Regional Semi-Final Onto Pens…. Clarets 2 - 2 Syngenta

The Carbrain Clarets 2011's faced off against recent Scottish Cup Finalists, Syngenta 2011s in a gripping Regional cup Semi-Final encounter at Grangemouth High School on 22 March 2025, with the match concluding in a dramatic 2-2 draw after 70 minutes of play. The Clarets ultimately triumphed in the penalty shootout, securing a 4-2 victory to advance in the competition.

The Clarets lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Theo took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Riley Brady on the right, Jacob Thomson on the left, and central defenders Leandro Schammas and Robert Byrne. Daniel Abdulrahman operated as a lone central midfielder, tasked with linking play between defence and attack. Ahead of him, Aidan Donnelly and Noah Webb occupied the left and right attacking midfield roles, respectively, while Cole Clarets and Kai Logan provided additional creativity in the central attacking midfield positions. Connor McMahon led the line as the lone striker.

The substitutes for the Clarets included Matthew Malone and Ryan Cherry, who would later play pivotal roles in the match.

The first half saw both teams probing for weaknesses, but it was the Clarets who made the first tactical change when Matthew Malone replaced Cole Clarets in the 22nd minute. The game continued to ebb and flow, with neither side able to break the deadlock before the half-time whistle blew at 35 minutes.

As the second half commenced, Syngenta struck first, finding the back of the net just two minutes after the restart, putting the Clarets on the back foot. However, the Clarets responded with resilience, earning a penalty in the 51st minute, which Aidan Donnelly confidently converted to equalise. Just two minutes later, Donnelly was at it again, this time scoring from open play striking the ball sweetly into the back of the net with an assist from Riley Brady, giving the Clarets a brief lead.

The Clarets' joy was short-lived, as Syngenta quickly retaliated, equalising in the 57th minute to set up a tense finish to the match. Both teams pushed for a winner, but the score remained level as the final whistle approached, leading to the inevitable penalty shootout.

In the shootout, the Clarets showcased their composure, converting four penalties by Kia, Noah, Aiden and victory sealed with Ruadh’s confidant final spot kick! This was all possible thanks to Theo’s 2 clinical pen saves!!! Syngenta only converted 2 penalties sealing the Clarets progression through to the final of one of the highest profile cups up for grabs in Scottish Youth football. The match was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, with the Clarets demonstrating tenacity and skill in a thrilling encounter.