenham & Redbridge v Charlton Athletic - over at Victoria Road we have a derby. The League Two Daggers have had a very busy pre-season having played seven times since the 29 June, winning four. On Saturday they narrowly lost 2-1 to Premier League side Crystal Palace. The Addicks, from the Championship, haven't been wasting their time either with five games under their belts too. Having won four and drawn one they will start as favourites. Tickets start at £10. (Friendly, 23 July, 745pm. Ticket info)

5. Barnet v MK Dons - Having lost 1-0 to Ipswich in the inaugural game at their new ground on Saturday, Edgar Davids' Conference Premier side next welcome the Dons. Karl Robinson's team seem to have become perennial League One play-off contenders but never quite make it. Their pre-season stats have been impressive so far with five wins and a draw and an average of 3.5 goals a game. (Friendly, 27 July, 3pm. Ticket info)

6. Boreham Wood v Brentford - the latest pro club to head to Meadow Park are League One Brentford. Over the last 10 days the Wood have entertained the full West Ham first-team squad (L 0-3), Luton Town (W 1-0) and an Arsenal XI (W 3-0). The Bees, on the other hand, have beaten Millwall 3-0 and lost 2-1 to Celtic over the last few days so should be decent opponents. The two clubs last met in November in the FA Cup with Brentford notching a 2-0 win. (Friendly, 23 July, 730pm. Ticket info)

7. Sutton United v Chelsea XI - the U's blockbuster pre-season campaign reaches its climax on Tuesday when the Blues send a representative side to Gander Green Lane. The Conference South side have so far welcomed sides from Arsenal, Fulham and AFC Wimbledon but have sadly lost them all. The big crowds, however, will have made those defeats easier to take and large numbers will almost certainly turn out for this one too especially with it being only £10 to get in. Don't expect a host of Chelsea stars to be on show though - the first team will be in south-east Asia at the time. (Friendly, 23 July, 730pm. Ticket info)

8. Harrow Borough v Crystal Palace XI - the highlight of pre-season for Dave Anderson's side is this match against the Eagles. Boro started their friendlies on Thursday and have squeezed in back-to-back 3-1 away wins over North Greenford United and Thatcham Town. Although Ian Holloway and his main squad of players will be at Crawley Town, the Palace U21 side should provide formidable opponents having crushed East Grinstead 6-0 on Monday. (Friendly, 27 July, 3pm. Ticket info)

9. Hendon v Barnet  - earlier in the week, Harrow's new tenants Hendon play their first game at Earlsmead and it comes in the form of this derby. With the Greens and Bees having both moved to new homes this summer all three now play in the London Borough of Harrow. With Harrow and Hendon both suffering dwindling crowds in recent years it will be very interesting to see what effect Barnet's presence has on them. I expect a healthy crowd and competitive match - £5 for adults. (Friendly, 23 July, 715pm. Ticket info)

10. Enfield Town v YB SK Beveren - every year there seems to be at least one non-league club that lines up a friendly against an unusual foreign opponent. This year Enfield Town have delivered with a match against this Belgian side. Like Enfield Town, Beveren are a club formed and run by their supporters and that's the main reason this match has been arranged. (Friendly, 27 July, 3pm. Ticket info)


If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or email.

TLFG: 15-21 July 2013

Hello one and all and welcome to the latest edition of TLFG.

As we move into the third full week of pre-season many more teams are set to join in meaning there's quite a lot of matches on offer.

What have you been to see so far? Personally I've been kept at home by childcare which means I haven't seen anything.

I was all set to head to the Beveree to see Isthmian League club Hampton & Richmond Borough host a QPR XI on Friday evening but my little darling decided to play up just as I was about to leave so I had to stay home.

Despite Rangers' resounding 4-0 win, I'm told by a rather cynical journalist friend who attended that it was a 'borefest' so I didn't miss out.

If you've never been to the Beveree I really would recommend you check it out. It's regularly listed among fans' favourite non-league grounds and is pretty easy to get to located as it is not far from Hampton station (about 40 minutes from Waterloo).

On Saturday morning I volunteered at my local parkrun event on Wormwood Scrubs which meant standing in the baking sun for over an hour marshaling and taking race photos, which meant getting a pass to watch football from her indoors was next to impossible.

If you've never heard of parkrun, I would like to go off topic briefly to explain what it is.

Every Saturday at 9am, people gather at various parks and other venues all over the country and around the world to take part in organised, timed 5km runs.

It is completely free to enter with everything paid for by sponsors. All you have to do is register online once, print off an individual barcode and then turn up at any event of your choosing from one week to the next (racehopping is something I've just started to do). All events, in turn, are run completely by volunteers so there is a really friendly atmosphere.

I could go on but don't want to completely bore the non-runners among you. Just give it a go if you're vaguely tempted and believe me when I say that everyone is welcome whether you can do 5km in 14 minutes or 41.

On the subject of volunteers, non-league clubs are usually on the look out for people to help them spruce up their grounds at this time of year. Historic east London side Clapton are one such club so if you're free on Saturday 27 July get in touch with them for more details or visit your local club's website to see if they need anyone.

Clapton's Old Spotted Dog ground in Forest Gate

More generally, non-league teams are always looking for people to help out in a wide variety of roles throughout the year. If you need an incentive, it could be a fun way of getting work experience or boosting your CV.

Anyway, that's enough about my week. Remember to let me know what you've been up to and if you're interested in reviewing a ground within the London area for this blog then get in touch. Also keep the general correspondence coming, I enjoy answering your questions and offering advice if I can.

You can contact TLFG through the comments section below or via Facebook or Twitter.

LATEST TICKET NEWS

Each week at TLFG we attempt to compile a list of what's on general sale to non-members at London's Premier League clubs and for other notable matches (click on the team name for details).

ENGLAND

Wednesday 14 August, 8pm - Scotland, international friendly, Wembley
Friday 6 September, 8pm - Moldova, World Cup qualifier, Wembley (on sale 16 July)

EMIRATES CUP at ARSENAL

Saturday 3 August:
Galatasaray v FC Porto, 2pm
Arsenal v Napoli, 420pm
Sunday 4 August:
Napoli v FC Porto, 2pm
Arsenal v Galatasaray, 420pm

CHELSEA
Nothing currently available

CRYSTAL PALACE
Saturday 10 August, 3pm - Lazio, friendly

FULHAM
Monday 5 August, 8pm - Real Betis, friendly

Saturday 10 August, 3pm - Parma, friendly

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Saturday 10 August, 530pm - RCD Espanyol, friendly

WEST HAM UNITED

Saturday 10 August, 3pm - Paços de Ferreira, friendly

There are 70 matches in the London area this week. However, this number could change as friendlies, particularly involving non-league teams, are often arranged, cancelled or have their venue changed at quite short notice. Therefore, always check with clubs before you travel. Also, please let me know if anything is wrong or missing.

Details on all of this week's games can be found in the following match map. If you've never used it 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 left side of the map page to make sure you get all the information.

MATCH MAP
Yellow pin - Monday fixtures

Green pin - Tuesday fixtures
Turquoise pin - Wednesday fixtures

Purple pin - Thursday fixtures

Blue pin - Saturday fixtures
Red pin - Sunday fixtures

View London match map 15-21 July 2013 in a larger map

Next up is this week's TLFG match recommendations where I list a few games which I think could be worth a watch. Add your own in the comments section below.

TLFG TOP 10

1. Brentford v Celtic - having come unstuck in last season's League One play-off final the Bees have a busy week at Griffin Park with London rivals Millwall visiting on Tuesday and Scottish champions Celtic on Saturday. The west London side have apparently spent well over £100,000 luring the Parkhead club down south and consequently need a crowd of over 9,000 to break even. With huge numbers of Celtic fans expected, the match has been made all ticket (i.e. no ticket sales on the day). Therefore if you want to go you need to book by 4pm on Friday 19 July.  (Friendly, 20 July, 3pm. Ticket info)

2. Dagenham & Redbridge v Crystal Palace - one club which fared much better in last season's play-offs were Crystal Palace who saw off Watford for a place in the Premier League. The Eagles begin their pre-season campaign with a trip to east London to play League Two's Daggers. Wayne Burnett's side have already played four friendlies and will have taken that to six by the time Ian Holloway's charges arrive so could well be in better physical shape. With tickets starting at just £10 this could be a fine opportunity to see some top-flight footballers put through their paces on the cheap. (Friendly, 20 July, 3pm. Ticket info)

3. AFC Wimbledon v Charlton Athletic - over at Kingsmeadow we have a League Two versus Championship duel to look forward to between these two London clubs. Both have played twice so far in pre-season and both are currently unbeaten, although the Dons have drawn one whilst the Addicks have banged in seven without reply in their two and will probably win here too. (Friendly, 17 July, 745pm. Ticket info)

4. Barnet v Ipswich Town - the last few months have been pretty turbulent for Barnet who ended last season by losing their Football League status and moved out of their ground of over 100 years following a dispute with the local council. Over the summer the north London club have moved to a new ground (The Hive) in the nearby borough of Harrow and on Saturday will play their first match there against a visiting team. Mick McCarthy's Ipswich, from the Championship, provide the opposition on this historic occasion.  (Friendly, 20 July, 3pm. Ticket info)

5. Staines Town v Wycombe Wanderers - another Football League club that are expected to send a first XI to non-league opponents are League Two side Wycombe. After finishing 15th last season, the Chairboys are being tipped for another season of midtable obscurity. Hoping to give them a rough ride on this occasion are Conference South club Staines who beat local rivals Woking 3-2 on Saturday. The other notable feature is that the clubs are managed by former Wimbledon team-mates Marcus Gayle and Gareth Ainsworth respectively.  (Friendly, 16 July, 730pm. Ticket info)

6. Sutton United v AFC Wimbledon - having hosted representative sides from Arsenal and Fulham over the last few days, Sutton next welcome a Dons first XI to Gander Green Lane. Although they lost the opening two matches, it was by only a one-goal margin on both occasions so I expect this one to be close too. Come and see if Sutton live up to their billing as one of the favourites for the Conference South title or maybe see why the visitors are among the favourites to slip out of the Football League.  (Friendly, 20 July, 3pm. Ticket info)

7.  Thurrock v Dagenham & Redbridge - the hosts have been making the headlines for the wrong reasons this week following an FA decision to reject an appeal to overturn a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player. The said points deduction was enough to drop Thurrock into the Isthmian Premier relegation zone, reprieving Carshalton Athletic and sending the Essex club down a level. Apparently the club are now taking things to arbitration so the situation still hasn't been fully resolved. On Tuesday the players will hope to put this all behind them as they play host to Dagenham who come from a few miles up the road. (Friendly, 16 July, 745pm. Club info)

8. Boreham Wood v Arsenal XI - as promised in this blog last week, a full West Ham first-team squad traveled to Meadow Park to become the Wood's first opponents of the summer. The Premier League side ran out 3-0 winners on what was a big night for the Hertfordshire club. On Saturday they turned things around by beating Conference Premier club Luton 1-0 and this weekend they welcome an Arsenal XI for what will probably be another money-spinning fixture. Although the Gunners' main stars will be somewhere in the Far East at the time of this game, the side they do send will probably still provide good entertainment as anyone at Sutton on Friday can attest. (Friendly, 20 July, 3pm. Ticket info)

9. Kingstonian v Tottenham Hotspur XI  - if it's a glimpse of Spurs' up and coming starlets that you're after, I wholeheartedly recommend a trip to Kingsmeadow on Thursday night where it's only £7 to get in. The Premier League club sent a side down here a year ago and edged to a 2-1 win. The K's were one of the finest non-league clubs in the land at the turn of the century winning the FA Trophy in 1999 and 2000 but fell on hard times shortly after. Probably a place in the Isthmian Premier play-offs is the best they can hope for this season. (Friendly, 18 July, 745pm. Ticket info)

10. The Geoff Harvey Memorial Vase - last up we have this four-team tournament which pits Corinthian Casuals, who host, against south-London rivals Carshalton Athletic, Dulwich Hamlet and Kingstonian. On semi-final Saturday, Corinthian Casuals play Kingstonian at 11am while the other two meet at 3pm. There is then a third-place play-off at 11am on Sunday with the final at 3pm. It's £8 a day or £12 for a weekend ticket with accompanied under-12s getting in for free. (20 & 21 July, 11am & 3pm. Ticket info)


If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or email.

TLFG: 8-14 July 2013

Hello there. Welcome to TLFG, glad to have you on board.

My weekend hasn't been my own so I'm actually writing this on Friday and using the 'scheduled publish' feature of the Blogger system for the first time. If I seem to have missed some major happening in the world that took place on Saturday or Sunday then you'll probably know why.

On a personal level, the week in football got off to an unusual but surprising and very enjoyable start.

I began two weeks annual leave on Sunday and early on Monday morning I received a message from an old schoolfriend I hadn't seen since the mid-'90s.

He'd been in touch a few weeks before about meeting up but his diary was packed so couldn't confirm anything. Anyway, on Monday morning he got in touch to let me know that he was finally free that lunchtime if I could make it up to north London.

The offer of lunch with an old chum was made even more tempting by the fact that he was working at Tottenham Hotspur and I'd be meeting him at White Hart Lane.

The North Stand viewed from the tunnel entrance at White Hart Lane

Regular readers will know that I've paid a couple of visits to this ground since TLFG launched in October 2011 so it's a place I'm becoming quite familiar with.

If you've never been to London before, to give you some idea of how big the city is, it took me the best part of 90 minutes to get there on public transport from Shepherd's Bush - a distance of roughly 10 miles (16km) as the crow flies.

As part of my visit he threw in a mini tour which took in the Spurs Hall of Fame, players' tunnel, pitchside, the directors' box and a tasty lunch in the club restaurant overlooking the pitch.

Apparently he worked at QPR previously and some of the stories he revealed from his time there (a good few years ago) raised my eyebrows and that's really saying something!

Apart from that, the rest of the week has been all about Non-League Day.

On Wednesday the Football Conference released its fixtures giving us an indication of the first few teams who will be hosting matches.

Today (Friday) we also received the FA Vase fixtures too which gives us nearly 150 more games that will be played on the day.

I had intended to put all of these games into a match map which you could have a look at and did get it started but it's only got the Conference fixtures and about 60 of the Vase games on it so far. Here's a link to it anyway but remember that it is very much a work in progress.

We also squeezed in another planning meeting on Wednesday night where some interesting ideas and potentially exciting developments were discussed.

So back to the week ahead - it's much busier than the one just gone with many more clubs getting into the swing of things.

Remember to let me know what you've been up to and if you're interested in reviewing a ground within the London area for this blog then get in touch. Also keep the general correspondence coming, I enjoy answering your questions and offering advice if I can.

You can contact TLFG through the comments section below or via Facebook or Twitter.

LATEST TICKET NEWS

Each week at TLFG we attempt to compile a list of what's on general sale to non-members at London's Premier League clubs and for other notable matches (click on the team name for details).

ENGLAND

Wednesday 14 August, 8pm - Scotland, international friendly, Wembley

EMIRATES CUP at ARSENAL

Saturday 3 August:
Galatasaray v FC Porto, 2pm
Arsenal v Napoli, 420pm
Sunday 4 August:
Napoli v FC Porto, 2pm
Arsenal v Galatasaray, 420pm

CHELSEA
Nothing currently available

CRYSTAL PALACE
Nothing currently available

FULHAM
Monday 5 August, 8pm - Real Betis, friendly

Saturday 10 August, 3pm - Parma, friendly

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Saturday 10 August, 530pm - RCD Espanyol, friendly

WEST HAM UNITED

Saturday 10 August, 3pm - Paços de Ferreira, friendly

There are over 40 matches in the London area this week. However, this number could change as friendlies, particularly involving non-league teams, are often arranged, cancelled or have their venue changed at quite short notice. Therefore, always check with clubs before you travel. Also, please let me know if anything is wrong or missing.

Details on all of this week's games can be found in the following match map. If you've never used it 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 left side of the map page to make sure you get all the information.

MATCH MAP
Yellow pin - Monday fixtures

Green pin - Tuesday fixtures
Turquoise pin - Wednesday fixtures

Purple pin - Thursday fixtures
Magenta pin - Friday fixtures

Blue pin - Saturday fixtures

View London match map 8-14 July 2013 in a larger map

Next up is this week's TLFG match recommendations where I list a few games which I think could be worth a watch. Add your own in the comments section below.

TLFG TOP 10

1. Boreham Wood v West Ham United - the Wood only dropped out of the running for a Conference South play-off place in the final few matches of last season which was no mean feat given they got some of the lowest crowds. On Wednesday they welcome Premier League club West Ham United as they begin another blockbuster pre-season campaign which sees a number of big clubs send sides to Meadow Park. It's rumoured that the Hammers will be sending a strong squad so at £12 a ticket it could be a bargain. (Friendly, 10 July, 745pm. Ticket info)

2. Welling United v Leyton Orient - although not as glamorous as West Ham, Conference Premier newboys Welling have managed to lure Orient's first XI to Park View Road for this game on Friday. The O's had a great end to their season and a place in the League One play-offs eluded them by just three points. The Wings are a club very much on the up having clinched the Conference South title back in April. Welling are also visited by a Millwall XI on Tuesday 9 July. (Friendly, 12 July, 730pm. Club info)

3. Dartford v Dagenham & Redbridge - another non-league club with a decent guest booker are Dartford. After entertaining League Two side AFC Wimbledon in their first game, they next welcome Dagenham & Redbridge from the same division. Again a very strong side is expected to be fielded by the visitors and lets face it, there's not much difference in quality between a top half Conference club and a bottom half League Two one. (Friendly, 13 July, 3pm. Ticket info)

4. Dulwich Hamlet v Dagenham & Redbridge - prior to their trip to Dartford, the Daggers head to Champion Hill for an interesting game against Isthmian League Division 1 South champions Dulwich. In theory this should be an easier fixture for the pro side as there are three divisions separating them but like Welling, Hamlet are riding the crest of the wave and should prove to be a bit of handful especially if they field the highly rated Erhun Öztümer. (Friendly, 9 July, 745pm. Ticket info)

5. AFC Wimbledon v FC United of Manchester - two clubs run entirely by their supporters meet at Kingsmeadow on Saturday. AFC Wimbledon was set up in 2002 by Dons fans when their beloved Wimbledon were moved to Milton Keynes and ultimately transformed into MK Dons. FC United was formed by disgruntled Manchester United fans in 2005 in protest at the Glazer takeover. So far the hosts have climbed the English football pyramid from tier 10 to tier four (League Two) while their Mancunian opponents are still in tier seven. Despite this there should still be a decent crowd. Ticket details, however, have been hard to come by so contact the club for more info.  (Friendly, 13 July, 3pm. Club info)

6. Sutton United v Arsenal XI - at first glance the U's seem to have the ultimate pre-season calendar with several big clubs coming to visit. However, closer inspection will reveal that said big clubs can only possibly be sending reserve and youth team players hence the reason this game isn't higher up the top 10. Like Boreham Wood, Sutton just missed out on the Conference South play-offs and are usually one of the best sides at this level. With the Gunners playing a game in Indonesia two days later it is unlikely that any of the big names will feature. The following day a Fulham XI will be heading to Gander Green Lane so book a hotel and stay over! (Friendly, 12 July, 730pm. Ticket info)

7. Enfield Town v Aston Villa XI - up in the far north of town, Isthmian Premier side Enfield welcome a side from Premier League club Aston Villa. Again with the main Villa squad in Germany at the time it's going to be reserves and youth players on show but for only a fiver you can't go too far wrong. (Friendly, 13 July, 3pm. Ticket info)

8. Hampton & Richmond Borough v Queens Park Rangers XI - it seems to have become a staple of pre-season that the Loftus Road club send a side of youngsters, rejects and trialists down to the Beveree. Again Harry Redknapp's first choice players will probably be unavailable as the game is sandwiched between first XI fixtures at Exeter City on Thursday and Peterborough United on Saturday but Hampton is on the way between the two so some half-decent players could be on show. The hosts will want to do well as their season went badly off the rails last year after getting off to a flying start. (Friendly, 12 July, 745pm. Ticket info)

9. Staines Town v Woking - Conference South versus Conference Premier in what could probably be described as a derby. The Cards enjoyed a decent return to the top tier of non-league football last season while Staines missed relegation by a whisker. (Saturday 13 July, 3pm. Club info)

10. Thamesmead Town v Ebbsfleet United - this time last year these clubs were three divisions apart now the gap has been reduced to only one. Little Thamesmead, with an average crowd of 57, defied all the odds to go on a sensational winning run which saw them win promotion to the Isthmian Premier. Ebbsfleet on the other hand tanked, losing exactly half their league games on their way out of the Conference Premier. Although the visitors aren't technically a London club, they play just outside the M25 and this will have a bit of derby feel to it too if anyone turns up! (Saturday 13 July, 3pm. Club info)


If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or email.

TLFG: 1-7 July 2013

Welcome back to TLFG after our annual six-week close season break. I hope you're well as we head into the pre-season friendly err... season.

It's always an exciting time as clubs cobble together strange and sometimes fantasy match-ups that could never be considered during normal competition.

However, I have to report that my joy at approaching this time of year has been tempered greatly by some very sad news.

As regular readers might remember, I missed out on several matches towards the end of last season to spend time with a 'seriously ill relative'. That relative was my mother who sadly passed away the day after my last piece went up.

Thrilled by my success with Non-League Day (NLD) and excited by how this blog seemed to be growing, she was a big supporter of things I have tried to do in the world of football despite not being much of a fan herself.

Hopefully NLD and TLFG have great years ahead of them and she can continue to be proud from somewhere else.

You could argue it was a bit of annus horribilis for me with her death coming the day after QPR's final game in the Premier League but relegation really does pale into insignificance against that kind of backdrop.

I should also point out at this juncture that I've decided to let my season-ticket go because of work commitments. Last season I managed to get to only two games between January and May and look like being able to see a maximum of six between now and Christmas if I'm lucky so I can't justify it.

On the positive side, I'm pleased to say that Mike and the rest of the NLD team, infused with new volunteers, have been doing a grand job over the last few weeks and we're nicely positioned ahead of the release of the first tranche of non-league fixtures.

If you missed it, NLD is taking place on Saturday 7 September so put it in your diaries now.

So back to those pre-season games.

The first week of July is when things gradually get going so there's not a huge amount happening but there's enough to be going on with.

I've picked out a few games that look particularly noteworthy and listed ticket details for some big games at the big clubs but they're still more than a month away.

Right that's enough from me, let me know what you've been up to. New for this season - if you're interested in reviewing a ground within the London area for this blog then let me know. Also keep the correspondence coming, I enjoy answering your questions and offering advice if I can.

You can contact TLFG through the comments section below or via Facebook or Twitter.

LATEST TICKET NEWS

Each week at TLFG we attempt to compile a list of what's on general sale to non-members at London's Premier League clubs and for other notable matches (click on the team name for details).

ENGLAND

Wednesday 14 August, 8pm - Scotland, international friendly, Wembley

EMIRATES CUP at ARSENAL

Saturday 3 August:
Galatasaray v FC Porto, 2pm
Arsenal v Napoli, 420pm
Sunday 4 August:
Napoli v FC Porto, 2pm
Arsenal v Galatasaray, 420pm

CHELSEA
Nothing currently available

CRYSTAL PALACE
Nothing currently available

FULHAM
Monday 5 August, 8pm - Real Betis, friendly

Saturday 10 August, 3pm - Parma, friendly

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Saturday 10 August, 530pm - RCD Espanyol, friendly

WEST HAM UNITED

Nothing currently available

By my calculations there are set to be 18 matches in the London area this week. However, this number could change as friendlies, particularly involving non-league teams, are often arranged, cancelled or have their venue changed at quite short notice. Therefore, always check with clubs before you travel. Also, please let me know if anything is wrong or missing.

Details on all of this week's can be found in the following match map. If you've never used it 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 left side of the map page to make sure you get all the information.

MATCH MAP

Green pin - Tuesday fixtures

Purple pin - Thursday fixtures

Blue pin - Saturday fixtures

View London match map 1-7 July 2013 in a larger map

Next up is this week's TLFG match recommendations where I list a few games which I think could be worth a watch. Add your own in the comments section below.

TLFG FEATURED FOUR

1. Welling United v Charlton Athletic - last season was a memorable one for the Wings as they claimed the Conference South title. Now back in the top tier of non-league football after a 13-year absence and a having survived a winding-up order from HMRC in 2010, it's an exciting time to be a Welling fan. On Saturday they welcome local Championship club Charlton for what should be a keenly contested south-east London derby. (Friendly, 6 July, 3pm. Ticket info)

2. Dartford v AFC Wimbledon - just down the road from Welling we have this game between fellow Conference Premier side Dartford and the Dons from League Two. The Darts enjoyed a solid season in this division last year following promotion, while Wimbledon only just avoided returning to non-league circles after a nervous final day win over Fleetwood Town. So with only 12 places separating them in the end of season tables, this one should be pretty close. (Friendly, 6 July, 3pm. Ticket info)

3. Bromley v Gillingham - it certainly looks like south-east London is the place to be on Saturday when it comes to eye-catching friendlies. Conference South club Bromley didn't have such a great campaign last time round, avoiding relegation by just four points. The Gills, however, took the League Two title by the same margin to move up to the third tier of English football. A good crowd is expected for this Kent derby.  (Friendly, 6 July, 3pm. Ticket info)

4. Wembley v Bedfont & Feltham - get yourself along to Vale Farm if you want to be part of an historic football event. Despite the famous name and sometimes controversial involvement in the FA Cup, Wembley aren't the team making headlines on this occasion. It's actually the visitors who are marking a special moment - yes, this is the newly formed Bedfont & Feltham's first ever game. If you're interested, check their website for details about their formation. (Friendly, 6 July, 3pm. Club info)


If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or email.

TLFG: 20 May - 2 June 2013

Well the end of the season has finally arrived.

I had all kinds of plans of how to wrap things up with maybe a winners and losers, top moments of the season, favourite grounds etc but I've simply run out of steam.

This week's edition is also another double issue because of the upcoming Bank Holiday and then that will be it, probably, until July.

As you may have noticed, this is going up somewhat later in the day than normal and that's primarily because I've been at a Non-League Day 2013 planning meeting in central London.

Overall we were there for two or three hours brainstorming and coming up with some new ideas on how to make the day work better and reach a bigger audience but more on that soon.

This year's event is on SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER - save the date!

By the way, if you've never heard of Non-League Day - it's an annual event which celebrates semi-professional and grassroots football around the country and is timed to coincide with an international break so that there is no Premier League or Championship football to compete with.

On Friday we released the date for this year's event - Saturday 7 September.

The website is still in embryonic form but more details will be added as the new fixtures etc come out. Hopefully we'll have some banners soon which you can put on your blog or website.

As for the week ahead there really is very little on. It's either major Wembley finals or Level 11/Step 7 end of season games.

With the Champions League final taking place at Wembley on 25 May, Uefa are also bringing their Champions Festival to London's Olympic Park from 23-26 May and it's FREE TO GET IN (more details on the match map).

So as I said, that's it for the next few weeks. Please let us all know what you've been up to, which were your favourite grounds, best matches of the year etc. Also keep the correspondence coming, I enjoy answering your questions and offering advice if I can. Above all - thanks for reading.

You can contact TLFG through the comments section below or via Facebook,  Twitter or email.

LATEST TICKET NEWS

Each week at TLFG we attempt to compile a list of what's on general sale to non-members at London's Premier League clubs and for other notable matches (click on the team name for details).

ENGLAND

Wednesday 29 May, 8pm - Republic of Ireland, international friendly, Wembley

UEFA WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
Thursday 23 May, 730pm - Wolfsburg v Lyon, Stamford Bridge

Over the next week there isn't a huge amount on in the London area. However, what we do have is significant with the men's and women's Champions League finals, an England game, a play-off finals and some lower league action too.

Details on all of them can be found in 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 left side of the map page to make sure you get all the information.

MATCH MAP 20-16 MAY

Green pin - Tuesday fixtures

Turquoise pin - Wednesday fixtures
Purple pin - Thursday fixtures
Magenta pin - Friday fixtures

Blue pin - Saturday fixtures
Red pin - Sunday fixtures

View London match map 20-26 May 2013 in a larger map

MATCH MAP 27 MAY - 2 JUNE

Yellow pin - Monday fixtures

Turquoise pin - Wednesday fixtures

View London match map 27 May - 2 June 2013 in a larger map

Sometimes games get postponed so, as always, check with clubs before you travel. If games do get called off, they can sometimes be rearranged for later the same week or the week after so extra matches may get added. Please let me know if any of the details are wrong or missing.

Next up is this week's TLFG match recommendations where I list a few games which I think could be worth a watch. 

TLFG TOP TIPS

Tuesday 21 May

Frenford Senior v Westhamians - the hosts are three points behind leaders Kelvedon Hatch, who have completed their season, and have two games to play. Given their inferior goal difference, Frenford will almost certainly have to avoid defeat to have any chance of winning the Essex Olympian League title.

Thursday 23 May

Women's Champions League final - Wolfsburg take on Lyon in this showpiece game at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge ground.

Saturday 25 May

Men's Champions League final - Borussia Dortmund play Bayern Munich in an all-German affair at Wembley.

Frenford Senior v Hannakins Farm - as mentioned above, this could be a title decider in the Essex Olympian League.

Monday 27 May

Championship play-off final - Crystal Palace go head-to-head with Watford at Wembley for a place in the Premier League.

Wednesday 29 May

England v Republic of Ireland - an historic occasion as the two countries play each other for the first time since a riot by England fans ruined a game in Dublin in 1995.

If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or email.

TLFG: 13-19 May 2013

Hello there and welcome back to TLFG after our Bank Holiday break.

It's been a busy old couple of weeks at TLFG Towers with preparations for this year's Non-League Day starting to hot up. It's been meetings all the way as potential partners and web designers get involved.

Next Sunday 19 May we've got a general planning meeting/brainstorm in central London so if you want to help out let me know. It starts at 630pm so you'll be able to get your Premier League final-day fix before coming along.

In other news, thanks must go to Sam Borden at the New York Times for quoting me and linking through to this blog in a piece he wrote last week. As a result I've had lots of new readers who I hope have found this useful and will visit again.

Don't be put off by the lack of action at the moment though, football in London always winds down now for the summer.

Usually I shut down completely over June which is usually the month which is totally devoid of action. However, that's not the case this year as it's been announced that Fulham's Craven Cottage ground will host a triangular football tournament between Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

Yes you read that right - football not cricket. Tickets start at £15 and if the atmosphere at cricket matches between these countries can be replicated then it should be quite an experience.

UPDATE (16/5/13): Sadly all three of the above international matches at Craven Cottage have been cancelled. 

Last Saturday I finally managed to get to Loftus Road after a four-month hiatus. Already relegated QPR faced Arsenal who were and are still fully in the hunt for a Champions League place.

With just a few seconds played, Theo Walcott scored for the Gunners and I thought a rout would follow. To Rangers' credit they stuck at it and there were no further goals.

Andros Townsend sends a free-kick narrowly wide for QPR

The most telling thing for me all afternoon was the way the Arsenal fans celebrated their win with such joy when really there wasn't a lot to be happy about - their performance against a very poor team wasn't much better and I doubt they'll be troubling the engravers anytime soon if they go on like that.

Nonetheless I have a bit of soft spot for the club from N5 and wish them all the best in sealing that Champions League place.

I had fully intended to go to QPR's final home game in the Premier League against Newcastle United today but sadly a close relative is seriously ill and I'd rather go and spend time with them.

That's enough from yours truly, let me know what you've been up to. Also keep the correspondence coming, I enjoy answering your questions and offering advice if I can.

You can contact TLFG through the comments section below or via Facebook or Twitter.

LATEST TICKET NEWS

Each week at TLFG we attempt to compile a list of what's on general sale to non-members at London's Premier League clubs and for other notable matches (click on the team name for details).

ENGLAND

Wednesday 29 May, 8pm - Republic of Ireland, international friendly, Wembley

UEFA WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
Thursday 23 May, 730pm - Wolfsburg v Lyon, Stamford Bridge

ARSENAL

Nothing currently available

CHELSEA
Monday 13 May, 7pm - Norwich City, FA Youth Cup final second leg

FULHAM
Nothing currently available

QUEENS PARK RANGERS
Nothing currently available

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
Monday 13 May, 7pm - Everton, U21 Premier League semi-final
Sunday 19 May, 4pm - Sunderland, Premier League

WEST HAM UNITED

Sunday 19 May, 4pm - Reading, Premier League

SOLD OUT MATCHES/CHEAP TICKETS

Some of the teams listed above also have games coming up which have sold out. Chelsea, Fulham, QPR and West Ham United all allow their fans to re-sell tickets through the viagogo website so there might be some available there. It is also well worth checking the viagogo site for cheap tickets as season-ticket holders often offload tickets for well below face value for the not so popular matches.

OTHER TICKETS

Another great source of tickets for football, stadium tours and other sports and events in London are Ticketmaster. They always sell tickets at face value plus a booking fee.

If you can't get/don't want/can't afford a Premier League ticket then maybe watching a big club's youth/reserve side in action could be for you.

On Monday night (13 May) Chelsea host Norwich City in the second leg of the FA Youth Cup final at Stamford Bridge. The Canaries hold a 1-0 aggregate lead so there's plenty to play for. Tickets are £5 for adults and £3 for concessions but they must be bought in person from the box office by 4pm on the day of the match.

Also on Monday, Tottenham Hotspur take on Everton at White Hart Lane in the U21 Premier League semi-final. Again it's £5 for adults but only £1 for everyone else.

Finally, QPR entertain Huddersfield Town in their Professional Development League play-off final at Loftus Road and Wednesday and ADMISSION IS FREE.

For all of the above, see the match map for dates and kick-off times.

If you're aware of any deals taking place at clubs near you please let me know so I can help to promote them.

Over the next week there isn't a huge amount on in the London area. However, what we do have is significant with the last round of Premier League fixtures, a couple of play-off finals and some lower league title deciders.

Details on all of them can be found in 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 left side of the map page to make sure you get all the information.

MATCH MAP 13-19 MAY

Yellow pin - Monday fixtures

Green pin - Tuesday fixtures

Turquoise pin - Wednesday fixtures

Blue pin - Saturday fixtures
Red pin - Sunday fixtures

View London match map 13-19 May 2013 in a larger map

Sometimes games get postponed so, as always, check with clubs before you travel. If games do get called off, they can sometimes be rearranged for later the same week or the week after so extra matches may get added. Please let me know if any of the details are wrong or missing.

Next up is this week's TLFG match recommendations where I list a few games which I think could be worth a watch. 

TLFG TOP TIPS

Monday 13 May

FA Youth Cup final second leg - Chelsea host Norwich City at Stamford Bridge but it's the Canaries who hold a 1-0 aggregate lead.
Tottenham Hotspur v Everton - U21 Premier League semi-final, winners to face Liverpool or Manchester United.

Tuesday 14 May

Arsenal v Wigan Athletic - hugely significant Premier League game for both sides as the Gunners look to cement a Champions League place and the Latics try to avoid relegation.
Frenford Senior v White Ensign - Level 11/Step 7 club Frenford can still claim the Essex Olympian League title if they win their four games in hand, slipping up here will pretty much end their challenge.

Wednesday 15 May

Queens Park Rangers v Huddersfield Town - QPR's U21s have made it to the Professional Development League play-off final and ADMISSION IS FREE to all at Loftus Road.
South Midlands Senior Floodlit Cup - Oxhey Jets host Cockfosters and should start as favourites.
Broadfields United v Interwood - Level 11/Step 7 club Interwood are once again among the frontrunners in the Middlesex County Football League but they'll have to win their games in hand to come out on top.

Saturday 18 May

League Two play-off final - Bradford City play Northampton Town at Wembley for a place in League One.
Interwood v British Airways - if the hosts beat Broadfields in midweek then this match will become the Middlesex League's title decider. BA are in pole position at the moment and a draw will be enough for them.
Metrogas v Fleet Leisure - over in the Kent County League it's title decider time too. The hosts are currently second, a point behind leaders Hildenborough who have already completed their fixtures. A draw will be enough for Metrogas who have the better goal difference.

Sunday 19 May
Chelsea v Everton - two of the Premier League's top six scrap it out for Champions League/Europa League places. It's also the last game in charge for both clubs' managers.
Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland - hugely significant game at either end of the table as Spurs look for a top four finish and the Mackems try and avoid the drop.
West Ham United v Reading - last match of the season for both clubs and neither have anything to play for.

League One play-off final - Brentford and Yeovil Town duel at Wembley for a place in the Championship.

If you have any questions or want advice about watching football in London, you can contact TLFG using the comments section below or via Facebook, Twitter or email.