An engaging friendly fixture at Barnwell Upper School saw Division 3 Stevenage Borough Juniors U16 Giants demonstrate resilience against Division 1 Stevenage Borough Jnrs Warriors, culminating in a hard-fought 1-1 draw. The match, held on 22 August 2024 and kick-off at 6:30 pm, provided both teams with the opportunity to showcase their skills as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The Giants opened the scoring early in the game, courtesy of an impressive goal from Charlie Dempster. Charlie, displaying fine instinct and sharp positioning, found the back of the net after an exquisite long pass from Archie Briars. This well-crafted move showcased both players' understanding and synergy on the pitch, as Dempster finished with a powerful right-footed strike from just inside the area. The young Giants saw Khaya Ngwenya perform a fine dribble down the left side, his shot was ultimately saved by the Warriors' goalkeeper. Khaya put in an impressive display on the left of the top three, giving his marker a torrid time.
The Warriors where mostly kept at arms length by an impressive display by the Giants back 3 of Cole Barnes, C.J and Joel, until a foul committed by Joel led to a penalty for the Warriors. The incident occurred close to the half-time whistle, adding a layer of pressure on the Giants' defence. The Warriors took full advantage of this opportunity, converting the penalty to equalise just before the break. The nature of the foul and the subsequent penalty highlighted the competitive edge each team brought to the field, making the match a gripping contest.
The match featured several substitutions as both coaches sought to inject fresh energy into their squads. Notably, the Giants introduced Ally Ashter, Reegan Spencer and Masireh Sidibeh at halftime, looking to exploit the Warriors’ fatigue. Despite the substitutions, neither side could find the decisive goal in the closing stages.
As the second half unfolded, both sides pushed for a winner. The Giants mounted several attacks, with Masireh Sidibeh and Ally Ashter frequently involved, with both teams trading attempts and showcasing their attacking prowess.
The Giants come close to winning the match, with a fine long range effort from Archie Briars which cannoned off the crossbar, A long range freekick from Reegan Spencer was saved by the Warriors keeper as the Giants pushed hard for the win.
A goalmouth scramble in the Giants penalty area saw a couple of shots blocked on the line by the defenders with Joseph out of position.
As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard reflected a 1-1 draw, a fitting result considering the ebb and flow of the game. The match served as a valuable preparation exercise for both teams, allowing them to assess their strengths and weaknesses ahead of more competitive fixtures. The performance of the Giants highlighted their potential, particularly in their attacking movements and strong defensive display.
Overall, a very good performance by the Giants in a friendly match marked by competitive spirit and tactical plays, setting a promising precedent for the season ahead.
