TLFG DAILY DIGEST
In the next section, I’ll list what I think are the standout games of the week and give some brief reasons for my choice. View the maps above for start times, ticket information and directions.
Monday October 13
Prime Minister of the Isthmian League
Redbridge v Takeley at 7.45pm – the Motormen recorded a tidy 3-1 victory in Tilbury on Saturday and moved into the top four in this eighth division. They next face Takeley, who are playing at this level for the first time in their history following their promotion from the Essex Senior League. Based near Stansted Airport, they found the step up challenging and are in the bottom three. Tickets cost €10 at the gate
CCL Division 1
RB Kensington v Bedfont at 7.45pm – RBK moved their home games to Northwood this year and that didn’t go well. They have failed to win any of the seven matches played there so far this season. They then face a team who are fourth and in the thick of the promotion race – it looks to be another tough evening. The hosts no longer have an online presence so I don’t know how much they charge, but it shouldn’t be more than £7
FA Youth Cup third qualifying round
Walton & Hersham v Chatham Town at 7.45pm – the next round of the country’s most prestigious U18 competition kicks off this week. The Swans defeated local rivals Abbey Rangers 3-2 in the final round, while the Chats scraped past Whitstable Town on penalties. Again, I’m not sure about the admission, but it won’t be much, it could even be free
————————————————————
Tuesday October 14th
FA Cup fourth round qualifying round replay
Professional Development League
Middlesex Senior Cup, second round
Barnet v Southall @745pm – the Bees have again taken part in this competition. How strong it is remains to be seen, but this is apparently being played at The Hive. The ‘Everyone play at the eighth level, so the chance to play at a League Two ground is a great opportunity for them. Neither party has posted ticket details yet, but it will likely be around £10
Southern League Premier South
Isthmian League South Central
Egham Town v Raynes Park Vale at 7.45pm – in the eighth level, I like the look of this game in Runnymede Stadium. Right on the far western border of TLFG’s catchment area, the Sarnies have made a good start at this level after promotion from the Combined Counties League. Things are going well up to seventh place, after a 2-1 win over Fareham Town on Saturday. On Tuesday they welcome RPV, who retained second place this weekend with a 3-0 win over AFC Portchester. Tickets are £10 on the gate
ECL Division 1 South
Clapton CFC v Rayleigh Town at 7.45pm – nothing really grabs me in the ninth layer, but in the tenth this one does. The hosts are played at the Old Spotted Dog, London’s oldest ground, and always attract fantastic crowds for the level they play at (as many as 1,057 on Saturday) and should get 200-300 for this midweek match. They are sixth, just outside the play-off places, and face Rayleigh who are seventh, so there is plenty to play for. Tickets cost €5 at the gate
——————————————————————
Wednesday October 15
UEFA Women’s Champions League
Middlesex Senior Cup, second round
QPR U21 v Hendon at 7.45pm – the R’s Academy will field a team two nights in a row, as they have committed to also participate in this competition. As I play at Hanwell Town I have heard that this may be more of an U18 side taking on the Greens. FYI: Hendon is the most successful club in the long history of this competition with 15 titles. The last came in 2018 when they beat Staines Town on penalties. Tickets cost €5 at the gate
Southern League Division 1 Central
London Lions v Aylesbury United at 7.45pm – apart from Hadley, most of the TLFG clubs in this eighth division are really struggling this season. The Lions, the capital’s top club for Jewish players, are just above the relegation zone on goal difference. The visiting Ducks are two points above them, so getting something here is crucial. Entry details are hard to find, but expect something in the region of £10
Second round London Senior Cup
CCL Division 1
PFC Victoria London v Chalfont St Peter at 7.45pm – another team that has made a good start is PFCVL. This club, with roots in the Polish community in the capital, has been on a steady upward trajectory over the past decade and is one point clear at the top of this tenth division. I remember first hearing about them in 2017 when their coach Emil Kot contacted me wanting help promoting their Non-League Day match against North Acton while still in the 12th tier. I went along and 350 people showed up. Since then they have enjoyed two promotions and are now among the front runners for another step up. Chalfont St Peter appear to be heading in the opposite direction after suffering relegations in 2022 and 2024 and are once again in trouble. This is played in Ashford Town, near Heathrow. Tickets shouldn’t cost more than £8, but I can’t be sure as the club never responds to my messages
———————————————————————–
Friday October 17
Isthmian League North
Redbridge v Mildenhall Town at 7.45pm – if they win earlier this week, the Motormen could be third by the time this starts. Club Mildenhall from Suffolk are looking to stay in the play-off race and also play a midweek match. If they win, they could be in the top eight themselves. Tickets cost €10 at the gate
Essex Senior League
Woodford Town v Athletic Newham at 7.45pm – the hosts made a thrilling start to the season. They have come far in the FA Cup and are top of the league, but their form has suddenly deserted them. They are winless in three games and with just two wins in the last six they have dropped to fifth place after only winning a 2-2 draw at bottom club Frenford. They then play the second bottom club who have recorded just one league win all season. Tickets cost €7 at the gate
———————————————————————–
Previews for October 18-19 will follow
#TLFG #October