A Stevenage XI drew 1-1 with Brentford B on Tuesday afternoon in sweltering conditions at Bragbury End Training Ground.
Jamie Gray opened the scoring 15 minutes into the first half, rounding the keeper off a Steven Schumacher assist before Kyjuon Marsh-Brown levelled just before the break. Both sides missed a penalty in the second half and despite a plethora of chances being created at both ends, the spoils were shared.
First team squad members Rowan Liburd, Ben Kennedy, Henry Cowans, Connor Hunte and Nathan Kerr all played 90 minutes whilst Steven Schumacher made it through an hour as he steps up his rehab from injury.
Speaking after the game, Managerial Advisor Glenn Roeder said he was pleased with how things went.
“It was a 1-1 draw that could have been 6-6. We could have quite easily been 4 or 5-1 up at half-time and they certainly had some chances in the second half.
“Chris Day made some good saves to keep us in it and it was a very, very hard work out for the lads. They put a lot of effort and energy into the game and overall, it was a good result."
The game was played on the hottest September day in over 100 years, meaning a gruelling work-out for the players.
“I would say they have shed kilos, how many we are about to find about but that is as tough as it gets for a practice game. All the players will feel the benefits that is for sure and it is really good for the likes of Rowan Liburd, Ben Kennedy, Henry Cowans and Connor Hunte who all got 90 minutes.
“Schumacher got through his 60 minutes well which is always a positive and both teams knocked the ball around, making each other chase so it was a top workout and a thoroughly good game.”