Stevenage Borough Juniors U16 Giants Triumph in 3-0 Cup Victory Over Hertford Town Youth U16 Harts
January 19, 2025
In a thrilling cup away match, Stevenage Borough Juniors U16 Giants secured a commanding 3-0 victory against Hertford Town Youth U16 Harts, shaking off an initially stuttering start to dominate their opponents. The clash kicked off at 11:30 am, but the Giants needed some time to find their rhythm after a long break.
Line-Up and Formation: The Giants took to the field in their trusty 3-4-3 formation. Saba Rajaloo guarded the net, with a resolute back three of C.J. Meadows, Cole Barnes—returning from injury—and Trystan Acebuque. Midfield maestros Reegan Spencer and Archie Briars orchestrated play, flanked by George Hallam and Jack Kenward. Up front, Adrian Ciosek and Ally Ashter supported by, Masireh Sidibeh.
On the bench, Michael Sarpong, Charlie Dempster, and Joseph Akhidenor were ready to make their mark.
First-Half Struggles: Despite their eventual dominance, the Giants initially grappled to assert control. Hertford Town looked more threatening early on, with Saba Rajaloo called into action in the 8th minute to make a brilliant full-stretch save. Ally Ashter had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the 16th minute, but his shot flew high.
A strategic substitution saw Michael Sarpong replace Sidibeh, hinting at a tactical shift. The first half saw continuous adjustments, with Sidibeh returning in the 30th minute for Ashter.
The breakthrough finally came in the 35th minute when Jack Kenward’s sublime left-foot strike, set up by Sidibeh, gave the Giants a 1-0 lead at the break.
Second-Half Dominance: Post-interval, the Giants upped the ante. Rajaloo made another crucial save in the 46th minute to maintain his clean sheet. The 56th minute saw Archie Briars attempt to extend the lead, but his shot was saved, as was a subsequent effort from Michael Sarpong just moments later. The Giants started to build some momentum and pressure, with Charlie Dempster also trying his luck, but his attempts were thwarted by some very good goalkeeping. Despite close efforts from Briars and Sarpong, it was Charlie Dempster who doubled the lead in the 64th minute, assisted by Sarpong's through ball. The Harts' keeper could only palm Dempster’s shot over his head and into the net.
Even with several attempts from Ciosek, including a saved shot in the 70th minute, the Giants couldn’t immediately seal the win. Hertford Town’s best chance came in the 73rd minute when a strike from a scrambled corner kick hit the post.
Standout Performances: The Giants added a third goal in the 77th minute, with Ciosek tapping in a cross-turned-shot from Hallam. This goal capped off an improving performance as the match progressed. C.J. Meadows excelled in defense, providing a rock-solid presence at the back, while Cole Barnes put in a remarkable display on his return from an ankle injury, showing grit and determination.
Late substitutions saw Ashter and Barnes replacing Dempster and Acebuque, the latter earning a well-deserved rest after his impressive display.
This victory propels the Giants into the quarter-finals, where they will face Division 4 leaders, Chase Side Blue. The next match promises to be a thrilling encounter as the Giants continue their quest for cup glory. ??
