Hackney Wick FC closed out the year with a 2–0 home defeat to a well-organised Basildon United side, as the Wickers continue to adapt to life in the post-Issa Sidibe era.

There was a welcome return to the starting XI for Ben Lewis-Gold, but Hackney were still missing several key players and struggled to find attacking rhythm despite enjoying the better of the play in the opening half.

Hackney controlled large spells of possession and looked the more settled side, but were unable to turn that into meaningful chances. Basildon, meanwhile, looked dangerous whenever they broke forward, particularly down the flanks.

The sides went in at the break locked at 0–0, with the game still finely poised.

The turning point came immediately after the restart. A deep cross from the right was met by Emmanuel Shana, who showed great technique to control and smash the ball into the net — a clinical finish to give the visitors the lead.

Shana was then central to Basildon’s second. A dazzling run saw him beat multiple Hackney defenders before delivering a dangerous cross, which Nikolay Zlatev converted to make it 2–0.

From there, Hackney struggled to find a way back into the match as Basildon saw the game out professionally.

Full-Time: Hackney Wick FC 0–2 Basildon United

A disappointing end to the year for the Wickers, who will look to regroup, reset, and come back stronger when league action resumes.