Non-League and Academy football writer

For some leagues the 2026/27 season starts this weekend, in non-League football. Here are my three personal standout/highlighted matches which are taking place, within the London area, or just outside of London, this weekend.

Lymore Gardens versus Stansted: 

On Friday evening (kick-off is at 7:45pm) at Parkside Stadium (Aveley FC), after a 2025/26 season to be proud of, London club Lymore Gardens host Stansted FC in one of the opening Thurlow Nunn League First Division South (step 6) fixtures of the 2026/27 season. A very good footballing side, Lymore Gardens finished last season in fifth place in the league table (three places above Stansted), to make the play-offs. This season both sides will be looking to improve further on last season, and a really interesting game awaits on Friday. I will also be in attendance at this game.

NW London versus London Harts United:

Also taking place on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7:45pm at Coles Park) in the Thurlow Nunn League First Division South, is NW London’s opening league fixture of the season, against newly promoted side London Harts United. NW London were reprieved from relegation last season after finishing in the relegation zone last time out. NW London will face a London Harts United side who won promotion from the Essex Alliance Football League Senior Division as unbeaten champions, last season. They are a very good side, and they will come up against an NW London side who have a lot of experience of playing non-League football at this level.

Colliers Wood United versus PFC Victoria London:

At Wibbandune Sports Ground on Saturday afternoon (kick-off is at 3pm) Colliers Wood United face a PFC Victoria London side who are about to start their third season in the Combined Counties Football League Division One, in what should be a competitive league fixture. Colliers Wood United, who finished in 11th place in this step 6 division last season, were unbeaten against PFC Victoria in the league during 2025/26. PFC Victoria just missed out on making the league play-offs last season for the very first time. This season however, I think that they could go on to achieve that goal.