Hackney Wick FC have done it! After a decade of building, growing, and dreaming, the Wickers are officially promoted to Step 5 following a commanding 2-0 victory over Rayleigh Town in the Play-Off Final.

The Wickers came flying out the blocks, and just four minutes in, it was that man again—Issa Sidibe—who rose to the occasion. Leo Pola burst down the flank and delivered a pinpoint cross that Sidibe thumped into the net with a bullet header, setting the tone for a monumental afternoon.

Shortly after, Pola was involved again, this time cutting inside and forcing a save from the Rayleigh keeper. The rebound fell kindly for Adam Cheneti, who smashed it home to double Hackney’s lead inside 20 minutes.

Hackney could have had a third before halftime, dominating large spells of the first half, but the second period saw Rayleigh respond with urgency, throwing everything forward in search of a way back into the match.

Their best chance came when they were awarded a penalty with 20 minutes to go. But in a dramatic twist, the referee ruled an indirect free-kick to Hackney after the taker delayed too long—relieving the pressure in a key moment.

Hackney Wick stayed composed, defended brilliantly, and when the final whistle blew, the celebrations erupted.

It marks the end of a historic season—promotion to the Essex Senior League and a League Cup triumph, delivering the first major double in the club’s history.

Final Score: Hackney Wick FC 2 - 0 Rayleigh Town FC
Scorers:

Issa Sidibe (1)
Adam Cheneti (1)
A decade in the making—Hackney Wick FC are going up!