Hackney Wick FC claimed their first league win of the 2025/26 season in the most dramatic fashion imaginable — coming from behind with ten men to snatch a 94th-minute victory away at Hullbridge Sports.

It was a result built on resilience, belief, and two moments of quality that will live long in the memory, especially for the travelling Wickers supporters.

The game began with Hackney missing key men Mohammed Sebaihi and Jamie Aker, though there was a welcome first start of the season for John Silva.
Things took a sharp turn in the 25th minute. Goalkeeper Obaid Nassim rushed out of his box to make a clearance, only to see his attempt intercepted by a Hullbridge attacker. As the ball was struck towards the empty net, Nassim instinctively handled outside the area to prevent a certain goal. The referee had little choice — straight red card.

With no substitute goalkeeper available, defender Gerard Thompson Shaw donned the gloves for the remainder of the match.

Hullbridge, fresh from two consecutive wins, sensed their opportunity and pressed hard. They eventually took the lead in first-half stoppage time from a direct corner, the ball curling in and Shaw, under pressure, inadvertently pushing it over the line — 1–0 at the break.

If the first half belonged to Hullbridge, the second was all Hackney Wick. Despite being a man down, the Wickers played with purpose and composure, moving the ball well and exploiting spaces on the break.
The equaliser arrived in the 61st minute. A slick move down the left flank ended with a pinpoint cross from John Silva, met by a thumping bullet header from Issa Sidibe that flew past the keeper — 1–1 and belief restored.

The game looked set for a hard-earned draw until deep into stoppage time. In the 94th minute, another Silva delivery caused chaos in the Hullbridge box. The ball fell to substitute Adam Cheneti, who flicked it into the air before unleashing an audacious overhead kick that flew into the net.
Cue scenes of pure elation from the Hackney players, bench, and travelling fans — the kind of goal and result that can define a season’s spirit.

From a man down and a goal behind to a last-gasp winner, this was a performance full of heart, discipline, and attacking quality. Hackney Wick’s first league win of the season sends them into the next fixture with momentum and belief.
⚽ Goals:
Sidibe (61’)
Cheneti (94’)
? Red Card: Nassim (25’ – handball outside box)