Dominant Giants Storm to 4-0 Victory Over Tornadoes
In a commanding and clinical display, Stevenage Borough Juniors U16 Giants dismantled Welwyn Garden City U16 Tornadoes with a resounding 4-0 triumph in their league showdown at Ridgeway Academy on February 23, 2025. From the first whistle at 10:00 am, the Giants asserted their dominance, showcasing attacking flair, defensive solidity, and relentless intensity over the 80-minute contest.
Lining up in an aggressive 3-4-3 formation, the Giants pressed high and controlled possession with precision. Saba Rajaloo stood firm between the posts, protected by a defensive trio of Joseph Akhidenor, Trystan Acebuque, and Joel Adeniyi. The midfield, orchestrated by Archie Briars and Reegan Spencer, provided both defensive cover and attacking impetus, while wide players Jack Kenward and Olufemi Ladapo stretched the opposition. Upfront, the dangerous trio of Charlie Dempster, Adrian Ciosek, and Khaya Ngwenya were poised to pounce on any defensive frailties.
Early Onslaught and First-Half Brilliance
The Giants wasted no time in stamping their authority on the game. In the 14th minute, relentless pressing paid off as Charlie Dempster capitalized on a defensive lapse, tapping home from close range to give his side an early lead. Just two minutes later, the advantage was doubled—Khaya Ngwenya latched onto a pinpoint cross from Jack Kenward, steering a composed left-footed finish into the net, leaving the Tornadoes shell-shocked.
With momentum firmly in their favor, the Giants dictated play, combining slick one-twos and intelligent movement to carve open the opposition. As halftime approached, a tactical shift saw George Hallam replace Olufemi Ladapo in midfield, further solidifying control. The whistle blew with Stevenage firmly in command at 2-0.
Second-Half Brilliance and Finishing Touches
Determined to maintain their grip on the game, the Giants made two changes at the interval—Cole Barnes replaced Joel Adeniyi, and Masireh Sidibeh came on for Adrian Ciosek. The adjustments paid dividends as the relentless pressure continued.
The 53rd minute nearly saw Dempster double his tally, but his shot rattled the post. The rebound, however, fell kindly to the alert Masireh Sidibeh, who coolly slotted home from eight yards, extending the lead to 3-0.
Four minutes later, the Giants struck again. A dazzling solo run from Kenward sliced through the Tornadoes' defense before he teed up Ngwenya, who made no mistake from close range, securing his second goal of the match and sealing the 4-0 scoreline.
Further chances followed, with Archie Briars and Ladapo both narrowly missing the target. In the dying moments, Sidibeh and Ladapo were both denied by the woodwork, underlining the Giants' unrelenting attacking intent. At the other end, Rajaloo ensured a well-earned clean sheet with a stunning fingertip save in the 80th minute, acrobatically tipping a free kick over the bar.
Victory Secured, Title Within Reach
As the final whistle echoed around Ridgeway Academy, the Giants celebrated a dominant performance that keeps them at the summit of the division. With just four points needed from their remaining three fixtures, Stevenage Borough Juniors U16 Giants stand on the brink of championship glory—an achievement well within their grasp if they continue to perform with this level of intensity and precision.
A statement victory, a relentless display, and a team on the cusp of silverware—the Giants march on!
