Match Report - BELLSHILL ATHLETIC 2011S - 05 Oct 2024

In a fairly scrappy friendly match held at Cumbernauld Academy on 5th October 2024, the Carbrain Clarets 2011's edged out Bellshill Athletic 2011s with a scoreline of 4-3. The match, which kicked off at 9:15am, showcased a rollercoaster of emotions as both teams displayed their attacking prowess and resilience.

The Carbrain Clarets adopted a 4-4-1-1 formation, which allowed them to maintain a solid defensive structure while providing ample support for their attacking plays. Theo Stevenson stood guard in goal, with Riely Brady and Aston Allison occupying the right and left defensive positions, respectively. The central defensive pairing of Ryan Cherry and Daniel Abdulrahman provided a robust backbone. In midfield, Ruadh Greene and Harrison Craig operated on the right and left flanks, while Leandro Schammas and Kai Logan controlled the central areas. Ciar McKlusky played just behind the lone striker, Aidan Donnelly, who was tasked with leading the line.

The substitutes for the match included Connor McMahon and Noah Webb, who were poised to make an impact later in the game.

The first half saw the Carbrain Clarets take the initiative, with Leandro Schammas opening the scoring in the 28th minute with a stunning long-range effort that left the Bellshill goalkeeper with no chance. Just three minutes later, Ruadh Greene capitalised on a goalmouth scramble to double the Clarets' lead, scoring from close range.

In a tactical move, the Clarets made two substitutions in the 35th minute, bringing on Connor McMahon for Aidan Donnelly and Noah Webb for Ciar McKlusky. This change aimed to bolster their midfield and maintain their attacking threat as they headed into half-time with a 2-0 advantage.

However, the second half began with a twist as Bellshill Athletic was awarded a penalty in the 43rd minute, which they converted to reduce the deficit to 2-1. The Clarets responded quickly, with Kai Logan restoring their two-goal cushion in the 52nd minute with a well-placed beautifully struck direct free-kick from 25 yards!

The match continued to ebb and flow and the clarets struggled play their usual passing football, and Bellshill Athletic struck again in the 57th minute, narrowing the scoreline to 3-2. Just two minutes later, Ciar McKlusky, who had been substituted off earlier, made a remarkable return to the pitch and scored, extending the Clarets' lead to 4-2.

As the match approached its conclusion, Bellshill Athletic managed to find the back of the net once more in the 71st minute, bringing the score to 4-3. Despite their best efforts, the Clarets held on to secure a deserved victory in what was a tough fought contest.