In a gripping friendly encounter at Calderglen High School on 18 March 2025, EKFC 09s Gold faced off against EKYC, with the match concluding in a dramatic 2-2 draw. Kick-off was at 7:00 pm, and both teams showcased their skills in an entertaining clash that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
EKFC 09s Gold lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive foundation while allowing for dynamic attacking play. Ross McNab took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Alfie Hall on the right, Lewis Sime and Max Graham as central defenders, and Mark McGuiness on the left. In front of them, the double pivot of Andrew Hall and Matthew Henderson was tasked with controlling the midfield, while Callum Kerr and Kyle Gracie operated as right and left attacking midfielders, respectively. Matthew Brown played centrally behind the lone striker, Shay Christie, who was expected to lead the line with pace and precision.
The substitutes for EKFC 09s Gold included Steve Graham, Kenneth Traynor, Stephen Orr, Josh Gales, and Daniel Friel, ready to make an impact from the bench as the game unfolded.
The match began with both teams probing for weaknesses, but it was EKYC who struck first. In the 21st minute, they took the lead with a well-placed header from close range, capitalising on a defensive lapse from EKFC 09s Gold. The goal served as a wake-up call for the Golds, who began to push forward in search of an equaliser.
In the 34th minute, EKFC 09s Gold was forced into a substitution as Mark McGuiness was replaced by Steve Graham due to injury. This change disrupted the defensive line momentarily but did not deter the team's spirit. Just six minutes later, tactical adjustments were made as Kenneth Traynor came on for Matthew Henderson, and Stephen Orr replaced Matthew Brown, signalling a shift in strategy as they sought to regain control of the match.
As the first half drew to a close, EKFC 09s Gold found their rhythm. In the 44th minute, Shay Christie levelled the score with a stunning long-range strike, expertly assisted by Andrew Hall's precise long pass. The equaliser sent the Golds into half-time with renewed confidence, the score now 1-1.
The second half commenced with both teams eager to seize the initiative. Just a minute after the restart, EKFC 09s Gold took the lead through Kyle Gracie, who finished off a well-executed team move with a right-footed shot, following a brilliant cross from Alfie Hall. The Golds were now in the ascendancy, leading 2-1 and looking to extend their advantage.
However, EKYC responded swiftly. In the 51st minute, they equalised once more, capitalising on a goalmouth scramble to score from close range with a right-footed effort. The match was now finely poised at 2-2, and both teams were determined to find a winner.
In the 52nd minute, EKFC 09s Gold made two substitutions to freshen up their attacking options, with Josh Gales replacing Kyle Gracie and Daniel Friel coming on for Shay Christie. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy into the side as they sought to reclaim the lead.
Despite several attempts from both sides in the remaining minutes, neither team could find the decisive goal. The match concluded with the score locked at 2-2, a fair reflection of a contest that showcased the talents of both teams and left fans eagerly anticipating their next encounters.
