After last week’s embarrassing trouncing, Hackney Wick FC responded with a credible home performance to earn a point against Romford FC.

Continuing the club’s commitment to youth, three teenagers made their debuts for the Wickers: Kyle Anderson (18), Tikras Saraiva (17) and Alexander Nicolaides (18).

Hackney started solidly, with captain Dan Atkinson organising the defence well, allowing David Senga to make his debut in midfield. The Wickers looked composed in possession and matched their opponents in the early exchanges.

Romford almost took the lead when a through ball sent their number 9 clear through on goal. After rounding the keeper, he was brought down inside the box — penalty. However, goalkeeper Ade Awoyini went from villain to hero, saving the spot kick before producing two further excellent saves to keep the visitors out.

The sides went into the break level at 0–0.

The second half remained evenly balanced, but Romford eventually took the lead after a defensive mistake allowed the visitors to keep the attack alive. Flynn Hamilton beat a couple of defenders before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner — a sucker punch for a Wick side that had defended well.

Refusing to give up, Hackney introduced more youth from the bench with Stanley Adjei (18) and Jayden Kazzim (17) entering the game in search of an equaliser.

Their persistence paid off in the 87th minute when Kazzim was fouled inside the penalty area. Romario Gittens stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick to score his first goal for the Wickers and secure a deserved point.

The match finished 1–1, and it felt like a victory for a young side that showed resilience after last week’s heavy defeat.

Next up for Hackney Wick are two away fixtures against Benfleet and Barking.

Photos by Micah Edwards