Hackney Wick FC were beaten 3–1 at home by Halstead Town in a disappointing Halloween evening at the Simarco Stadium.

Ernest handed a first start to Arnold Mengi in midfield, while Leo Pola returned to the front line with Mohammed Sebaihi dropping out. Hackney actually began the game on top, but key early missed chances proved costly — with Issa Sidibe guilty of two golden opportunities that didn’t find the net.

The visitors took full advantage of those misses. On 17 minutes, goalkeeper Obaid Nassim conceded a penalty which Halstead converted to make it 1–0. Minutes later, more slack defending allowed a free header that doubled the away side’s lead.

Hackney did find a route back before the break when Adam Cheneti’s corner delivery was partially deflected and Leo Pola reacted fastest to turn the ball home — 1–2 at half time.

Despite plenty of effort from Hackney Wick, there was no way back. Halstead added a third before full-time to seal the points and condemn the Wickers to a frustrating defeat on Halloween night.

A night that could have gone very differently with early clinical finishing — but instead ends with a lesson learned and points dropped.

The focus now switches back to training and preparation ahead of the next fixture which is the London Senior Cup away to Erith Town FC.