Following mid-week delights in the Thurlow Nunn League Challenge Cup semi-finals, the Hawks stuck to the job and came home from East London with all three points against Tower Hamlets, completing a league double over the side.

Our previous fixture vs Kiernan Hughes-Mason’s side saw us emerge victorious after going 2-0 down at home, and bringing it back to 3-2 in what was one of the most hectic games of the season, seeing Tom Jelliman and George Mulunda sent off in the process.

Highlights from our previous game vs Tower Hamlets:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHoT27KGQUw

It was a much more textbook affair this time around, on a quiet day in Tower Hamlets. Most of our supporters were still getting over the events of days before, with us unlikely to win the league this season, and no promotion allowed anyway, three points was simply pleasant.

The wind was blowing, the pitch was bobbly to say the least, and both sides were seeing small positive spells as the game begun, with James Pellin forced into a few saves and both Jacks (Zielinski and Cousins) firing blanks early.

We did eventually take the lead after 28 minutes, as Raheem Gray half-volleyed home in terrific fashion, assisted by Jack Zielinski’s flick-on from a James Pellin long-ball.

There were a few more chances in the first-half, but nothing significant apart from Hamlets putting the ball into the net, with it being disallowed due to a foul on James Pellin.

Tower Hamlets came out strong in the second half and quickly levelled proceedings from an absolute worldie from David Igbuya, in which he curled one from 30 yards, dipping over the head of James Pellin. Quite simply a wonder-goal.

The game didn’t really spice up though, unlike last time we faced them. It took 20 minutes before the next goal, which was a Ruben Santos penalty after Ishaq Ameen was brought down by James Hammond, the home captain. Lamar Johnson dived the correct way, but couldn’t prevent Santos.

Jack Zielinski had an opportunity to extend the advantage when he was picked out by Ishaq and Johnson made a great save, rushing off his line.

The final major talking point of the game was when Kishan Sackey was sent off for what was presumably dissent towards the referee, and the Hawks held onto all three points, putting the safety of Tower Hamlets in the Thurlow Nunn First Division South in jeopardy for next season.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at our next game, at home tomorrow to Clapton FC.

Photo Image Credit: Kelsi O'Connor