Essex Senior League | Simarco Stadium

Hackney Wick FC were left devastated as a last-minute goal saw third-placed Great Wakering Rovers snatch all three points from an excellent contest at the Simarco Stadium.

In a match full of intensity, quality, and fine margins, the Wickers more than matched one of the league’s strongest sides and were desperately unlucky to come away empty-handed.

First Half – Adeojo Strikes

The opening exchanges were evenly contested, but Hackney showed real intent going forward, with Joshua Adeojo leading the line superbly. The pressure paid off when the reserve-team striker gave the Wickers the lead with a composed finish in the first half.

Adeojo could — and perhaps should — have doubled the advantage soon after, but his effort was fired straight at the goalkeeper when well placed.

Hackney went into the break 1–0 up, fully deserving their lead.

Second Half – Momentum Swings

Great Wakering responded after the restart and found an equaliser when Ben Search slid in at the back post to force the ball over the line.
Hackney refused to be deflated and restored their advantage in dramatic fashion. A defensive mix-up saw the Wakering goalkeeper drop the ball, allowing Andre Anderson to calmly pass into an empty net — 2–1 to the Wickers.

But the lead lasted just two minutes. Jack Dickinson produced a moment of quality, curling a superb effort from the edge of the box to level the scores once more.

Last-Minute Heartbreak

As the match moved into stoppage time, it looked destined to end level. However, in the 92nd minute, Hackney conceded a free kick in a dangerous area. The initial strike crashed against the woodwork, and Luke Hirst reacted quickest to fire home the rebound and seal the win for the visitors.

Full-Time: Hackney Wick FC 2–3 Great Wakering Rovers

A cruel ending to what was a brave and impressive performance from the Wickers against one of the league’s top sides. While the result hurts, the display showed the quality and character still within this squad.
Attention now turns to a must-get-points fixture away at Benfleet FC. If Hackney Wick are to keep any hope of a late push towards the play-offs alive, results will be essential in the weeks ahead.