Hackney Wick FC’s return to Step 5 football ended in a narrow 3–2 defeat against a strong Woodford Town side in an entertaining and hard-fought opening fixture at the Simarco Stadium.

Despite trailing 2–0 and 3–1, the Wickers showed plenty of fight and attacking intent — especially in a dominant second-half display — but couldn’t find the equaliser, as a clinical Woodford side held on for all three points.

⚖️ First Half: A Lively Start, a Harsh Lesson
Hackney began brightly and held their shape well in the opening stages, frustrating Woodford and limiting their time on the ball. But the breakthrough came in the 22nd minute, when a driving run down the left from Woodford’s winger led to a foul in the box. Ben Lewis Gold was adjudged to have brought the player down, and the referee pointed to the spot.

Ollie Sotoyinbo, Woodford’s number 9, stepped up and calmly converted the penalty for 0–1.

Things went from bad to worse just eight minutes later. A driving run from the right by Woodford’s number 8 resulted in a low cross that Hackney failed to clear. The loose ball landed at the feet of Sotoyinbo again, who made no mistake to double the lead — 0–2.

But Hackney responded in the best possible way. Barely a minute later, some sharp build-up play saw the ball worked to Leo Pola on the right flank. His pinpoint delivery to the back post was met by Adam Cheneti, who tapped home to pull one back and bring the Simarco crowd to life — 1–2.

However, Woodford restored their two-goal cushion just before the break. In the 37th minute, Malaki Toussaint picked up the ball in midfield and unleashed a stunning strike from distance that flew past the keeper into the top corner. A real moment of quality to make it 1–3 at half-time.

? Second Half: Courage, Character, but No Equaliser
If the first half showed Woodford’s clinical edge, the second belonged to Hackney Wick. The Wickers came out with intent, energy, and purpose — refusing to let the game drift away.

Their lifeline arrived on the 60th minute, when substitute Joshua Olorunishola broke through on goal. As he pulled the trigger, Woodford’s number 8 handled the ball on the line to prevent a certain goal. A straight red card followed, and Khaneil Brown stepped up to confidently slot the penalty home — 2–3 and game on.

With the visitors down to ten men, Hackney pressed hard for an equaliser. Max Grappy had two golden chances but couldn’t convert, while Issa Sidibe and Leo Pola, both came close during a frantic final half hour.

Despite wave after wave of pressure, Woodford held firm, and Hackney were left to rue missed chances in what was ultimately a narrow and unlucky defeat.

? Full-Time: Hackney Wick FC 2–3 Woodford Town
A frustrating result, but plenty of positives in performance. Against one of the league's strongest sides, Hackney Wick showed they can compete at Step 5 and will take confidence heading into the weeks ahead.