Hackney Wick FC produced a superb response to last weekend’s disappointment, bouncing back in the most emphatic way possible with a 2–1 victory away at league leaders Little Oakley FC — despite travelling with a heavily depleted squad.

With another defeat potentially making it five in a row, Ernest’s side showed courage, belief, and togetherness to pull off one of the results of the season.

The Wickers were without a long list of key players: Mohammed Sebaihi, Ben Lewis-Gold, Jamie Aker, Gerrard Thompson-Shaw, Adam Cheneti, Arnold Mengi, and Max Grappy all missed out.

That opened the door for two new signings to make their debuts — Fareed Salako, a young college student thrown straight into the heart of defence, and winger Mosope Oguntuga, both signed during the week.

Little Oakley, sitting top of the table, may have seen Hackney as a chance to extend their lead at the summit — but the Wickers had other ideas.

In the 11th minute, Andre Anderson gave Hackney a shock lead, arriving late to finish smartly and stun the home crowd.
Just ten minutes later came a moment of real quality. On his debut, Mosope Oguntuga unleashed a wonder strike from distance that flew past the goalkeeper to make it 2–0, sending Hackney into the break with a dream advantage.

As expected, Little Oakley came out strongly after the interval and eventually pulled a goal back to set up a tense finish. But from that point on, it was about resilience.
The makeshift back line — anchored brilliantly by Salako — stood firm under pressure, defended their box with discipline, and saw out the remaining minutes with composure well beyond their experience.

A huge result. A huge response. And a reminder of what this group is capable of when backs are against the wall.
Hackney Wick now turn their attention to the next challenge — a home fixture against Basildon United FC — carrying renewed belief and momentum.
Come on you Wickers.