Two sides fiercely battling for a hard-earned league title come late-April... the home side, Hackney Wick. A side built from the ground in recent years, embarking on its 10 year anniversary and looking to announce it with a bang with a first step 6 title. They have won a record 9 games straight, and seem unbeatable at the moment, with their record identically matching that of Harlow Town.

Harlow Town, the Hawks', beaten down to step 6 after decades in Step 3 and 4, the lowest they have been in most supporters' memories in terms of position in the football pyramid. Despite this, we are a team on the up, a team that people want to watch and players want to play for. A community who are desperate to find themselves back where they feel they belong, leagues above where we currently sit. Our form this season has been pretty astonishing, but of course has been matched by Hackney Wick to this point.

To this stage, both sides have played 30 games, both have won 23, drawn 4 and lost 3. The Hawks having not tasted league defeat since our last game against Hackney Wick, when we played them at home 16 league games ago back in October. As previously mentioned, Hackney Wick have won 9 in a row.

Last time out, Hackney Wick proved too hot to handle for the Hawks, ending in a 1-2 win for the Wickers, who went top of the league on that day, but were later overtaken by Harlow. That game saw Hackney Wick's Khaneil Brown and Harlow Town's Cav Clarke sent off after the final whistle, and Harlow will be thirsty for revenge in what looks to be a game not just for points, but for bragging rights too.

Hackney Wick have been on fire recently, with 24-year-old frontman Issa Sidibe lighting up the Simarco on numerous occasions, alongside other upcoming stars. Wickers' chairman Bobby Kasanga expressed his frustration on social media after Harlow Town submitted a 7-day approach to sign the striker, and has since posted several comedic posts, quoting classic lines such as "I would love it if we beat them. Love it".

On the other hand, the Harlow Town side have been in fine form, with Gavin Cockman back firing consistently after his premature retirement in late 2023. The striker has netted in 6 of his last 7 games and now has 11 goals in just 14 appearances since returning.

So that is how things currently stand. Now the wait begins. Many fans are nervous, but excited at the same time. This game means so much to many supporters, despite there being 8 games remaining in the Thurlow Nunn Division One South this season. Whoever comes out on top will find themselves in pole position to win the league, and it may prove decisive when the champions are crowned on April 21st (if the title isn't decided earlier).

We hope to see you at the Simarco Stadium on Saturday (kicking off at 3pm), the postcode is CM8 1UN and admission is £6 for adults, £4 for concessions and £2 for under-18s.

Let's be having you Hackney Wick! May the best team win.