Dipo at the double as Stevenage continue winning start to pre-season...
A youthful Stevenage side beat St Neots Town 2-0 to continue the winning start to pre-season.
A squad comprising trialists, first and second year scholars and first-year pros was full of energy throughout the night at the Premier Plus Stadium, as all looked to impress and force their way into Teddy Sheringham’s first team plans for the season ahead.
Within five minutes Boro were creating chances against their Southern Premier hosts with Dipo Akinyemi firing over after a good cross from the left. It was a promising start by the young front man who was to strike twice in the next 15 minutes to effectively win the game for the visitors.
His first goal on the quarter hour was a marvellous individual effort, retaining possession on the half-way line and taking on a retreating home defence before firing home low from 20 yards.
Five minutes later he had his second, slotting home at the far post after a move started by Dale Gorman saw a cross whipped invitingly into the six yard box from the left flank.
With a two-goal lead Stevenage’s confidence grew and they continued to press forward, impressing many of the 415-strong crowd with their new passing style of play.
Akinyemi nearly found himself with a first-half hat-trick when great persistence saw him close down the ‘keeper and then twice see efforts blocked in a matter of seconds by covering defenders.
The second half saw St Neots grow into the game and when Boro ‘keeper Jackson was forced into a fine low save five minutes after half-time, it suddenly sparked the hosts into life and they enjoyed some good spells of play.
Turner fired high and wide and Gorman stung the ‘keeper’s palms with a fierce drive in rare second half chances for Boro, who introduced second year scholars Louis Yamfam, Robbie Sweeney and Matt Smyth into the action for the final 20 minutes.
Akinyemi had one final chance for his treble with 72 minutes on the clock but was denied by the offside flag. However his first-half double was enough to win the game in a promising performance from which plenty of positives were taken.
Next up for Stevenage is the visit of Nottingham Forest this Friday at The Lamex Stadium, (7.30pm KO). Tickets can be bought here.
Stevenage: Jackson, Casey, Sendles-White, Johnson, Kerr, Gorman (Yamfam), Conlon (Smyth), Hill, Turner, Akinyemi (Croud), Rowe (Sweeney)
Sub not used: Gibson (GK)