It didn’t take long for Hackney to assert their dominance. On 10 minutes, Pola smashed home from close range to open the scoring.

Ten minutes later it was Issa Sidibe doubling the advantage, pouncing on a rebound after an Adam Cheneti free-kick was parried.

Pola then struck again, capitalising on a defensive mistake before curling home a classy finish. The onslaught continued when John Silva produced some excellent work down the left, crossing for Sidibe to volley in his second and Hackney’s fourth.

Pola should have had his hat-trick soon after when he hesitated through on goal and shot tamely at the keeper — but on the stroke of half-time, he made no mistake, slotting in to complete his treble and send Hackney into the break 5–0 up.

With changes made at half-time, Wormley showed more fight in the second half, but it was still Hackney who added the next goal. Pola’s shot inside the box was spilled by the goalkeeper, and 18-year-old Joshua Olorunishola reacted quickest to tuck away the rebound — his first senior goal for the club.

Wormley did manage a late consolation, but Hackney finished how they started. A driven Pola cross was turned into his own net by Danny-David Taylor-Cowlin, capping off a dominant 7–1 display.

This emphatic win underlines the attacking strength and confidence flowing through the side. With Pola, Sidibe, Cheneti, Silva, and Olorunishola all playing key roles, manager Ernest will be delighted with both the quality and depth shown across the squad.

Most importantly, it’s the perfect preparation for next week’s historic FA Cup First Qualifying Round tie away to Knaphill FC.