Non-League and Academy football writer

The second weekend of competitive non-League football matches takes place, starting from Friday, in London and the surrounding counties. Here are four of my standout non-League matches which are taking place within London and the surrounding counties, this weekend.

Hilltop versus Wokingham Town: Hilltop will start their Combined Counties Football League Premier Division North season with a home league fixture against Wokingham Town on Friday night, at Silver Jubilee Park. Hilltop started last season well, and on their day they can beat any team at this level of non-League football. After a 16th place finish in this step 5 division last time out, they’ll be hoping to improve on that this season. And when they host Wokingham Town tomorrow evening, who finished last season in 11th place in the league, they will be hoping for three points to start the season, in what will be a very interesting game of football.

London Harts United versus London Fennecs: Saturday will be a historic day for former Middlesex County Football League side London Fennecs. As Zack Bettache’s side face another recently promoted (from the Essex Alliance Football League) side in London Harts United (away) at Harlow Town FC, in their first ever Thurlow Nunn League First Divsion South (step 6) fixture. London Harts United won their first league game of the season (8-1) away to NW London last Friday, and they will be looking to keep up their 100% record. However, an also very good London Fennecs side will be sure to make this a very competitive game. I will be writing a match report on this game on Saturday.

Clapton Community FC versus Soul Tower Hamlets: Clapton Community’s rise from step 8 to step 5 of the non-League system in a relatively short amount of time, is highly impressive, from this fan-owned club. Their first game in the Essex Senior League, is a very tough one against last season’s runners-up, in Soul Tower Hamlets. In front of what should be a great crowd on Saturday at the Old Spotted Ground, this will be a good game and occasion for all connected with Clapton Community.

Cockfosters versus Harpenden Town: Last season’s FA Vase finalists Cockfosters face Harpenden Town on Saturday afternoon at Chalk Lane, in what is both side’s opening Spartan South Midlands Football League Premier Division fixture of this season. Vastly experienced manager Terry Spillane will take charge of the home side in a competitive game for the very first time, and after making some excellent signings over the summer, I think that Cockfosters will do really well once again this time out. I also think that the visitors, in Harpenden Town, will do well in the league this season after a ninth place finish in 2025/26. A good game of football awaits!