Goals from Elliott List, Danny Rose, Jordan Roberts and Dan Sweeney ensure Stevenage a positive start to pre-season…

As Boro did in the summer of 2019, pre-season 2022/23 started with a trip to the Channel Islands to take on Combined Counties League Premier Division South side Jersey Bulls.

Headed by manager Steve Evans, Stevenage lined up in an unorthodox 3-5-2 formation at the Springfield Stadium. Fulham loanee Taye Ashby-Hammond started between the sticks, with Luther James-Wildin, Terence Vancooten and Mackye Townsend-West in defence. The midfield three of Dean Campbell, Jake Taylor and Jake Reeves were flanked by Max Clark and Kane Smith, behind the front two of Elliott List and Danny Rose.

Within the first quarter of an hour, it would be the front two linking up to put the visitors into the lead. After hustling his way into the Jersey Bulls’ penalty area, Danny Rose had the vision to cut it back for Elliott List, who habitually nudged the ball home with the outside of his foot. A good start for Boro, and a good start to what we hope will be a prosperous strike partnership for the pair.

On the half hour mark, Luther James-Wildin looked to double Boro’s advantage after picking the ball up 25 yards out, in ‘Luther territory’. The defender took aim but could only fire over into metal fencing behind the goal.

Stevenage went closer five minutes later when Kane Smith’s deep cross found his opposite-sider Max Clark at the back post, but the ex-Hull City defender could only head onto the woodwork and behind.

As Stevenage continued to knock on the door of Jersey Bulls towards half-time, Boro got that two-goal advantage. A perfectly timed through ball from Dean Campbell fed Danny Rose into the left side of the penalty area, who expertly slotted home into the far corner.

Elliott List thought he had doubled his tally just before the break with an audacious volley, only to be judged offside by the linesman. The half-time whistle blew, and Steve Evans’ men were making a good start to their pre-season campaign.

A number of changes were make at the interval, including the introduction of Aaron Chapman, Carl Piergianni, Arthur Read, Jamie Reid and Jordan Roberts.

Soon after the break, Stevenage further extended their lead. A low Stevenage corner from the left caused a part goalmouth scramble as Jersey Bulls couldn’t get clear, before the ball fell to the newly introduced Jordan Roberts to stab home.

Alfie Williams, Jack Smith and Dan Sweeney were brought on on the hour mark.

With a quarter of an hour left to play, another substitute got in on the action. After Arthur Read whipped his corner into the middle of the penalty area, Dan Sweeney towered above everyone to nod home the fourth.

Michael Bostwick came on for Terence Vancooten with just a matter of minutes left to play, as Stevenage were strolling to a comfortable victory in Jersey.

A successful start to pre-season for Stevenage who head back to Hertfordshire on Sunday as preparations for the 2022/23 season continue.

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