In a closely contested league encounter on 10 November 2024, the Stevenage Borough Juniors U16 Giants faced off against Ware FC Academy U16 Blue at an away venue, ultimately succumbing to a 2-1 defeat. The match kicked off at 10:30 am, with both teams eager to secure vital points in the league standings.
The Giants adopted a 3-4-3 formation, which saw Saba Rajaloo in goal, supported by a three-man defence comprising C.J Meadows, Joel Adeniyi, and Joseph Akhidenor. The midfield was anchored by Archie Briars and Reegan Spencer in central roles, with George Hallam on the right and Jack Kenward on the left. Up front, Charlie Dempster and Michael Sarpong flanked striker Masireh Sidibeh, who was tasked with leading the line and converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for the Giants included Trystan Acebuque, Khaya Ngwenya, Adrian Ciosek, Cole Barnes, and Ally Ashter, providing options for tactical adjustments as the match unfolded.
The match began with an early attempt from Masireh Sidibeh in the seventh minute, but his effort went wide, signalling the Giants' intent to attack. However, it was Ware FC who struck first in the 18th minute, taking the lead with a well-placed goal from the right foot of one of their forwards. The Giants struggled to respond, and just seven minutes later, Ware FC doubled their advantage, again finding the net with a right-footed shot.
In a bid to regain control, the Giants made a tactical substitution in the 25th minute, bringing on Trystan Acebuque for C.J Meadows. Shortly after, Khaya Ngwenya replaced Michael Sarpong, and Adrian Ciosek came on for Charlie Dempster, as the Giants sought to inject fresh energy into their play.
Saba Rajaloo showcased his skills with a full-stretch save in the 31st minute, denying Ware FC a third goal and keeping the Giants in the contest. Despite their efforts, Adrian Ciosek's attempts in the 35th and 37th minutes were both off target, as the Giants struggled to find their rhythm.
As the first half drew to a close, the score remained 2-0 in favour of Ware FC. The Giants regrouped during the break, looking to mount a comeback in the second half.
The second half saw immediate changes, with Cole Barnes and Michael Sarpong entering the fray for Joseph Akhidenor and George Hallam, respectively, in the 44th minute. The Giants came out with renewed vigour, and Masireh Sidibeh had another attempt just after the restart, but it went wide.
Archie Briars tested the Ware FC goalkeeper in the 51st minute, but his shot was saved, reflecting the Giants' growing pressure. Adrian Ciosek and Michael Sarpong both had efforts saved in the 57th minute, as the Giants pushed for a breakthrough.
The breakthrough finally came in the 63rd minute when Khaya Ngwenya scored from close range with his left foot, igniting hopes of a comeback for the Giants. The goal brought the score to 2-1, and the Giants continued to press for an equaliser.
In the 65th minute, Ally Ashter replaced Adrian Ciosek, while another tactical switch saw Ciosek return to the pitch for Archie Briars in the 70th minute. The Giants were relentless in their pursuit, with Jack Kenward and Khaya Ngwenya both having attempts that went wide in the 75th and 78th minutes, respectively.
As the match neared its conclusion, Jack Kenward's effort in the 83rd minute was also off target, and Reegan Spencer's attempt in the 84th minute sailed high. Despite their valiant efforts, the Giants were unable to find the equaliser, and the match ended with a final score of 2-1 in favour of Ware FC Academy U16 Blue. The Giants will reflect on missed opportunities and look to improve in their upcoming fixtures.
