In a commanding display of football, Stevenage Borough Juniors U16 Giants triumphed over Welwyn Pegasus U16 Skys with a resounding 7-0 victory at Barnwell Upper School on 3rd November 2024. The match, which kicked off at 10:00 am, showcased the Giants' attacking prowess and solid defensive organisation, leaving their opponents struggling to keep pace throughout the encounter.
The Giants employed a 3-4-3 formation, with Saba Rajaloo in goal, supported by a back three comprising Reegan Spencer, Joel Adeniyi, and Joseph Akhidenor. The midfield was anchored by Archie Briars and Adrian Ciosek centrally, flanked by George Hallam on the right and Jack Kenward on the left. Up front, Michael Sarpong, Masireh Sidibeh, and Ally Ashter formed the attacking trio, with each player expected to contribute both in build-up play and finishing. The substitutes for the match included Charlie Dempster and Cole Barnes.
The Giants wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Archie Briars and Ally Ashter both testing the Welwyn Pegasus goalkeeper within the first seven minutes, but their efforts were saved. Saba Rajaloo, the Giants' goalkeeper, showcased his skills shortly after, making a confident catch to deny an early attempt from the opposition.
The breakthrough came in the ninth minute when Michael Sarpong found the net, converting a close-range effort after a short pass from Ally Ashter. Just a minute later, tactical changes saw Charlie Dempster replace Ashter, and he made an immediate impact by scoring in the 11th minute, netting another close-range goal, this time assisted by Sarpong.
As the first half progressed, the Giants continued to apply pressure, with Masireh Sidibeh and Dempster both coming close to extending the lead, but their attempts were thwarted by the Welwyn Pegasus goalkeeper. The first half concluded with the Giants firmly in control, leading 2-0.
After the break, the Giants resumed their attacking onslaught. Jack Kenward nearly added to the scoreline, with the keeper saving his first shot onto the post, Jack could only put the rebound straight into the keepers arms. However, it was Masireh Sidibeh who found the back of the net in the 53rd minute, converting a short pass from George Hallam inside the box to make it 3-0.
The relentless Giants attacks continued, with Dempster scoring a stunning direct free-kick from outside the box in the 56th minute, followed by Adrian Ciosek's brace. Ciosek first scored in the 61st minute, slotting in from close range after a cross from Dempster, before adding another in the 63rd minute, assisted by Ashter.
Despite the scoreline, the Giants maintained their intensity, with several attempts from Sidibeh, Joel Adeniyi, and Ciosek all being saved or going wide. In the 76th minute, Dempster returned to the pitch, replacing Sidibeh, and continued to threaten the Welwyn Pegasus goal.
The final goal of the match came in the 81st minute, when Dempster scored a long-range strike, assisted by Ciosek, sealing the emphatic 7-0 victory for the Giants. The match was a testament to Stevenage's attacking flair and defensive solidity, leaving them with a resounding win and a 4th clean sheet of the season.
