In a pulsating league match at Gairdoch Park on 30 August 2025, the Carbrain Clarets 2011's faced a narrow defeat against Gairdoch 2011s, with the final score reading 3-4. The match, which kicked off at 10am, was a game of 2 very different half’s for the clarets. First half Clarets were asleep for most of it however 2nd half clarets put on a showcase of determination and skill, but ultimately, the Clarets could not secure the points they desperately sought and deserved .
The Clarets lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for quick transitions into attack. Archie Edgar took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Ryan Cherry and Kobe Stevenson as right and left defenders respectively, with Zack Graham and Daniel Abdulrahman forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Fergus Davies and Matthew Malone occupied the right and left flanks, while Tyler Scott and Noah Webb operated centrally, providing both creativity and stability. Up front, Ciar McKlusky led the line, supported by attacking midfielder Kai Logan, who was later substituted for Ruadh Greene.
The substitutes for the Clarets included Ruadh Greene, Mo Mostafaei, and Connor McMahon, all of whom would play pivotal roles as the match unfolded.
The opening stages of the match saw Gairdoch take control, and they struck first in the 21st minute, taking a 1-0 lead. The Clarets struggled to find their rhythm, and Gairdoch capitalised again in the 32nd minute, doubling their advantage to 2-0.
In a tactical reshuffle just before half-time, Clarets manager made two substitutions, bringing on Ruadh Greene for Kai Logan and Mo Mostafaei for Matthew Malone in the 40th minute. The first half concluded with the Clarets trailing 0-2, but the introduction of Greene and Mostafaei hinted at a change in momentum.
The second half began with renewed energy for the Clarets. Just three minutes in, Ruadh Greene found the back of the net in the 48th minute, courtesy of an assist from Tyler Scott, bringing the score to 1-2 and igniting hopes of a comeback.
However, the Clarets’ joy was short-lived as Mo Mostafaei received a yellow card in the 54th minute, a moment that would prove to be a minor setback in their pursuit of an equaliser.
The Clarets continued to press forward, and their efforts paid off in the 63rd minute when Tyler Scott scored, assisted by Connor McMahon, levelling the match at 2-2. The Clarets were now firmly in the ascendancy, and the atmosphere was electric as they sought to take the lead.
As the match progressed, Daniel Abdulrahman scored in the 76th minute, putting the Clarets ahead for the first time at 3-2. The home crowd erupted, and it seemed the Clarets were on the brink of a remarkable turnaround.
However, Gairdoch had other ideas. They equalised in the 80th minute, bringing the score to 3-3, and then took the lead again just three minutes later in the 83rd minute, sealing the match at 4-3.
Despite a valiant effort and a spirited performance, the Clarets were left to rue missed opportunities as the final whistle blew. Noah Webb was recognised for his outstanding contribution throughout the match, earning the accolade of Player of the Match. The Clarets will need to regroup quickly as they look to bounce back from this narrow defeat in their upcoming fixtures.
