Sporting Hackney at the double

Sporting Hackney's Alan McQuade in action (yellow kit) Photo: Mel Roberts

Saturday started with a lunchtime kick off for the Reserves away at Sloane, where a comfortable 2-0 victory was recorded: Tony Acquah bundled in from close range following a well delivered corner from Barry Charalambous to give Hackney a deserved half time lead.

H de Gourville’s with a 20 yard strike with his trusted left foot, made the points safe with just a couple of minutes of the match remaining.

Reserve team manager Jamie Duff said, “I’m delighted with today’s performance, everyone that played today contributed to this victory and, of course, I’m especially pleased with the clean sheet.”

The early kick off gave First Team manager, Ben Watson,  the rare opportunity for a run-out with the reserves, after putting in a good shift in midfield he had to hot-foot it across town to take charge of the First Team’s cup quarter-final against Willesden Constantine at Haggerston Park.

Middlesex County Premier League Willesden started the match as favourites, but having already knocked out two other clubs from that league, Division One Hackney knew that this represented a great opportunity to progress in the competition.

The game was played at a furious pace and there was little to choose between the teams at half time as they went in at one-all.   Michael Goodacre gave Hackney the lead with a powerful header before Willesden equalised from a controversial penalty decision.

By now most of the Reserve team had also made it across town to provide some much appreciated vocal support.  It appeared to help, as Sporting took control of the match with two trade-mark goals from the ever young top goalscorer Alan McQuade.

The first after superb work from the Italian midfielder Marco Majocchi, the second was all his own work finished with a cheeky chip to leave the rotund keeper stranded.

Sion Jones then put the game to bed with a cracking finish from the edge of the box.  Willesden did claim a late consolation goal as the rain began to team down at fortress Haggerston.

That victory was Hackney’s seventh consecutive, the only defeat in February and March coming against title rivals Springfield.  Included in this great run was a 4-3 thriller against St Johns Arsenal Deaf in front of over 100 supporters at Haggerston Park.  Sion Jones’ last minute winner was captured on video and can be viewed here.

There was more good news later in the day when it was learnt that both of Sporting’s title and promotion rivals had dropped points.  With two games remaining, promotion to the almost certain, one more point will guarantee Premier League football next season.  Two victories and the Middlesex County Division 1 league trophy will be heading to Hackney.

The Reserves continue to make good progress in the Middlesex County Senior Reserve League under Duff, picking up 12 of a possible 18 points in February and March.  They now sit comfortably in sixth place.

Watson was delighted with the weekend’s events. “It couldn’t really have gone any better for the club this weekend,” he said.  “It’s the first season in many years that we’ve been able to play our home matches in the borough of Hackney and we love being back.

“It’s great that we’re getting some local supporters coming to watch regularly, too.  There’s usually goals and drama in every match so there can’t be many more entertaining ways to spend a Saturday afternoon – especially as it’s free.”

If you’d like to join the growing support Sporting Hackney, April’s fixtures are as follows:

03 April 2010

Middlesex County Senior Reserve League

Sporting Hackney Reserves v Feltham Reserves (3pm at Haggerston Park)

10 April 2010

The Jim Rogers President’s Division One Cup Final

Stedfast United v Sporting Hackney (7.45pm at Yeading FC)

Tickets for this match are on sale at £5, for further information please contact sportinghackneyii@hotmail.com

17 April 2010

MCFL League Senior Open Cup Semi Final

Sporting Hackney v Stedfast United (3pm at Haggerston Park)

Middlesex County Senior Reserve League

C.B. Hounslow United Social Reserves v Sporting Hackney Reserves

24 April 2010

Middlesex County Division One (Central and East)

Sporting Hackney v London United Football Academy (3pm at Haggerston Park)

Middlesex County Senior Reserve League

Kensington Dragons Reserves v Sporting Hackney Reserves