SPOILS SHARED IN EAST LONDON DERBY

Hackney Wick played out their first competitive 0-0 in nearly 5 and a half years with a stalemate at Clapton CFC.

In a game of few chances, Max Grappy had the first opportunity but his first-time shot from close range was parried by the hosts’ keeper Jack Francis.

Wickers’ keeper Bartz Klimkiewicz was first called into action in the 36th minute, as he made a brilliant save to deny Julian Austin from close range.

Junia Charlton came close to giving the hosts the lead before the break, sliding in at the back post he could over divert the ball over the bar.

Down the other end, Sergi Oyo Chele sent a brilliant acrobatic effort narrowly over the bar.

Sergi was the main danger man and he caused problems again just a minute later as his cross clipped the outside of the post.

HT: CLAPTON CFC 0-0 HACKNEY WICK

The atmosphere created by both sets of fans was amazing, but on the pitch the entertainment did not match it.

On the hour mark, Adam Cheniti sent a long range shot straight into the gloves of Francis.

The Wickers’ best chance of the game came in the 65th minute. Some good work by Darren Esuka saw him break into the box, where he cut it back for Max, who somehow failed to get his shot on target!

Clapton CFC had the better chances late on.

First, former Wickers man Suleyman Zahmoul sent a fierce half volley wide of Bartz’s goal.

The hosts could have nicked it in the 87th minute, but again they blazed over from close range.

FT: CLAPTON CFC 0-0 HACKNEY WICK

The draw means Wickers drop a place to 8th, still only 3 points off the playoff places though following Dunmow Town’s 4-1 home defeat to Hoddesdon Town.

Clapton CFC are very much in the playoff mix themselves, they remain 5th but just 5 points separate them from us.

NEXT MATCH:

It’s a full week off for the Wickers as we are next in action on Saturday (23rd March) as Newbury Forest make the trip to Witham. They are currently 15th in the league but it will still be a very tough game.

PREVIOUS ENCOUNTERS:

(9 meetings: 6 wins, 0 draws, 3 defeats)

HACKNEY WICK 4-1 Newbury Forest (22/08/2018)

HACKNEY WICK 2-1 Newbury Forest (27/03/2019)

Newbury Forest 1-2 HACKNEY WICK (02/04/2019)

Newbury Forest 2-1 HACKNEY WICK (26/09/2020)

Newbury Forest 6-5 HACKNEY WICK (31/08/2021)

HACKNEY WICK 8-1 Newbury Forest (18/12/2021)

Newbury Forest 2-0 HACKNEY WICK (02/08/2022)

HACKNEY WICK 3-1 Newbury Forest (29/10/2022)

Newbury Forest 0-1 HACKNEY WICK (25/11/2023)