The Stevenage Borough Juniors U16 Giants faced off against Welwyn Pegasus U16 Skys in a league away match at a venue yet to be specified on 29 September 2024, kicking off at 10:00 am. The Giants emerged victorious with a commanding 5-2 win, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical discipline throughout the encounter.
The Giants set up in a 3-4-3 formation, designed to maximise their offensive capabilities while maintaining a solid defensive structure. Saba Rajaloo took position as the goalkeeper, shielded by a back three comprising C.J Meadows in central defence, flanked by Cole Barnes on the right and Joel Adeniyi on the left. The midfield was anchored by George Hallam and Jack Kenward in central roles, with Archie Briars and Reegan Spencer providing width as right and left midfielders, respectively. Up front, Masireh Sidibeh operated on the right, Khaya Ngwenya was the central striker, and Ally Ashter occupied the left forward position. The substitutes for the match included Adrian Ciosek, Michael Sarpong, Joseph Akhidenor, and Trystan Acebuque.
The match began with an early attempt from Archie Briars in the second minute, but his effort was saved. However, he quickly made amends by providing a long pass to Masireh Sidibeh, who scored the opening goal from close range just moments later. Briars continued to be a threat, but his subsequent attempt in the third minute went wide. Saba Rajaloo, the goalkeeper, showcased his skills with a crucial save in the seventh minute, before further demonstrating his abilities by catching a high ball in the 15th minute.
The Giants made tactical substitutions in the 20th and 21st minutes, bringing on Adrian Ciosek for Briars and Michael Sarpong for Ashter. The match saw Welwyn Pegasus equalise in the 29th minute with a tap-in goal from close range, but the Giants responded swiftly. Jack Kenward scored a stunning goal from outside the box in the 31st minute, restoring Stevenage's lead.
In the 35th minute, Archie Briars re-entered the fray, replacing Sarpong. Jack Kenward continued to threaten the opposition's goal, but his effort in the 36th minute was high. The Giants extended their lead in the 37th minute when Khaya Ngwenya found the net, assisted by a short pass from Briars, scoring from inside the box.
As the first half drew to a close, the score stood at 3-1 in favour of the Giants. The second half began with Stevenage making further tactical changes, bringing on Joseph Akhidenor for Cole Barnes and Trystan Acebuque for C.J Meadows, both substitutions occurring in the 42nd minute. Khaya Ngwenya had an opportunity early in the second half, but his attempt in the 45th minute went wide.
Masireh Sidibeh then had a chance in the 48th minute, but his shot was saved. The 58th minute saw Adrian Ciosek score a pivotal goal, converting from inside the box with a right-footed strike after receiving a cross from Ngwenya. However, Welwyn Pegasus responded in the 62nd minute with a header from close range, narrowing the gap to 4-2.
The Giants continued to press, with George Hallam and Archie Briars both having attempts that failed to find the back of the net. In the 72nd minute, Ciosek also had a shot saved. The match saw another substitution in the 73rd minute, with Masireh Sidibeh replacing Michael Sarpong.
As the game approached its conclusion, Masireh Sidibeh had another opportunity, but his shot in the 78th minute went wide. The final substitutions saw Michael Sarpong return for Reegan Spencer in the 78th minute, and in the 83rd minute, Archie Briars scored a header, assisted by a long pass from Ciosek, putting the Giants firmly in control at 5-2.
The match concluded without further incident, leaving the Stevenage Borough Juniors U16 Giants celebrating a well-deserved victory, demonstrating both their attacking flair and defensive resilience against a spirited Welwyn Pegasus side.
