Striker finding his feet with first team following impressive FA Youth Cup displays including defeat to Everton in December

Ben Kennedy says he is ‘very, very happy’ at getting his first goals for Stevenage following his brace against Hartlepool United.

The 18-year-old striker, making just his second senior start for Boro, struck twice in the second half to end Stevenage’s four-game winless run and to deny Hartlepool a fourth successive victory on home soil.

The teenager has been promoted to the first team set-up in recent weeks following some impressive displays for the club’s U18 side, including against Everton in the FA Youth Cup third round defeat back in December.

Speaking about his first goals for the club, and asked if it was his best day as a footballer, Kennedy said: “It was definitely a dream come true to start the game, and to score two goals has made me happy, very happy.

“It was enjoyable. [After] scoring the first one I was buzzing. I didn’t know what to do...they all told me to relax.

“Then the second, I hit it and it kept spinning and it just rolled in.

“I’m keeping my feet on the ground, and I’ll keep working hard. Hopefully more chances will come and I’ll score more goals.

“I worked really hard and to be fair Beardo [Chris Beardsley] helped me the whole way through, he was positive.”