Hackney Wick FC have done the unthinkable. The Wickers made club history on Saturday afternoon with a dramatic 2–1 away win at Knaphill FC, booking their place in the 2nd Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup for the very first time.

On the back of a stunning 7–0 FA Vase victory at Wormley Rovers the previous weekend, Ernest’s men carried their cup momentum into Surrey — and delivered another unforgettable moment in this record-breaking season.

The opening 45 minutes were closely contested, with both sides creating chances but neither able to find a breakthrough. Hackney competed strongly, matching Knaphill’s physicality and showing flashes of the attacking fluency that has become their trademark in recent weeks.

The deadlock was finally broken on the 60th minute. A perfectly delivered corner from John Silva found Andre Anderson, who powered home a bullet header for his first-ever goal in Hackney Wick colours. Cue wild celebrations in front of the travelling Wickers support.

But Knaphill struck back just six minutes later. Substitute Ross Cheek latched onto a loose ball inside the box and finished smartly to level the tie at 1–1.

As the minutes ticked away, the game seemed destined for a replay. Both sides pushed, both defences stood firm — until the final moments of stoppage time.

Just one week after scoring his first senior goal in the FA Vase, 18-year-old Josh Olorunishola etched his name into Hackney Wick history. In the 97th minute, the ball fell kindly to him on the edge of the box, and the young midfielder volleyed sweetly into the net.

Pandemonium erupted in the away end as Hackney sealed a dramatic 2–1 victory and wrote a new chapter in the club’s FA Cup journey.

A night to remember. A result to cherish. Hackney Wick FC are through to the 2nd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup for the very first time.

The draw for the next round takes place on Monday — and whoever awaits, this group of players, these supporters, and this club have already secured their place in Wickers folklore.