In a pulsating friendly encounter at Ballerup Recreation Area on 24 May 2025, Carbrain Clarets 2011's triumphed over East Kilbride 2011s with a scoreline of 6-5. The match, which kicked off at 9:10 am, showcased a remarkable display of attacking football from both sides, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats.
Carbrain Clarets adopted a 4-4-1-1 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive structure while also providing ample support for their attacking players. Theo Stevenson donned the gloves as the goalkeeper, shielded by a back four comprising Riely Brady on the right, Ryan Cherry and Leandro Schammas in central defence, and Daniel Abdulrahman on the left. The midfield was anchored by Kai Logan and Cole Clarets in central roles, with Luka Alexander on the right and Matthew Malone on the left. Ciar McKlusky operated just behind the lone striker, Ruadh Greene, who was tasked with leading the line and converting chances into goals.
The substitutes for Carbrain Clarets included Kyle Brice, Connor McMahon, and Cebrail Oner, who would later play crucial roles in the match as the game unfolded.
The scoring opened early in the match when Kai Logan found the back of the net in the 10th minute, assisted by Luka Alexander, giving Carbrain Clarets a promising start. However, East Kilbride responded swiftly, equalising just two minutes later. The Clarets regained the lead in the 18th minute when an unfortunate own goal from an East Kilbride player, again assisted by Luka Alexander, put them ahead once more.
East Kilbride showed their resilience, equalising again in the 25th minute, setting the stage for a thrilling first half. In the 28th minute, Carbrain made their first substitution, bringing on Kyle Brice for Matthew Malone. Shortly after, in the 35th minute, Connor McMahon replaced Luka Alexander, as the Clarets sought to maintain their momentum heading into the break.
The first half concluded with the score at 3-2 in favour of Carbrain Clarets, but the second half promised even more excitement. Just two minutes after the restart, Ciar McKlusky scored in the 37th minute, with an assist from Cole Clarets, extending the Clarets' lead to 4-2. However, East Kilbride struck back again in the 42nd minute, narrowing the gap to 4-3.
Kai Logan then scored his second goal of the match in the 54th minute, pushing the Clarets ahead 5-3. Yet, East Kilbride refused to back down, scoring once more in the 60th minute to bring the score to 5-4. In a dramatic turn of events, Matthew Malone, who had been substituted earlier, returned to the pitch in the 66th minute, replacing Riely Brady, as Carbrain looked to solidify their defence.
Malone made an immediate impact, scoring in the 66th minute to restore a two-goal cushion for the Clarets at 6-4. However, East Kilbride responded yet again, scoring in the 69th minute to make it 6-5, setting up a tense finish.
In the 73rd minute, Cebrail Oner capped off a thrilling performance by scoring, assisted by Malone, but the match ended with the Clarets narrowly holding on to their lead. The final whistle blew, and Carbrain Clarets emerged victorious in a match that will be remembered for its end-to-end action and relentless spirit from both teams.
