Thrilling Victory for Stevenage Borough Juniors U16 Giants In a breath-taking cup encounter held at Barnwell Upper School, the Stevenage Borough Juniors U16 Giants emerged as triumphant warriors, securing a resounding 6-2 victory over Chase Side U16 Blue. With the noon sun casting long shadows, the Giants put forth a dazzling display of flair, determination, and sheer footballing prowess, ensuring their place in the semi-finals.
Lining up in their classic 3-4-3 formation, Saba Rajaloo stood guard between the posts, ready to thwart any opposing threats. The stalwart back three—C.J Meadows, Joel Adeniyi, and Joseph Akhidenor—anchored the defense. In the midfield, the dynamic duo of Trystan Acebuque and Archie Briars controlled the tempo, flanked by the ever-reliable George Hallam on the right and Jack Kenward on the left. Leading the charge up front, Charlie Dempster, Michael Sarpong, and Khaya Ngwenya spearheaded the offensive onslaught. The substitutes, Reegan Spencer, Masireh Sidibeh, Cole Barnes, and Ally Ashter, waited eagerly for their moment to shine.
The match kicked off with fireworks as George Hallam rattled the post with an excellent header from a corner, signalling the Giants' intent. Moments later, Hallam’s shot was parried by the Chase Side goalkeeper, which fell to Jack Kenward who sent his shot over the bar. At the other end, Saba Rajaloo showcased his bravery, diving at the feet of an attacker to maintain parity.
In the 10th minute, an early setback struck the Giants as C.J Meadows was forced off through injury, with Reegan Spencer stepping into the fray. Undeterred, the Giants continued their relentless assault. The breakthrough, however, came unexpectedly from Chase Side, who took the lead with a close-range effort in the 36th minute.
But the Giants’ response was immediate and emphatic. Charlie Dempster’s curling free-kick in the 37th minute was spilled into the net by the Chase Side keeper, restoring parity and igniting the spirits of the Giants and their fans.
At halftime, the Giants made tactical adjustments as Cole Barnes replaced Joseph Akhidenor. The second half began with Saba Rajaloo pulling off a spectacular full-stretch save. Just two minutes later, Masireh Sidibeh latched onto a long pass from Reegan Spencer to slot home, putting the Giants ahead.
Sidibeh was unstoppable, adding a second goal with a breathtaking run and a deft chip over the onrushing keeper, extending the lead to 3-1. Though Chase Side pulled one back with a penalty in the 52nd minute, the Giants responded with an own goal from a Chase Side defender, restoring their two-goal cushion.
With the momentum firmly in their favor, Sidibeh completed his hat-trick in the 59th minute, and then notched another after a slick combination with Ally Ashter, making it 6-2. The Giants' attacking prowess was on full display.
As the match wound down, the Giants made further substitutions, bringing on fresh legs in Charlie Dempster and Khaya Ngwenya. Despite several attempts from both sides, including efforts from Reegan Spencer and Archie Briars, the scoreline remained unchanged. Joel Adeniyi’s late chance was saved, but the Giants had already secured a comprehensive victory.
In the end, the Stevenage Borough Juniors U16 Giants delivered a masterclass in football, with Masireh Sidibeh’s heroics shining brightest. They now march into the semi-finals with confidence and a wave of momentum.
