TLFG: 21-27 November 2022

Greetings one and all and welcome to TLFG.

A punishing work schedule means I'll keep this preamble pretty brief.

I haven't been able to see any live football since last Sunday and I probably won't be able to see any until next Sunday - that's what having a week of shifts that require me to get up between 3-4am does for you.

The World Cup is now underway and I should be back in time to watch England's opener against Iran at 1pm - I have my views on this tournament, like everyone does, but I haven't got the energy to go into them right here and now.

This weekend was a great one for my teams with Harrow Borough pulling off a notable shock in the FA Trophy, winning 4-2 at National League South side Concord Rangers.

Millwall welcome Brondby to The Den on Saturday

They now go into the Third Round draw alongside a number of former EFL clubs so we could have a big moment to almost replicate the one we enjoyed at Pompey in the FA Cup last season.

In the women's game, Actonians recorded an emphatic 4-0 away win at Chesham United to continue their good run of form.

They next face a home game against Hounslow on Tuesday before travelling to Ashford United in the Women's FA Cup on Sunday, which I will try and get to.

Lastly, many thanks this week to Toby P-S from London who donated to TLFG's coffee-drinking fund, I really appreciate it.

THE WEEK AHEAD

The highlights of the next few days include games in the FA Cup, EFL, National League, Women's Super League Cup, Women's FA Cup and many other games in our local non-league and women's competitions.

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

Friday fixtures - black pin

WEEKEND MATCH MAP
Saturday fixtures - blue pin

Sunday fixtures - orange pin

    

TLFG DAILY DIGEST

In the following section, I list, by day, 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 21 November

Premier League Cup

QPR v AFC Bournemouth @7pm - the R's B team get the week underway again with another match in this U21 competition. Being played at Hanwell Town's ground, QPR's second string games usually produce loads of goals with 30 coming from just the last five! With Rangers only sending two players to the World Cup, they could well field a strong side here. Admission is usually around £5

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Tuesday 22 November

EFL Trophy Second Round

AFC Wimbledon v Sutton United @745pm - with the group stage complete, it's time for the knockout rounds of this competition that's predominantly for sides in League One and League Two. Usually drawing small crowds, this derby could well pull in a few more fans than normal. Both in League Two and very evenly matched, the U's got to the final last season and beat the Dons in a recent league game. Tickets

Premier League Cup

Charlton Athletic v Fulham @1pm - earlier in the day, the Addicks take on the Cottagers in this U21 match at Dartford's ground. The visitors are currently top of Group A and start as favourites

Middlesex Senior Cup Second Round

Hanwell Town v Harrow Borough @745pm - postponed from last week, there's a decent local derby in west London where these two Southern League sides look to make progress in the county cup. The Geordies won the competition two years ago but lost to Harrow in the final when they last won it in 2015

Isthmian League Premier Division

Wingate & Finchley v Corinthian Casuals @745pm - in north London there's a relegation six-pointer between a couple of the bottom five. The hosts come into this on the back of a valuable away win at Cray Wanderers

CCL Division 1 

Bedfont v Sandhurst Town @745pm - if you fancy a bit of 10th-tier football, head down to the Heathrow area where two of this division's top six go head-to-head. Bedfont were top but have slipped down a bit but they have two games in hand on the leaders, so should be able to get back amongst it

FAWNL Division 1 South East

Actonians v Hounslow @745pm - the A's continued their recent run of good form with a 4-0 win at Chesham United on Sunday. Hounslow have been struggling for two or three years now and this season has been a disaster. Having managed to play only five games so far, they've lost the lot. They've scored only one and have conceded a staggering 47! They lost 12-0 at home to Cambridge United on Sunday and could suffer a similar fate here. This match is being played at Rayners Lane rather than Actonians' normal Rectory Park home. Admission is £5

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Wednesday 23 November

UEFA Women's Champions League

Chelsea v Real Madrid @8pm - there's an eye-catching fixture at Kingsmeadow where two of world football's biggest names do battle. The Blues are currently top of Group A with a 100% record whilst Real are just behind them having taken four points from their opening two. Tickets

Isthmian League South Central

Bedfont Sports v Walton & Hersham @745pm - the hosts had a great run to the play-offs last season but it's all gone badly awry at the beginning of this campaign. Recently parting ways with their manager, they'll hope to bring their 10 game winless run to an end ASAP. However, it's unlikely to happen here as W&H are second and looking to close the gap on leaders Northwood to four points

SCEFL Division 1

Lewisham Borough v Forest Hill Park @745pm - in south-east London there's another relegation six-pointer to enjoy. Not only that but it's a groundshare derby too - the stakes are high!

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Friday 25 November

Suburban League

Bromley v Beaconsfield Town @745pm - there's not much on on Thursday or Friday, with this U23 game being the pick of the action at Hayes Lane MATCH OFF

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Saturday 26 November

Friendly

Millwall v Brondby @1pm - with the World Cup causing an extended international break, bringing a pause to Premier League and Championship football, some sides have decided to arrange friendlies to keep their players in good shape. The first of those, that I'm aware of, is this interesting game between the Lions and one of Denmark's biggest clubs. Adult tickets are a very reasonable £10

FA Cup Second Round

Charlton Athletic v Stockport County @3pm - the Addicks have been the models of inconsistency this season and are mired in midtable in League One. Now four without a league win, they'll need to be wary of the visitors who finally returned to League Two after several years in the fifth and sixth tiers. Although only 14th, they've been on a good run of late and will probably bring a sizeable following with them. In my opinion, there is a decent chance of a cupset here. Tickets

AFC Wimbledon v Chesterfield @3pm - after struggling to get past non-league Weymouth in the last round, the Dons welcome another National League side on Saturday, albeit a much better one. Currently third in the fifth tier, the Spireites arrive in great form and they beat League Two club Northampton Town in the last round. However, AFC Wimbledon are on a good run of their own and could edge through if they put in a thoroughly professional performance. Tickets

Dagenham & Redbridge v Gillingham @5pm - talking of upsets, there's a very good opportunity of seeing one in east London. The Daggers have won four games on the trot and are now only a point adrift of the National League play-off places. The Gills, on the other hand, suffered relegation from League One last season and are now in the bottom two of the fourth tier. Despite this, they're thriving in cup competitions. Not only are they in the second round of this competition, they've sensationally made it to the last 16 of the EFL Cup and won at Premier League Brentford in the last round. Can they get themselves up for the cup again? Tickets

National League

Wealdstone v Scunthorpe United @3pm - the Stones have played a number of the division's big names in recent weeks and they welcome one of the newest fallen former EFL sides on Saturday. The Iron have really struggled since relegation at the end of last season, managing only three wins from their first 20 games. Current form suggests a home win. Tickets

National League South

Dartford v Concord Rangers @3pm - just when the Darts looked to be getting back into making top spot their own, they've wobbled again and are down to third. All is not lost though as they're still only two points behind leaders Ebbsfleet. Concord, who hail from Canvey Island, are way down in 19th and lost 4-2 at home to Southern League club Harrow Borough in the FA Trophy on Saturday

Friendly

Dulwich Hamlet v Chelsea U21 @1pm - the Hamlet were supposed to be playing Ebbsfleet in a league game but they're still in the FA Cup. So rather than have a blank Saturday, they've arranged this decent looking friendly against the Blues' youngsters. Adult tickets are £10

Isthmian League Premier

Wingate & Finchley v Enfield Town @3pm - in the seventh tier, I'd recommend another trip to Summers Lane for this north London derby. With the clubs scrapping for points at either end of the table, this should be well worth a watch

Isthmian League South Central

Tooting & Mitcham United v Uxbridge @3pm - the Terrors have had a very disappointing season and find themselves in the bottom three. As a result they haven't featured much in TLFG in 2022/23. With no real standout games in the eighth tier, give them a visit if you're in south London. They have a great ground and some equally great fans. It's also worth going along to check out the visiting Reds. Although a bit underwhelming in the league, they caused one of the shocks of the round in the FA Trophy on Saturday as they beat NLS side Dover Athletic on penalties

Essex Senior League

West Essex v Redridge @3pm - the game of the day in the ninth tier sees two of the top four go head-to-head at Wadham Lodge in Walthamstow. Only four points separate the top five, so the result of this will have a significant impact on the title race

SCEFL Premier Division

Fisher v Welling Town @3pm - both of these side have made a very disappointing start to this season and are in the bottom three. Consequently, this is a hugely important game. To top it all, it's Fisher's Community Day and the first 50 people through the gate will get a free pie!

CCL Division 1

Bedfont v Langley @3pm - in the 10th tier, I recommend another trip to The Orchard. As it stands, the sides are sixth and first but Bedfont could be in the top four if they win in midweek. Langley are currently a point clear at the top

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Sunday 27 November

FA Women's Super League Cup

Tottenham Hotspur v Coventry United @2pm - the WSL has a week off so its League Cup takes over. Open to WSL and Championship clubs, we're still at the group stage. These two currently jointly top Group E after winning their opening games. Coventry have been really struggling in the Championship and Spurs should win. This is being played at Leyton Orient

West Ham United v Birmingham City @3pm - the Hammers got back to winning ways on Sunday with a narrow 1-0 victory over bottom club Leicester. In their opening group game, they scraped past Championship leaders London City Lionesses on penalties. Birmingham are also a second-tier side and should be beaten

Charlton Athletic v Bristol City @2pm - in south-east London, at VCD Athletic's ground, this clash of two of the Championship's top four could produce one of the games of the day

Crystal Palace v Lewes @2pm - elsewhere in south-east London, two clubs only a point apart in the second tier should also be a close one

London City Lionesses v Brighton & Hove Albion @2pm - recently installed as top club in the Championship, LCL could well cause a bit of an upset against one of the WSL's lower clubs

Women's FA Cup Second Round

At this stage no new clubs enter the draw, meaning this one features the remaining clubs from the third tier and below. There are 28 ties taking place around the country with the winners of each receiving £8,000 and  the losers £2,000. Here are the ties taking place in London:

Watford v Crawley Wasps @1pm - two third-tier teams who've had very different seasons meet at Wealdstone's ground at lunchtime. The Hornets were top but have lost some ground of late with Sunday's home defeat to Billericay leaving them five points behind new leaders Oxford United. Crawley have had a terrible season, failing to win any of their 10 league games and really should be beaten here

AFC Wimbledon v Billericay Town @3pm - Carshalton Athletic's ground plays host to an intriguing tie between one of the best sides in the fourth tier and an ever-improving third tier one. Billericay won the Dons' division last season and have started to build a decent run of results which has lifted them to fifth

Dartford v Hashtag United @4pm - one of the lowest-ranked teams left in the competition, the Darts face an incredibly tough afternoon against a strong Hashtag side who top the division above them

Dulwich Hamlet v Gillingham WFC @2pm - although the Hamlet top the fifth-tier division Dartford play in, they can expect an even bigger challenge as they play host to a midtable third-tier outfit from Kent. There should be a decent crowd to encourage them though

GET INVOLVED

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

NEED HELP?

Got any questions about visiting London? Don't hesitate to ask - be they football or more general travel/touristy queries. I do not charge for this advice like some other sites so don't hold back!

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

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

TLFG: 14-20 November 2022

Hi there - how are you?

It's recently gone midnight and I'm writing this while listening to a selection of great tunes on Greatest Hits Radio - "Daydream Believer" is on at the moment.

Today has been largely shaped by cracking tunes thanks to the moment I set foot on a rail replacement bus service at Basingstoke station around 11am this morning.

Now I know what you're thinking - cracking tunes and rail replacement buses aren't traditional bedfellows but today that was the case.

To backtrack a bit, I set off early to make my way to Hampshire to watch Actonians play AFC Stoneham in a Women's FA Cup First Round tie.

Actonians striker Roschelle Shakes keeps Stoneham's defence busy

With the line closed for engineering work, I had to get a bus from Basingstoke to Eastleigh but as soon as I boarded, I was greeted with The Proclaimers belting out '500 miles' and that just set the tone for the rest of the day.

Further classics on the journey included Van Halen's Jump and other top numbers from the likes of KC & The Sunshine Band, Whitney Houston and many, many more - this album is not available in the shops (one for the older readers).

After grabbing a bit of refreshment in Eastleigh, I walked the remaining two miles to the Stoneham Lane football complex, used by Northern Ireland in the Women's Euros, where the match was being played.

It was quite an eventful walk which took me through the back streets of the town and into Lakeside Country Park. 

On its edge I was greeted by a woman walking her dog in the long grass, who exclaimed loudly 'WHERE IS YOUR S***?!" as I passed her - I hope she was successful in her treasure hunt.

Once in the park, I had to navigate a double level crossing across a small gauge steam railway before heading off across the wetlands.

As I was leaving the park, I had to cross a bridge over a river in which a couple of youngsters were having fun driving a car around in - go figure!

With that disorientating sight behind me, I was almost there.

The last landmark was Eastleigh FC's stadium which is on the same road as Stoneham's ground.

Fulham will host West Ham in a friendly during the World Cup

With entry a very reasonable £4, programme included, I was pitchside about 30 minutes before kick-off.

Actonians play two divisions above Stoneham and were strong favourites.

Thankfully they lived up to their billing and won pretty comfortably, with Japanese full-back Chihiro Ebine starring with two goals in a 3-0 win.

The win takes their cup earnings to £10,000 and with £2,000 awarded to losers in the next round, they've guaranteed themselves £12,000 at the very least - a considerable sum for a team at this level.

They'll find out their Second Round opponents in the draw on Monday lunchtime.

If you want a full match report, I wrote my first one in years which you can read on Actonians' website.

I think the last one was for the now defunct Shepherd's Bush Gazette and saw me cover QPR's turgid 1-0 loss to Leicester City at the then Walkers Stadium back in 2005.

The most notable thing I can remember was Ian Holloway deciding to play Georges Santos up front but I digress.

Overall, despite the long journey back from Stoneham, it was well worth going.

The players coming over to say thanks again at the end is always a high point as is the chat with the other supporters who are largely players' parents or injured players who all give great insight.

Thankfully I've got a day off tomorrow to recover.

If you didn't realise, the World Cup break for the Premier League and Championship clubs is now underway.

Next month some of them will be playing friendlies.

So far we know that Crystal Palace will host Botafogo at Selhurst Park and Millwall have Brondby coming to The Den.

We now also know Fulham have West Ham United coming to Craven Cottage.

If you hear of any others let me know.

THE WEEK AHEAD

The highlights of the next few days include games in the FA Cup, EFL, National League, FA Trophy, Women's Super League and many other games in our local non-league and women's competitions.

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, by day, 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 November

Premier League International Cup

Arsenal v Monaco @7pm - the week begins with an eye-catching bit of U21 action at Boreham Wood's ground. It's over two months since the Gunners last played a match in this competition, drawing 1-1 with Feyenoord. Next up are the youngsters from Monaco who beat Manchester United 2-0 at Old Trafford on Friday. Admission to games at Meadow Park is usually free but it shouldn't be more than a fiver

Premier League Cup

QPR v Brighton & Hove Albion @7pm - if west London is more convenient for you, then the R's are playing their first home game of the campaign in this other U21 competition. They managed a 1-1 draw in their opening fixture at Derby County. Brighton lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth so have some ground to make up. Being played at Hanwell Town, there is usually a small charge for admission 

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Tuesday 15 November

FA Cup First Round Replay

AFC Wimbledon v Weymouth @745pm - after being held to a 1-1 draw by the non-league club in the original game, the Dons have another chance to make sure of their place in the Second Round. Playing two divisions above the Dorset club, they should win but that was the case two weeks ago too. The winners will host National League club Chesterfield in the next round. Tickets

Premier League International Cup

West Ham United v Feyenoord @7pm - the Hammers' U21 side have lost their first two games in this competition, including a 5-0 drubbing by PSV Eindhoven last time out. They'll be hoping for better against another Dutch club who have also yet to win a game. This is being played at Dagenham & Redbridge and it's £5 to get in

Middlesex Senior Cup Second Round

Hanwell Town v Harrow Borough @745pm - there's a decent local derby in west London where these two Southern League sides look to make progress in the county cup. The Geordies won the competition two years ago but lost to Harrow in the final when they last won it in 2015

CCL Premier Division North

Raynes Park Vale v Colliers Wood United @745pm - nearly 200 crammed into Wibbandune on Saturday to watch these two local rivals battle it out in the FA Vase. RPV edged to a 1-0 win and they'll be marginal favourites to repeat that scoreline again as these two CCL title contenders meet for one of the most important non-league games of the week

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Wednesday 16 November

Surrey Senior Cup First Round

Kingstonian v Corinthian Casuals @745pm - these two Isthmian League clubs were sharing a ground until the end of last season. However, over the summer, the K's moved out and they've now moved in with Tooting & Mitcham United. Wins have been at a premium for both this season so it should be close

SCEFL Premier Division

Erith Town v Erith & Belvedere @730pm - there's another ninth-tier game of huge importance in south-east London on Wednesday. Like the CCL match above, it features two of the top three clubs but whereas RPV and CWU are only three points apart, there's a whopping 15 points between these two. However, the hosts have three games in hand so they simply must win if they're to have any chance of catching the Deres

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Thursday 17 November

FA Youth Cup Second Round

Charlton Athletic v Northampton Town @7pm - after thrashing Kingstonian 9-0 in the last round of the country's most prestigious U18 competition, the Addicks' youngsters prepare to take on the Cobblers who edged past Peterborough to get this far. This match is being played at Dartford

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Friday 18 November

Essex Senior League

Woodford Town v Barking @745pm - depending on how results go earlier in the week, the hosts could have a chance to force their way into the top six with a win here. The visitors are still trying to get out of the bottom half

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Saturday 19 November

FA Women's Super League

Arsenal v Manchester United @530pm - with the Premier League and Championship now shut for several weeks because of the World Cup, the biggest match of the day will be this women's game at the Emirates Stadium. In excess of 30,000 tickets have been sold to see the current leaders take on the side in third. You can be there too for only £12 adults, £6 kids

League Two

Sutton United v Rochdale @3pm - now four games without a win after losing 2-0 to Bradford City on Saturday, the U's are down to 17th and badly in need of a win. Rochdale are four points behind them and really must be beaten but they're in slightly better form. When they last played at Gander Green Lane in March, Sutton won 3-0 and they'd dearly love to repeat that here. Tickets

Premier League Cup

Arsenal v Stoke City @1pm - having beaten Swansea and Burnley in their opening two group games, the Gunners' U21 side are currently top of Group G. A 1-1 draw with the Clarets has been enough to put Stoke second behind Arsenal. This is being played at Boreham Wood and should finish just in time for you to get to the game at nearby London Lions which starts at 3pm

National League

Barnet v Torquay United @3pm - the Bees won 2-0 at Oldham Athletic on Saturday to move back into the play-off places. The Gulls have struggled this season but held Derby County to a draw in the FA Cup and have their replay against them in midweek

Dagenham & Redbridge v Scunthorpe United @3pm - a fine 3-0 win at promotion chasing Solihull Moors saw the Daggers extend their unbeaten run to three games and lifted them into the top half. The Iron fell out of the EFL at the end of last season and have been in the National League's relegation zone pretty much all season

FA Trophy Second Round

The national knockout competition for sides in the fifth to eighth tiers with its final at Wembley, reaches its second round. This stage features all the remaining clubs from the sixth to eighth tiers, the fifth tier clubs enter the draw in the next round. There are four ties in the London area:

Hampton & Richmond Borough v Farnborough @3pm - neck-and-neck in midtable in the National League South, this tie is very hard to call. They haven't played each other yet in the league but Farnborough are in the middle of a great run in the FA Cup. Having caused an upset by beating Sutton United in the last round, they will next travel to Wrexham and with this momentum in mind, I favour them to prevail here

Welling United v Havant & Waterlooville @3pm - there's another tie between two sixth-tier sides at Park View Road too. The Wings have slipped to 11th in the NLS after going a third game without a win. H&W are third and only three points behind the leaders so they're the favourites coming into this

Hanwell Town v Slough Town @3pm - with only five wins from their 18 league games, Slough have made an underwhelming start and could be in danger of suffering a cupset. The Geordies, who play a level below, have lost a bit of form recently but spurred on by their growing home support, they might just have enough to cause a shock

Uxbridge v Dover Athletic @3pm - with the Reds playing in the eighth tier, they are one of the lowest ranked teams left in the competition. In Dover, they face a side recently relegated from the National League so they face a huge challenge. With average crowds of only 120, Uxbridge will be hoping for a bumper attendance here

Isthmian League South Central

Walton & Hersham v Westfield @3pm - currently tied on 24 points in third and fourth, this eighth-tier game probably also qualifies as a derby as the visitors hail from Woking. The Swans have pulling in incredibly impressive average crowds of 325 this season and should get at least that for this

Isthmian League South East 

Beckenham Town v Whitehawk @3pm - a fine run in the FA Cup means the Becks have some games in hand to make up and if won, they should find themselves back in the top four alongside Whitehawk who have become one of their main promotion rivals

Essex Senior League

Redbridge v Southend Manor @3pm - there are no standout games across the whole ninth tier so I'd suggest going to watch The Motormen who are very much in the ESL title race, currently three points behind leaders Enfield in third. The visitors are bottom and should be beaten

ECL Division 1 South

Frenford v Sporting Bengal United @3pm - if you haven't already done so, it should be worth taking a look at the hosts who are a point clear at the top with a game in hand on most of their rivals. Former ninth-tier club SBU are closing in on a play-off place

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Sunday 20 November

FA Women's Super League

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur @1pm - over the last couple of years, the November international break has been given over to Women's Football Weekend. To the best of my knowledge, it hasn't been officially branded that way this year but with Arsenal playing at the Emirates on Saturday and Chelsea playing this match at Stamford Bridge, it effectively is. In their last match, the Blues taught upstarts Manchester United a lesson by beating them 3-1 at Leigh Sports Village, ending their perfect start to the season. Quite simply, Spurs aren't as good as Man Utd and could easily ship three or four goals here. Tickets

West Ham United v Leicester City @3pm - Paul Konchesky's Hammers side have been models of inconsistency this season with three wins and four defeats. Although two of those defeats were against Arsenal and Chelsea, they pushed both sides hard and should be more than capable of beating the Foxes who have lost every game. This is being played at Dagenham & Redbridge. Tickets

FA Women's Championship

Crystal Palace v Charlton Athletic @2pm - it's derby day in the second tier where these two local rivals, who are fifth and fourth, play each other at Selhurst Park. The Eagles are only a point behind the Addicks but have a game in hand. Tickets

FA Women's National League Southern Premier

Watford v Billericay Town @2pm - after sweeping past Fulham in the Women's FA Cup on Sunday, the Hornets return to league action against Billericay. A win, at Wealdstone's ground, could put them back on top of the third tier

Capital Women's Senior Cup Second Round

Fulham v AFC Wimbledon @2pm - the Cottagers play in the fifth tier but are hosting this match against the third tier Dons at Craven Cottage. It's a local derby but Fulham will have to be at their very best to get even close. Tickets are £5

Capital Women's Intermediate Cup Second Round

Actonians Reserves v Brentford @2pm - elsewhere in west London there's another derby taking place in Gunnersbury Park. Actonians' second string are currently top of the seventh tier whilst Brentford are doing well in the division just above them. The two clubs have their HQs on either side of the park this match is being played in - it really is a local derby. Entry is free

GET INVOLVED

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

NEED HELP?

Got any questions about visiting London? Don't hesitate to ask - be they football or more general travel/touristy queries. I do not charge for this advice like some other sites so don't hold back!

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

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

TLFG: 7-13 November 2022

Hi and welcome to this week's TLFG.

Sadly my schedule today (Sunday) is pretty hectic, with my shift at work falling at the sort of time that makes it very tough to do anything before or after.

As a result, there won't be a daily digest - I might update it if time allows during the week but don't bank on it.

UPDATE (07/11/22) - I did find the time and the Daily Digest can be found below.

The only live football I managed this week was my daughter's match on Saturday morning which coincided with my birthday.

It was a big moment for her as she was given the chance to play up a year for Actonians U11s against Enfield Town.

Crystal Palace will play Botafogo on 3 December

It was action-packed, played in constant rain and she got to play the last 45 minutes of the one-hour game.

She held her own in a match which ultimately ended 3-3 and she was buzzing at the end - a great gift for me.

In other news, earlier in the week I received a message from a director of a large European club wanting information on how to set up Non-League Day in their area.

It's early days but they seem very keen so here's hoping something can come of it.

With the World Cup fast approaching, another club have announced plans to host an eye-catching friendly to keep their players fresh during the break.

Last week we saw how Millwall will host Danish club Brondby,  while this week Crystal Palace announced that they will play Brazilian side Botafogo which should generate significant interest.

I've heard of other clubs playing games behind closed doors but if you know of any other friendlies that will be welcoming crowds then please let me know.

Lastly this week, many thanks to Frank G of Kent who donated to TLFG's coffee-drinking fund - I really appreciate it.

 THE WEEK AHEAD

The highlights of the next few days include games in the Premier League, EFL, EFL Cup, FA Vase, Women's FA Cup and many other games in our local non-league and women's competitions.

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, by day, 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 7 November

Premier League 2

There are a couple of very decent U21 options on Monday night with Chelsea playing Tottenham Hotspur at Kingsmeadow at 7pm - tickets are £5. Elsewhere over near Romford, West Ham entertain Wolves at their Rush Green training facility, also at 7pm. Tickets are £5 on the gate

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Tuesday 8 November

EFL Cup Third Round

Brentford v Gillingham @745pm - if you're not a member, getting tickets for Premier League games at the GTech is very hard indeed. However, matches in this competition usually always go on general sale and that's the case here. Gillingham are currently towards the wrong end of League Two and have done really well to get this far. It's unlikely the Bees will field a full strength team and the tickets are only £10 as a result

Championship

QPR v Huddersfield Town @745pm - around three miles to the east, you find Loftus Road where the R's welcome the bottom club. Since turning down a move to Premier League strugglers Wolves, Rangers boss Michael Beale has seen his team go on a bit of a slump. Taking only one point from their last three games, they've slipped from top to fifth. The Terriers should be beaten but QPR lost at home to West Brom on Saturday and they were in the relegation zone too. Tickets

Watford v Reading @745pm - the Hornets seem to be taking one step forward and two steps back under latest boss Slaven Bilic. Just when you think they're starting to string a good run together, they lose at home to one of the strugglers. The Royals begun the season really well but their form has dipped and only one win in five has seen them drop to 12th. However, this division is so unpredictable and with the teams ridiculously close together, you can make big moves up and down the table fairly quickly. Tickets

League Two

AFC Wimbledon v Leyton Orient @745pm - there's a very decent looking derby to be enjoyed at Plough Lane where an improving Dons side welcome the leaders. Unbeaten in three in the league, the south London club are now up to 15th and pulling away from the bottom two. The O's are three points clear at the top but suffered the disappointment of a 1-0 defeat at Crewe in the FA Cup on Saturday so they're by no means unbeatable. Tickets

National League

Boreham Wood v York City @745pm - after making smooth progress against Eastleigh in the FA Cup on Saturday, the Wood return to league duties with this match against midtable York. A win could well see them return to the top six. Tickets

Wealdstone v Chesterfield @745pm - the Stones brought their worrying losing run to an end with a 1-0 win at Altrincham at the weekend, steadying themselves in midtable. It's just as well as the week ahead looks incredibly tough for the Ruislip-based club. It begins with this match against third placed Chesterfield who did the double over them last season. Tickets

National League South

Hampton & Richmond Borough v Ebbsfleet United @745pm - a 3-2 defeat at Dulwich saw the Beavers extend their losing streak to three games and saw them slide to 15th in the process. It's unlikely to get any easier on Tuesday when title-chasing Ebbsfleet pay them a visit. Currently a point behind leaders Dartford but with three games in hand, they are certain to provide a very stern test. Tickets

Southern League Premier South

Hanwell Town v Merthyr Town @745pm - the Geordies suffered a disappointing defeat at lowly Hartley Wintney on Saturday which saw them fall to eighth. Still only two points off they play-off spots, they should beat Welsh club Merthyr who face a long midweek trip up from the Valleys. Tickets

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Wednesday 9 November

EFL Cup Third Round

Arsenal v Brighton & Hove Albion @745pm - the Gunners passed a huge test of their title credentials by winning at Chelsea on Sunday. The result left them two points clear of Manchester City at the top. Next up they face a tricky Brighton side who can't be taken lightly. With consecutive wins over Chelsea and Wolves, they're firmly back in the top six. The Sussex club also have a really good record at the Emirates, taking seven points from their five games there since winning promotion in 2017. Historically, the Gunners have been well known for fielding weakened sides in this competition so there could be even more chance of them losing. Tickets are only available to members and their guests

West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers @745pm - this tie between an out-of-form Premier League side and one of the title contenders in the Championship has cupset written all over it. Given their need for points in the league, David Moyes will almost certainly rest a few players here. If Blackburn don't do the same, then it's theirs for the taking! Tickets

National League

Bromley v Woking @745pm - there's a decent looking option in the fifth tier where two of the current top eight meet at Hayes Lane. Although Woking are in far better form than the Ravens, they've only won two of their last 10 league games against them so this is definitely not a happy hunting ground for them

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Thursday 10 November

Professional Development League

Charlton Athletic v Cardiff City @1pm - the only match I'm aware of on Thursday is this U21 fixture at Dartford's ground. The going rate is usually around £5 but check all details before you travel

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Friday 11 November

Premier League 2

West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur @7pm - the highlight of Friday is this U21 derby match at the Hammers' Rush Green training facility. Entry is £5 on the gate

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Saturday 12 November

Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United @3pm - these sides experienced contrasting fortunes at the weekend with Spurs losing their place in the top three after defeat to Liverpool and Leeds climbing to 12th after a thrilling 4-3 win over Bournemouth. Morale must definitely be higher in the visitors' camp but will that be enough as they travel to a team they haven't beaten in N17 since 2001? Tickets are only available to members

West Ham United v Leicester City @3pm - with only one defeat from their last five games, the Foxes' recovery is definitely on and their win over Everton at the weekend saw them move above the Hammers on goal difference. Still only two points above the relegation zone, this match is of huge importance to both clubs. Tickets

League Two

Sutton United v Bradford City @3pm - a quirk of the fixture computer means there are no Championship or League One games in London on Saturday, meaning this is your next best option if the Premier League isn't for you. The U's are having that tricky second season following promotion. After all the highs of last year, they're really struggling to build any momentum and are ticking over in 17th. Still seven points clear of the relegation zone, it's not time for panic stations but a win would be nice. Since taking over in February, former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has made sure Bradford should be among the contenders for promotion and they're currently fifth. Tickets

National League

Boreham Wood v Woking @3pm - with there being a full round of midweek fixtures before this, it's hard to write an accurate preview but if results go their way, then these two should both be in the top six and be well worth 90 minutes of your time. Tickets

Wealdstone v Wrexham @3pm - I said above that the Stones face a tough week and here's why. With third place Chesterfield visiting on Tuesday, they follow it up with a game against Wrexham who could be top by the time this gets underway. Famously backed by Hollywood superstar Ryan Reynolds, the Welsh club's fans travel in large numbers so I'd strongly advise you to buy your tickets in advance

Isthmian League Premier Division

Aveley v Hornchurch @3pm - undoubtedly the game of the day in the seventh tier, this Essex derby has the potential to be a cracker. The hosts were top earlier in the season but they've now been replaced by the Urchins at the summit. The title race in this division is really tight with only three points between first and fifth. If you've not been, Aveley's Parkside ground is one of the most modern non-league grounds within the M25 and has some fine facilities, including a 4G pitch so it should go ahead whatever the weather

Isthmian League North Division

New Salamis v Lowestoft Town @3pm - there aren't any truly outstanding games in the eighth tier so I'd suggest going to watch Cypriot club New Salamis who play at Haringey Borough's ground. Their rise through the leagues in recent seasons has been nothing short of remarkable - they were only a Sunday league club in 2016 and now they're more than holding their own at this level after winning promotion from the SSML. Currently 11th, they welcome Suffolk club Lowestoft who are enjoying a renaissance after a few years of struggle and they're already five points clear at the top

FA Vase Second Round

The national knockout competition for sides in the ninth and tenth tiers with its final at Wembley reaches its second round. Still regionalised at this stage to minimise travel expense, here are the pick of our local ties:

Colliers Wood United v Raynes Park Vale @3pm - this tie leapt off the page as soon as I saw it. The A3 Derby between neighbouring clubs in south-west London is definitely one of the highlights of the round. Currently third and first in the CCL Premier South, I can't remember when the two sides were so good at the same time so get down to Wibbandune for what promises to be a great afternoon

Egham Town v Abbey Rangers @3pm - there's also a similar scenario at the Runnymede Stadium where two local rivals who are top four clubs in the parallel CCL Premier North and South go head-to-head in what should also be a brilliant tie

Fisher v Jersey Bulls @130pm - if you need an early kick-off or fancy something a little bit different then head to Salter Road where the Fish will be entertaining opposition from the Channel Islands. One of the title contenders in the CCL Premier South, the visitors should start as strong favourites

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Sunday 13 November

Premier League

Fulham v Manchester United @430pm - just seconds away from taking a point off Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday, the Cottagers succumbed to a 2-1 defeat thanks to Erling Haaland's 95th-minute penalty. With most expecting them to continue their yo-yo existence between the top two divisions, Fulham have confounded many with their performances this season. Up in ninth, they're clearly a match for anyone on their day and an inconsistent Manchester United side who lost 3-1 at Aston Villa on Sunday could come unstuck here. Tickets are only available to members

Women's FA Cup First Round

With the qualifying rounds out of the way, the teams in the women's third tier enter the draw. Winners of each tie receive a cheque for £6,000. Here are my pick of the ties in the London area:

Watford v Fulham @1pm - the third-tier Hornets are the highest-ranked side in action on Sunday. Currently second in FAWNL Southern Premier, they should have too much for the Cottagers who play in the fifth tier. This match is being played at Wealdstone's ground in Ruislip. Tickets

Millwall Lionesses v Gillingham WFC @2pm - the Lionesses have had a great start to the season and are currently five points clear of the fifth-tier division that they play in. After securing their financial future in recent weeks, the visitors will hope to make progress here as they play two divisions above the London club. Tickets 

Clapton CFC v Ashford United @1pm - being played at London's oldest ground, the Old Spotted Dog in Forest Gate, the hosts are having another fine season. Thrashing fourth tier Hounslow in the last round, CCFC are currently top of their sixth-tier division and are one of the lowest-ranked clubs left in the cup.  Ashford are top of a parallel sixth-tier division too so this should be a great game. Tickets

London & SE Women's League Division 1 North

Brentford v Watford Development @3pm - although not in the FA Cup and only a sixth-tier match, the biggest women's attendance of the day could well be achieved here as it sees Brentford Women play their first ever match at the GTech Stadium. Tickets are free but you need to secure one online first

GET INVOLVED

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

NEED HELP?

Got any questions about visiting London? Don't hesitate to ask - be they football or more general travel/touristy queries. I do not charge for this advice like some other sites so don't hold back!

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

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

TLFG: 31 October - 6 November 2022

Despite my best efforts to grab a bit of time here and there, it's approaching 1am and I'm still up writing this week's piece.

Don't get me wrong, I love doing it but I would rather be in bed at this time of night - thankfully I have a day off tomorrow or rather today.

I managed to get two games in this week - they were both entertaining and both were free to watch, happy days!

On Friday I made my second visit of the season to Loftus Road to watch QPR's B team play Ipswich Town in a lunchtime game.

I could only make it for the second half and on my way to the ground, friends were sending messages not to come as we were 4-1 down at the interval.

Millwall are hosting Brondby in a friendly during the World Cup - tickets

Undeterred and knowing I had nothing to lose by attending, I carried on with a foolhardy optimism that we would turn things around.

Such faith was not misplaced as the R's fought back to make it 4-4 and would probably have gone on to win it if defender Connor Masterson hadn't been sent off with around 10 minutes to go, adding another intriguing twist to an already very entertaining game.

My next match on Sunday was a very different affair.

Returning to the Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub, I went to watch Actonians Reserves take on Camden Town.

The hosts were top of the Greater London Women's Football League after steamrollering several opponents and Camden weren't expected to offer much.

However, for the second game in a row, the favourites started poorly and went 1-0 down within seconds after a mix-up in defence gifted a chance to Camden's centre-forward who wasted no time in lobbing Actonians' stranded goalkeeper.

The rest of the half was a real grind for the leaders and they could easily have fallen further behind as the visitors' pacey front three caused them all kinds of problems.

Thankfully for them, an equaliser from Anne-Marie Pejcic arrived shortly before half-time when she bundled in from close range on what was scheduled to be her last game before a move to Maidenhead United.

The second half was again desperately close but Actonians probably just about shaded things but also rode their luck at times.

With three minutes to go, right-back Shadia Edwards-Dashti curled a ball to the back post where Kayleigh Peters saw her effort hit the post.

Unable to get hold of it, Camden's keeper could do little to stop Peters turning home the rebound to spark wild celebrations.

Actonians Reserves endured a tough afternoon against Camden Town

The referee had caused numerous grumbles from the home support but more than made up for it when the last kick of the game seemed to smash firmly into an Actonians player's hand in the area.

However, he waved all penalty appeals away and blew the final whistle instead.

The 2-1 win keeps Actonians top ahead of their crunch match against title rivals Islington Borough this Sunday at the same venue.

In other news, I  noticed this weekend that Millwall have scheduled a friendly during the World Cup against Danish club Brondby - tickets are only £10 and should be well worth a watch.

I'm not aware of any other clubs doing anything similar but let me know if you hear of anything on your travels.

QPR have lots of B team games during that period so I presume they'll just put out really strong sides to keep things ticking over.

As I mentioned recently, TLFG reader Tuncay Y would like to know where different nationalities will gather to watch World Cup matches in London during the tournament which begins next month.

He suggested a bar called El Comandante very close to Arsenal's Emirates Stadium which is run by a Bolivian and is very popular with fans of South American teams.

Since then I've heard from another reader Balham, who recommends Casa Benfica not far from Clapham Junction for Portugal matches.

Do you have any information on where the best places will be to see the likes of Australia play France or Qatar take on Senegal? All suggestions very welcome.

I think that's it from me, have a great week.

THE WEEK AHEAD

The highlights of the next few days include games in the Champions League, Europa League, Premier League, EFL, FA Cup, Women's Super League and many other games in our local non-league and women's competitions.

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, by day, 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 31 October

Premier League 2

Arsenal v Crystal Palace @7pm - there are a couple of decent U21 options on Monday with the Gunners' match against the Eagles being the pick of the games. Being played at Boreham Wood, entrance is usually free

Professional Development League

Millwall v Cardiff City @2pm - earlier in the day, the Lions' youngsters welcome their counterparts from Cardiff to The Den. Tickets are £5

Isthmian League Premier Division

Carshalton Athletic v Margate @745pm - if you'd prefer to watch a match of some importance then this seventh-tier game could be for you. The sides are only a point apart in midtable but the hosts have games in hand that could move them into the top six if they win them

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Tuesday 1 November

National League

Barnet v Southend United @745pm - with Halloween out of the way, we're into November and it's non-league football that takes centre stage on Tuesday. This match between two former EFL clubs looks well worth 90 minutes of your time. Both are in decent form and find themselves on the cusp of the play-off places. Tickets

National League South

Dartford v Welling United @745pm - if you're on the south-east side of town, it's all about this derby. The hosts have had some decent results of late and have climbed back up to second, two points behind leaders Ebbsfleet. The Wings are having one of their best seasons for a while and rose to eighth after beating Hungerford on Saturday. Princes Park is one of the most modern non-league grounds within the M25 and should welcome a hefty crowd for this one. Tickets

Isthmian League Premier Division

Hornchurch v Haringey Borough @745pm - the Urchins moved up to third after winning at Margate on Saturday. This means they're the top club in the league from the London area. Now only three points behind leaders Potters Bar Town, they've got two games in hand and things are looking good. Haringey are in the bottom six and should be beaten

FA Youth Cup First Round

With the qualifying rounds out of the way, the country's most prestigious U18 competition reaches its first round 'proper'. There are a couple of ties on Tuesday with Sutton United and Leyton Orient meeting for a decent-looking derby and Haringey based New Salamis playing Colchester United in what will be a huge night for the non-league club's youngsters

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Wednesday 2 November

UEFA Champions League

Chelsea v Dinamo Zagreb @8pm - the Blues suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at Brighton on Saturday but should face a slightly more comfortable evening here. Although they lost the away match in Croatia at the beginning of September, they come into this knowing that they're already through to the next round - they just need a draw here to win the group. Tickets have sold out

EFL Trophy

Charlton Athletic v Brighton & Hove Albion U21 @7pm - we're two games into the group stage and these sides have managed one win between them. This competition is a real drag for most of those taking part and there's little to get the juices flowing here other than the £10 entry fee. Tickets

London Senior Cup First Round

Cray Wanderers v Leyton Orient @745pm - London's oldest club begin their LSC campaign with a match against the O's. Kudos to the east London club for continuing to enter a side - hopefully we'll see more Premier League and Championship clubs do the same soon. Orient can potentially field a full-strength team but it's more likely to be an U21/U23 side

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Thursday 3 November

UEFA Europa League

Arsenal v FC Zurich @8pm - the Gunners' women played Zurich in the Champions League here last week and won 3-1. Mikel Arteta's side will be hopeful of achieving something similar after winning the away game against their male counterparts 2-1 in September. With qualification for the next stage secured, it's now about making sure of top spot and only a win here will do. Tickets are only available to members

FA Youth Cup First Round

AFC Wimbledon v Lewes @7pm - if you haven't had a chance to visit the new Plough Lane yet then this could be your chance. Tickets for this U18 game are just £5

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Friday 4 November

Premier League 2

Crystal Palace v Leicester City @7pm - tickets for matches at Selhurst Park are hard to come by unless you have membership. However, anyone can go to U21 games so if you want to get this ground ticked off your list it's only £5 for tickets

Essex Senior League

Romford v Ilford @745pm - although neither are doing particularly well, this is one of the biggest derbies in the ninth tier. If you look at the map, you can see how close together they are. Romford are without a ground of their own, so this is at Barking

SCEFL Premier Division

Stansfeld v Glebe @745pm - on the south-east side of town, we've got a tenants versus landlords groundshare derby. Stansfeld won promotion to the ninth tier at the end of last season and are pushing for promotion again. Glebe had a great season last year but have yet to get going and are down in 10th

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Saturday 5 November

Championship

Millwall v Hull City @3pm - despite a large number of London clubs playing in the Premier League, their European commitments mean many of them aren't playing until Sunday so the Championship is the best you'll get today. The Lions saw their decent winning run come to an end on Saturday at Huddersfield and saw them miss out on a place in the top five. Hull have made a disappointing start and could conceivably find themselves in the relegation zone if they lose. Tickets

QPR v West Bromwich Albion @3pm - the R's lost their place in the top two after a fairly comfortable 2-0 defeat at Birmingham on Friday night. Still third with a game in hand, things are looking pretty rosy and they should fancy their chances against the bottom club. Besides, it's my birthday that day and they simply have to win for that reason! Tickets

Watford v Coventry City @3pm - three wins from four have seen the Hornets move back up to 7th, seemingly ending their rather sticky patch. The Sky Blues are in the bottom three but have played fewer games than everyone else as their pitch wasn't fit to host games at the beginning of the season. The club are now in further turmoil as the owners of their stadium are in financial difficulty and they could be locked out again very shortly. They've also had a transfer embargo imposed on them while they pay debts they owe to HMRC -  a worrying time for all involved. Tickets

FA Cup First Round

For me, this is one of the most exciting days of the football calendar as all the surviving non-league teams go into the draw alongside all the pro clubs from League One and League Two. The winners of each tie receive a cheque for £41,000 which added to winnings in previous rounds, could mean a transformative amount of money for some clubs - the stakes are high!

Barnet v Chelmsford City @3pm - there's an all non-league tie at The Hive where the fifth-tier hosts should start as favourites. Possibly in the National League's play-off places by the time this match begins, the north London club should have too much for their Essex opponents. However, the visitors beat fifth tier Aldershot Town in the last round so they needn't feel overawed. Tickets

Boreham Wood v Eastleigh @3pm - the Wood were the non-league story of the FA Cup last season as they made it all the way to Fifth Round, eventually losing 2-0 to Everton at Goodison Park. They made it to the Third Round the year before too so they've got some decent recent pedigree. Currently sixth in the National League, you'd expect them to see off Eastleigh who are in midtable. Tickets

Charlton Athletic v Coalville Town @3pm - for the cup romantics, this is probably the most eye-catching tie in London this weekend. It pits a former Premier League side against a club from a small town in Leicestershire who play in the seventh tier. They've made the First Round once before but have never gone any further and it will take a Herculean effort for them to make progress here. Tickets

Sutton United v Farnborough @3pm - there's one other tie between a league and non-league club but with Sutton so new to the pro ranks, to me this still feels like a non-league match as these two must have played each other loads of times over the years. Two divisions currently separate them and with home advantage and a proud FA Cup tradition of their own, the U's should prevail. Tickets

National League South

Dartford v Braintree Town @3pm - if results go their way in midweek, the Darts could come into this game as leaders. Even if they don't, it will still see two of the top five meet for a hugely important game

Isthmian League Premier Division

Enfield Town v Hastings United @3pm - my pick in the seventh tier sees the fifth placed Towners welcome Hastings who are eighth at the time of writing. Enfield often draw a lively crowd and with the visitors getting the highest average attendances in the division, there should be a decent atmosphere

Isthmian League South East

Beckenham Town v Chatham Town @3pm - while their FA Cup run was going on, the Becks lost a bit of ground in the league. Currently seven points adrift of top spot, a midweek win over Chichester could cut the gap considerably and then Chatham, the current leaders arrive. It could be a very significant afternoon at Eden Park Avenue

SCEFL Premier Division

Erith & Belvedere v Rusthall @3pm - there aren't any standout games for me in the ninth tier so I advise you to head down to Park View Road to check out the progress of the Deres. They're currently seven points clear at the top with two games in hand on their nearest challengers. On Saturday they welcome Rusthall who are well capable of challenging for the runners-up spot

ECL Division 1 South

Frenford v Newbury Forest @3pm - everyone loves a derby so I'd recommend this 10th-tier fixture between two local clubs from the Ilford area. The hosts are currently second with games in hand on the leaders whilst Newbury Forest are in the bottom four. A win for Frenford could well put them top

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Sunday 6 November

Premier League

Chelsea v Arsenal @12pm - arguably the match of the week gets things underway at midday. London derbies don't come much bigger than this and there have been some absolute classics between the sides over the years. At the time of writing, the Gunners are having their best season in a while with Sunday's 5-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest keeping them two points clear at the top. The Blues were doing pretty nicely under new boss Graham Potter until he returned to his former club Brighton on Saturday and lost 4-1. The defeat saw them end the weekend in sixth. Arsenal are unbeaten in three at Stamford Bridge and look well capable of extending that run here. Tickets have sold out

West Ham United v Crystal Palace @2pm - with that game over, we move from west to east for another London derby. Unless you're one of the top clubs, every point in this division is really hard won and incredibly precious. Only a couple of points apart in midtable, both sides will be eyeing wins here. Tickets

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool @430pm - Spurs retained their place in the top three with a nervy 3-2 win at Bournemouth on Saturday. With an ever-improving Newcastle breathing down their necks, they can't afford too many slip ups. Normally one of the biggest games of the season, the Reds are a shadow of the side which won the league a couple of years ago. With four defeats from 12, they're already 15 points off the title pace and eight points adrift of fourth. If they're to get into the Champions League places, they're going to have to start looking for snookers already. Tickets are only available to members

Premier League 2

Arsenal v Everton @1pm - there's a rare bit of U21 action on Sunday afternoon at Boreham Wood. It's usually free to get in so this should provide a fine alternative if you can't into any of the above or are on a tight budget

FA Women's Super League

Tottenham Hotspur v Everton @2pm - if you're a Spurs fan who can't get into the THS to watch the Liverpool game, head to Brisbane Road instead. Rehanne Skinner's side have been blowing hot and cold this season but they were in red hot form on Sunday as they crushed Brighton 8-0 to move back up to fifth. The win moved them above Everton on goal difference. The Toffees lost 3-0 to leaders Manchester United who have won every game and are yet to concede a goal. Tickets

West Ham United v Brighton & Hove Albion @3pm - the Hammers fought gamely against Arsenal on Sunday evening and briefly held the lead. If they'd held on, they would have finished the weekend in fourth but it was not to be and they fell to seventh. As mentioned above, Brighton got thrashed on Sunday and have made a poor start. Defeat here could send them bottom. Tickets

FA Women's Championship

London City Lionesses v Birmingham City @2pm - LCL only managed a disappointing 0-0 draw with Blackburn on Sunday but kept hold of second place. That status is likely to slip in midweek when third placed Southampton play bottom club Coventry United. The Blues are sixth, so you'll get to see two of the division's best sides whatever happens

Crystal Palace v Sheffield United @2pm - the Eagles got themselves back into the top four with a 1-0 win at Durham on Sunday. The Blades have been disappointing this season and three defeats on the bounce have seen them slide to ninth

FA Women's National League Cup First Round

AFC Wimbledon v Watford @2pm - after crushing QPR 7-1 in their FA Cup tie on Sunday, the Dons will fancy themselves to cause an upset in this competition. Currently third in the fourth tier, they should be full of confidence coming into this one but they'll need to be as the Hornets are top of the division above them

GLWFL Premier Division

Actonians Reserves v Islington Borough @2pm - there's a game of huge importance at the Gunnersbury Park Sports Hub where the top two in the seventh tier do battle. Both have 100% records but the hosts are top because they've played a game more. Actonians have a huge +24 goal difference after just six games but were made to work really hard on Sunday by a Camden side who Islington put six past earlier in the season. Another great option if you're on a budget as it's free entry

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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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