The Stevenage Borough Juniors U16 Giants faced off against Potters Bar Town U16 Scholars in a league away match on 30 March 2025, kicking off at 12:30pm. The Giants emerged victorious with a final score of 3-1, showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience throughout the encounter.
The Giants adopted a 3-4-3 formation, which allowed them to utilise their attacking talents effectively. Saba Rajaloo stood firm in goal, while a trio of defenders—Cole Barnes, Trystan Acebuque, and Joel Adeniyi—formed a solid backline. The midfield pivot Reegan Spencer and Archie Briars further forward, with George Hallem on the right and Jack Kenward on the left, provided width and support to the forwards. Up front, Olufemi Ladapo, Adrian Ciosek, and Khaya Ngwenya were tasked with leading the line and converting chances into goals. The substitutes for the match included Joseph Akhidenor, Michael Sarpong, C.J Meadows, Ally Ashter, and Charlie Dempster.
The match began with an early attempt from Khaya Ngwenya in the seventh minute, but his effort was saved, signalling the Giants' intent to attack. Just a minute later, Archie Briars had a chance of his own, but his shot went wide, followed closely by Jack Kenward's high attempt, also in the eighth minute. The Giants continued to press, with Adrian Ciosek testing the opposition goalkeeper in the 13th minute, only to be denied once more.
In a tactical move, the Giants made two substitutions in the 15th minute, bringing on Charlie Dempster for Olufemi Ladapo and Joseph Akhidenor for Cole Barnes. Jack Kenward remained active, forcing another save from the Potters Bar goalkeeper in the 17th minute.
However, it was the Scholars who struck first in the 34th minute, scoring from close range with a left-footed effort that put the Giants on the back foot. The Giants responded quickly, making another substitution as Adrian Ciosek replaced Michael Sarpong in the 38th minute, looking to bolster their attacking options.
The Giants found their equaliser just after the break. In the 44th minute, Charlie Dempster scored a crucial goal, assisted by a long pass from goalkeeper Saba Rajaloo, demonstrating the team's ability to transition quickly from defence to attack.
The second half saw the Giants display great character and determination as they fought to turn the game in their favour. Jack Kenward missed the target in the 47th minute, but the team’s resolve remained unshaken. Tactical changes continued as C.J Meadows replaced Joseph Akhidenor in the 49th minute, aiming to maintain momentum. Khaya Ngwenya had another opportunity in the 52nd minute, but his shot went high, followed by Olufemi Ladapo's saved attempt in the 59th minute.
The Giants were relentless, with Charlie Dempster and Jack Kenward both testing the Scholars' goalkeeper again in the 61st and 65th minutes, respectively, but neither could find the back of the net. A tactical substitution saw Ally Ashter come on for Olufemi Ladapo in the 65th minute, adding further attacking depth.
In the 67th minute, the Giants’ perseverance paid off as Adrian Ciosek took the lead with a well-placed goal, scoring with his right foot following a cross from Ally Ashter. Now in control, the Giants continued to seek a third goal, with Ciosek and Dempster both having attempts saved shortly after.
As the match approached its final moments, the Giants made another substitution, bringing on George Hallam for Adrian Ciosek in the 75th minute. The pressure remained on the Scholars, with Archie Briars and Jack Kenward both having shots saved in the 76th and 79th minutes, respectively.
The Giants sealed their victory in the 82nd minute when Jack Kenward scored a stunning goal from the edge of the area, assisted again by Ally Ashter, putting the match beyond doubt. The Giants held firm, their team work and determination shining through in the second half to secure a well-deserved 3-1 win.
