Hackney Wick held on to beat Hutton and secure 3 points on the opening day.

The Wickers wasted no time in taking the lead, as Seb Mohammed converted from Nixon Soglo’s cross with just 3 minutes on the clock!

Hutton looked for an instant reply but a brilliant challenge from skipper Piotr Maslowski averted any danger.

Down the other end, Hackney Wick were searching for a second goal as Seb made a good run through the Hutton midfield but his shot was held by the keeper.

New man Nixon was causing problems for the hosts, he cut inside and unleashed a shot that was again relatively comfortable for the keeper.

The Wickers were gifted with a golden opportunity to double their lead as the referee pointed to the spot following a handball. Up stepped Adam Cheniti, but his well-struck effort was brilliantly parried by the Hutton keeper.

Things were getting tense on the sidelines, but with the Hutton assistant manager entering the referee’s book for entering the pitch to make his opinions heard!

The hosts could and should have had an equaliser before the break. First they struck the post with a low shot, before Wickers’ keeper Bartz Kimkliewicz foiled the attacker on the rebound, and the second rebound was blazed over!

So going into half-time, the Wickers had the lead but it was a very open affair.

HT: HUTTON 0-1 HACKNEY WICK

Similar to the first half, Hackney Wick made a rapid start to the second period, and doubled their lead in the 47th minute. Following a scramble in the penalty area, a second powerful clearance ricocheted off Nixon and into the back of the net for a rather fortuitous but much welcomed goal!

The Wickers went in search of more, but it was not to be Adam’s day as his shot flew narrowly over the bar.

Manager Ernest made several substitutions as the second half went on, and one of the introductions, Callum Malcolm, went close as he met a high cross but could only head over the bar.

Hutton were still looking for a way back into the game, and they forced a brilliant save from Bartz as the Wickers’ 2-goal advantage remained intact.

The hosts did manage to pull a goal back before the end. Initially Bartz made another brilliant save, but the ball was not cleared and instead was poked in from close range, making for a nervy final 5 minutes.

But Hackney Wick held on to make 5 successive seasons unbeaten on the opening day!

FT: HUTTON 1-2 HACKNEY WICK