Clyde Pinelands 3rd Team Suffer Heavy Defeat To Kensington AFC

In a disappointing friendly encounter at the 14th Avenue Sports Ground on 26 March 2025, Clyde Pinelands 3rd Team faced a formidable Kensington AFC, ultimately succumbing to a 6-1 defeat. The match kicked off at 8:00pm, and despite an early lead, Clyde struggled to maintain their momentum against a relentless opposition.

Clyde Pinelands lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flexibility. The back three consisted of a central defender, Duwayne Lucas, flanked by right defender and left defender, while the midfield was anchored by two central midfielders, Eric AD and Travis Ace, with Jude Clasen and another player on the wings. The attacking trio featured two players in advanced midfield roles supporting lone striker Chad Classen, who was expected to lead the line and convert chances into goals.

The substitutes for Clyde Pinelands were not listed, but the starting XI was tasked with executing the game plan effectively from the outset.

The match began with a bright start for Clyde Pinelands, as Chad Classen opened the scoring just ten minutes in. He found the net with a precise right-footed shot from close range, following a well-placed short pass from Jude Clasen. This early goal injected a sense of optimism into the Clyde ranks, but it was short-lived.

Kensington AFC responded swiftly, equalising in the 20th minute. Their first goal came as a result of sustained pressure, catching the Clyde defence off guard. The momentum shifted dramatically, and just before half-time, Kensington struck again, taking a 2-1 lead into the break with a well-executed goal that left the Clyde goalkeeper with little chance.

As the second half commenced, Clyde Pinelands sought to regroup and find a way back into the match. However, their hopes were dashed when Kensington extended their lead in the 55th minute, scoring a third goal that further demoralised the visitors. The onslaught continued, with Kensington adding a fourth goal in the 65th minute, showcasing their attacking prowess and exploiting gaps in the Clyde defence.

The relentless Kensington side showed no signs of slowing down, netting a fifth goal in the 75th minute, leaving Clyde Pinelands reeling. The final nail in the coffin came in the 85th minute, as Kensington rounded off their scoring with a sixth goal, sealing a comprehensive victory that highlighted the disparity in performance between the two sides.

Despite the heavy defeat, Clyde Pinelands will need to regroup and reflect on their performance, particularly on the defensive lapses that allowed Kensington AFC to dominate the match. The team will undoubtedly look to learn from this experience as they prepare for future fixtures.