Stevenage Borough Juniors U16 Giants delivered an impressive performance, securing a convincing 5-0 victory over Potters Bar Town U16 Scholars in their Semi Final Shield match. The result showcased the Giants’ attacking prowess and defensive resilience, booking their place in the final with authority, despite the poor standard of the pitch making conditions more challenging for both teams.
The Giants lined up in a 3-4-3 formation, designed to balance offensive threat with defensive stability. Saba Rajaloo protected the goal, supported by a back three of Trystan Acebuque in the center, Joseph Akhidenor on the right, and Joel Adeniyi on the left. In midfield, Archie Briars and Reegan Spencer held the central positions, with George Hallam and Jack Kenward providing width on the right and left, respectively. The front three—Charlie Dempster, Adrian Ciosek, and Khaya Ngwenya—were tasked with applying pressure and converting opportunities. Substitutes Masireh Sidibeh, C.J Meadows, Cole Barnes, and Olufemi Ladapo were on hand to bolster the squad.
The Giants took control early, with Jack Kenward opening the scoring in the 9th minute. He finished a precise short pass from Archie Briars with a confident right-footed strike, giving his team the lead and setting the tone for the match. Charlie Dempster nearly added a second in the 17th minute, but his effort drifted wide of the target.
Saba Rajaloo proved his worth in the 19th minute, making an alert save with his feet to deny Potters Bar a way back into the contest. The Giants made tactical adjustments soon after, with Masireh Sidibeh replacing Adrian Ciosek in the 21st minute and C.J Meadows coming on for Reegan Spencer in the 22nd, maintaining their momentum.
The second goal arrived in the 23rd minute, as Archie Briars converted a short pass from Kenward with a composed finish inside the box. The Giants held a 2-0 advantage at half-time, reflecting their dominance over a struggling Potters Bar side.
The second half began with Olufemi Ladapo replacing Charlie Dempster, and the Giants continued to press forward. Ladapo made his mark in the 50th minute, scoring with a well-taken right-footed shot from inside the box, assisted by Sidibeh, to extend the lead to 3-0. The Giants’ attacking rhythm remained strong, and in the 61st minute, Briars struck again, this time with a powerful long-range effort following a pass from Kenward, making it 4-0.
The fifth and final goal came in the 81st minute, as Briars completed his hat-trick. He finished from close range after a well-delivered cross from Adrian Ciosek, capping an outstanding individual performance. Despite late attempts from Khaya Ngwenya, Jack Kenward, and Saba Rajaloo—the latter seeing a free-kick go wide—and a saved shot from Ciosek, the scoreline remained 5-0.
The Giants saw out the match with confidence, securing a comprehensive victory and a spot in the final. Their blend of tactical discipline, clinical finishing, and relentless energy underlined their credentials as serious contenders.
