On April 6, 2025, the Stevenage Borough Juniors U16 Giants secured their place as league champions in a tense and thrilling 1-1 draw against the Panshanger U16 Tigers at Moneyhole Lane Park. Needing only a point to clinch the title in this crucial away match, the Giants delivered a performance brimming with determination and resilience, ensuring their season-long efforts culminated in glory. The game, which kicked off at 10:00 am, was a showcase of youthful spirit and tactical discipline, with the Giants holding their nerve to claim the crown.
The Giants deployed a 3-4-3 formation, a setup that had served them well all season, balancing attacking flair with defensive solidity. Saba Rajaloo stood tall in goal, protected by a back three of Trystan Acebuque in the centre, Joseph Akhidenor on the right, and Joel Adeniyi on the left. The midfield engine room was powered by Archie Briars and Reegan Spencer, with George Hallam and Jack Kenward offering width on the right and left flanks. Leading the line were Olufemi Ladapo and Khaya Ngwenya as right and left forwards, supporting central striker Adrian Ciosek. Ready on the bench were substitutes Charlie Dempster, C.J Meadows, Ally Ashter, Michael Sarpong, and Cole Barnes, poised to play their part in the title chase.
The match began with an early test for the Giants, as Rajaloo thwarted a Panshanger attack just four minutes in with a brave dive at the striker’s feet. The Giants responded swiftly, with Briars forcing a save from the Tigers’ keeper, signaling their intent to take control. In the 11th minute, the breakthrough came—Khaya Ngwenya fired home from close range, capitalizing on a deft flick from Ciosek, giving the Giants a 1-0 lead and a vital step toward the title. The goal sparked celebrations among the traveling supporters, who knew a draw would be enough.
The Giants pressed for a second, with Spencer firing two efforts over the bar and Briars seeing another shot saved. Rajaloo remained a rock at the back, stretching to make a full-length save in the 23rd minute and confidently claiming a cross soon after. Tactical substitutions bolstered their resolve—Charlie Dempster replaced Ciosek and C.J Meadows came on for Spencer—keeping the team fresh as they defended their slender advantage into half-time.
The second half saw the Giants adjust again, with Spencer returning for Acebuque and Ally Ashter subbing in for Michael Sarpong, maintaining their attacking edge. Rajaloo continued his heroics with a catch in the 47th minute, but the Tigers grew into the game, sensing an opportunity. The Giants’ attack persisted, with shots from Dempster, Ladapo and Briars all saved by the impressive Pnshanger keeper. Panshanger struck back with a lobbed effort from close range, leveling the score at 1-1 and setting up a nervy finish for the title-chasing Giants.
With the league crown hanging in the balance, the Giants dug deep. Ciosek and Akhidenor returned to the pitch, bolstering the side as they sought to hold firm. Both teams pushed for a winner, but the Giants’ defense, marshaled by Rajaloo, stood resolute. As the final whistle blew, the 1-1 stalemate sparked jubilation among the Giants’ players and fans—the point they needed to be crowned league winners was theirs.
This match will be remembered as the day the Stevenage Giants sealed their triumph, blending attacking promise with gritty determination. While they might reflect on missed chances to win outright, the draw was enough to etch their name atop the league standings, a testament to their season-long brilliance.
