Stevenage began their 2014 IMG Cup campaign with an impressive 3-0 win over Brentford this evening.
Darren Sarll's youngsters came out of the blocks flying in the Florida heat and were ahead within minutes through Louis Yamfam. New signing Dipo Akinyemi headed onto the roof of the net and Brentford hit the post as the teams traded chances, before Yamfam showed great coolness to latch onto a through-ball and fire home to double the advantage.
Akinyemi saw a shot saved by the Bees keeper and Yamfam went close with an audacious scissor-kick but it took until moments after half-time for the scoreboard to change, with defender Matt Smyth nodding home from close range after Brentford failed to clear a corner.
To their credit Brentford were much more threatening in the second half and really pegged Boro back but Stevenage stood firm and recorded an eye-catching opening day victory.
Stevenage starting XI: Reading, Smyth, Johnson, Jones, Kerr, Gorman, Kennedy, Millard, Yamfam, Akinyemi
Stevenage's next game is tomorrow (Thursday 18th) against the IMG Academy Under-18s. Kick-off is 2pm UK time and you can watch the game live here on the official website.
Stevenage U18s IMG Cup fixtures
Wednesday 17th December - Brentford - 3-0 (Yamfam 2, Smyth)
Thursday 18th December - IMG Academy U18s - 9am (2pm UK time)
Saturday 20th December - Black Rock FC - 11.30am (4.30pm UK time)
Sunday 21st December - To be decided - 8am (1pm UK time)