After weeks of tough results, Hackney Wick finally got back to winning ways in style with an impressive 4-1 victory away at Basildon United — a result that secures their league status and guarantees FA Cup football next season.

It has been a challenging period following the managerial change and the mass departure of senior players, but this young side showed real character to deliver when it mattered most.

Hackney started brightly and took the lead through Enrico Picchi, who reacted quickest to nod home a rebound after good work from the impressive David Senga. The Wickers continued to create chances, with both Picchi and Bradley Tshiteya coming close to doubling the lead but unable to convert.

Basildon thought they had found an equaliser, only for it to be ruled out for offside — a let-off that Hackney capitalised on as they went into half-time ahead, a position that has been unfamiliar in recent weeks.

The second half saw Hackney take full control. Alex Nicolaides raced through onto a pass from Tshiteya to calmly finish and double the lead. Moments later, Nicolaides was brought down in the box, and Romario Gittens stepped up to confidently convert the penalty and make it 3-0.

Nicolaides then grabbed his second of the game, showing strength and composure to outmuscle his defender before smashing home Hackney’s fourth.

Basildon managed a late consolation, but it did little to take away from a dominant and much-needed performance by the Wickers.

Hackney Wick now turn their attention to an East End derby on Wednesday night, as they travel just 20 minutes to face title favourites Tower Hamlets.