Essex Senior League
Old Spotted Dog, Forest Gate
Admission: £5.00
Programme: £1.00
Attendance: 106
Match Rating: 3
It was always going to be touch and go whether I would manage to get to this game in time for the 5.30 pm kick-off, with the eventful conclusion at Mile End Stadium delaying my exit. But a little running to Mile End station, a prompt District Line tube train to Plaistow, and a further combination of running/rapid walking to the ground meant that I arrived at the Old Spotted Dog just in time for the scheduled kick off time. A five minute delay by the referee meant that I even had a little time to spare before kick-off.
The Old Spotted Dog ground, the oldest senior football ground in London with Clapton FC playing there since 1888, is situated down a short path from the main road, with the turnstile block in one corner of the ground. Facilities are modest and a little ramshackle in places, with some signs of the presence of the Clapton Ultras still on show, despite their boycott of Clapton's home matches this season. Straddling the half way line on one side is an all-seater stand, whilst on the opposite side there are a couple of stands made of scaffolding, which make a good place to watch the action from, being quite intimate and elevated, and is where the Clapton Ultras used to watch their games from. Behind the goal by the entrance there is a rather basic clubhouse, with a slight grass bank behind the goal with some tables and chairs, and a wooden bench. An African themed barbecue was set up this evening, and was doing a roaring trade at half time. Behind the other goal, there is an overgrown grass bank, with a couple of uncovered terrace steps immediately behind the goal. A 12 page programme was produced, which was basic but covered the essentials.
This is the first season since Hackney Wick merged with London Bari, taking their place in the Essex Senior League, as well as their groundshare at the Old Spotted Dog. They came into this game in 18th place in the 21 team league, following four wins and a draw from their 17 league games. Wadham Lodge were bottom of the table, having won three and drawn two of their league games so far.
On a chilly evening, this match started off evenly, with both sides feeling their way into the game and managing to create some half chances. It was the visitors who took the lead on 22 minutes though, when the ball was crossed to the far post and Mario Gnijaj stabbed the ball home from close range, injuring himself as he crashed into the post. On the half hour mark, the visitors were awarded a penalty following a foul tackle. Dwade James struck the ball low into the bottom left corner of the spot to give Wadham Lodge a comfortable lead. On 34 minutes, they saw a shot from outside the area parried on to the bar, and a minute before the break, the visiting goalkeeper had to save at full stretch to prevent the hosts pulling a goal back.
Wadham Lodge certainly deserved their half time lead, and they looked comfortable retaining it until the 78th minute, when Hackney Wick's Ibrahima Camara shot low across the keeper to halve the deficit. The match was suddenly back in the balance, but shortly after they forced another good save from the visiting keeper, Wadham Lodge sealed the win two minutes from time when the ball was stabbed home from close range following a corner. It was a deserved win for the visitors, and it lifted them four places up the table, while Hackney Wick slipped to 19th.
And so ended the groundhopping event, and a most enjoyable day it proved to be too. I certainly hope that the Essex Senior League will organise similar events in the future, although more hopper friendly kick-off times would be most welcome.
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