Match Report

Thurlow Nunn Division 1 South

NW London 0-7 Hackney Wick

Issa Sidibe 22' (Hackney Wick)
Kahneil Brown PEN. 60' (Hackney Wick)
Adam Cheniti 67' (Hackney Wick)
Issa Sidibe 71' (Hackney Wick)
David Woods 73' (Hackney Wick)
David Woods 84' (Hackney Wick)
David Woods 90+1' (Hackney Wick)

Title chasing Hackney Wick delivered a rampant display, handing NW London their heaviest defeat of the season.

After enduring a challenging festive schedule, NW London were severely depleted with 15 players unavailable. However, the return of Ashiqur Rahman, following summer surgery, provided a boost for the Gorillas.

Hackney started brightly, creating several early openings, but failed to convert their chances in the first half 20 minutes. The deadlock was eventually broken in spectacular fashion when Issa Sidibe attempted an audacious overhead kick, catching goalkeeper Levchuk off guard to give Hackney the lead.

Sidibe went close again soon after, firing narrowly wide as Hackney dominated the freezing conditions. NW London's best opportunity came when Gomes drove through the Wick midfield, but his goal-bound shot was heroically blocked by a sliding defender with only the keeper to beat.

The second half began with NW London in a promising position as Hackney were reduced to 10 men due to a sin bin. Despite the numerical advantage, NW London struggled to create clear chances. A defensive error from Peters, whose mis-hit back pass was intercepted by Sidibe, led to a Hackney penalty. The spot kick was converted to double Hackney's lead.

From that point, the game swung decisively in Hackney's favor. Chieniti added a third with a brilliant solo effort, cutting inside twice before smashing a powerful left-footed shot into the near post.

Hackney Wick's substitutions added to NW London's misery. David Woods, coming off the bench, scored a sensational second-half hat-trick, capitalizing on defensive lapses and a costly error by goalkeeper Levchuk. Woods curled one effort into the net after pouncing on a misplaced ball. Hackney Wick's ruthless finishing saw them rack up seven goals by the final whistle.

Despite their struggles, NW London continued to push forward, but they were unable to make the most of half-chances against a resolute Hackney defense.

This damaging result leaves NW London with much to ponder. They now have two weeks to regroup before their London Senior Trophy clash away to Bridon Ropes.