SOUL Tower Hamlets FC Crowned Play-Off Champions: Promoted to the Essex Senior League

SOUL Tower Hamlets FC have secured promotion to the Essex Senior League following a dramatic conclusion to the 2024–25 season in the Southern Counties East Football League (SCEFL) Division One. After finishing second in the league table, they triumphed in the play-offs under the leadership of managers Shipon Miah and John Pike, overcoming Forest Hill Park in a tense final settled by penalties.

A Season of Transition and Triumph

The season began under former manager Terry Thomas, who had previously overseen the transition from the original Tower Hamlets FC and Soul FC into the new unified club — SOUL Tower Hamlets FC. Under Thomas, the club laid a competitive foundation, but midway through the campaign, a change in leadership saw Shipon Miah and John Pike take the reins. Their impact was immediate and transformational.

SOUL Tower Hamlets finished the regular season in second place, level on points only losing to goal difference, with 22 wins, 10 draws, and 9 losses, reflecting a consistent and ambitious campaign. The team’s defensive organization and attacking fluidity made them one of the most balanced sides in the division.

Dominance in the Play-Offs

On April 30, 2025, SOUL Tower Hamlets hosted Sheppey Sports in the play-off semi-final at Corinthian Sports Club Stadium, delivering an emphatic 5–0 victory. Midfielder Sherman Artmeladze starred with a second-half hat-trick, joined on the scoresheet by Nick Bell and Dillon Woods.

The momentum continued into the final on May 3, 2025, held at Gay Dawn Farm, home of Corinthian FC. The match against Forest Hill Park (SE Dons) was a tightly contested affair, finishing 0–0 after 90 minutes. In a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, goalkeeper Sidi Bakhai Haidara made a crucial save, and Rian Patel calmly slotted home the decisive penalty, securing a 5–4 victory and with it, promotion to Step 5 of the English football pyramid.

The Next Chapter: Essex Senior League

With promotion confirmed, SOUL Tower Hamlets FC now turn their attention to the Essex Senior League — a new level and a fresh challenge. The management team is expected to review squad depth and plan for reinforcements during the off-season.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in the short history of SOUL Tower Hamlets FC, whose identity is rooted in East London community football. The club continues to be a beacon of opportunity and ambition, reflecting the values of unity, diversity, and growth.

As we prepare for the 2025–26 season, SOUL Tower Hamlets FC carry with them not only the pride of a successful season, but also the dreams of a borough and a fanbase ready to rise even further.

Up The Tower — One Borough. One Soul. One Future.

#soulTHFC

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