Hackney Wick FC secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Rayleigh Town, overcoming adversity to claim three crucial points and strengthen their title challenge. Having already beaten Rayleigh 5-2 in their previous meeting, Hackney knew they were in for a battle against a side that had shown resilience last time out.

With key figures Adam Cheneti, Ben Lewis Gold, and Mohammed Sebaihi missing due to injury and illness, the Wickers had to dig deep. They started strongly, with top scorer Issa Sidibie forcing an early save. The breakthrough came soon after when Max Grappy unleashed a stunning 35-yard rocket, a contender for goal of the season, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.

Sidibie had a golden opportunity to double the lead after rounding the keeper, but a heroic last-ditch block denied him. Rayleigh grew into the game and got their reward just before halftime with a deserved equalizer, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.

Manager Ernest Eghan didn’t hold back at halftime, delivering a stern message to his players, and his words had the desired effect. The introduction of David Woods off the bench proved to be the game-changer.

First, Woods cut inside from the left and squared the ball for Nathaniel Asiedu-Binney, who slotted home with his left foot. Moments later, Hackney punished a Rayleigh offensive throw-in with a devastating counterattack—Woods sold his defender with an audacious dummy before releasing Sidibie, who coolly finished.

Woods wasn’t finished. Picking up the ball in midfield, he dribbled past defenders, took the ball wide, and delivered an inch-perfect cross to Sidibie, who finished with a diving header to complete the 4-1 rout.

A phenomenal second-half display, led by Player of the Match David Woods, secured another big win for Hackney Wick, keeping them right in the thick of the title race. Binney and Grappy both also hit the woodwork.

This was a club record 9 wins in a row

Final Score: Rayleigh Town 1 - 4 Hackney Wick FC

Scorers:

Max Grappy (1)
Nathaniel Asiedu-Binney (1)
Issa Sidibie (2)