Our Under-21s faced a tough challenge against Stevenage at the Lamex Stadium, resulting in a 4-0 loss in a pre-season encounter. Stevenage’s proficiency in delivering crosses into our box posed difficulties for our young team, with the League One side asserting control throughout the match.
Early in the game, we had promising opportunities with Alfie Devine and Yago Santiago, but they were unable to convert. Despite facing Stevenage’s pressing game, our players maintained composure on the ball, gaining valuable experience in the process.
Alfie Devine and Harvey White were part of the starting lineup after returning from the Club’s Asia-Pacific tour, and Tyrell Ashcroft made a welcome comeback in the second half after a knee injury that kept him out since September last year.
Stevenage gained momentum, hitting the post and crossbar on separate occasions before opening the scoring through Nick Freeman’s powerful header from Jake Forster-Caskey’s corner. They extended their lead when Freeman struck again after Dan Butler’s low cross.
In the second half, Stevenage continued their dominance as Carl Piergianni headed in another Forster-Caskey corner, making it 3-0. The match was virtually settled when a pressured clearance by our goalkeeper, Luca Gunter, deflected into the net off Jahziah Linton.
Although Stevenage had further chances, including hitting the crossbar with a fierce free-kick, and we tried to respond with efforts from Rio Kyerematen, the scoreline remained unchanged, ending 4-0 in favor of Stevenage.