The clash between EKFC 09s Gold and W Academy White took place at K-Park on 23 March 2025, kicking off at 3:00pm. In a gripping league encounter, EKFC 09s Gold succumbed to a narrow defeat, finishing the match with a scoreline of 2-3.
EKFC 09s Gold lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, designed to provide both defensive solidity and attacking flair. Ross McNab occupied the goalkeeping position, while the back four consisted of Steve Graham and Mark McGuiness as the right and left defenders, respectively, with Lewis Sime and Max Graham forming the central defensive duo. In front of the defence, Matthew Henderson played a pivotal role as the central midfielder, tasked with linking play and providing support. The attacking midfield trio featured Alfie Hall on the right, Matthew Brown in the centre, and Josh Gales on the left, all expected to create chances for the lone striker, Callum Kerr, who was positioned at the forefront of the attack. The substitutes for the match included Shay Christie, Andrew Hall, and Daniel Friel.
The match began with an unexpected turn of events as W Academy White took an early lead in the fifth minute, courtesy of an own goal from EKFC 09s Gold. A defensive mix-up allowed the ball to find its way into the net, putting the home side on the back foot right from the start.
In response to the early setback, EKFC 09s Gold made their first substitution in the 20th minute, bringing on Shay Christie for Callum Kerr. This tactical change aimed to inject fresh energy into the attack.
The equaliser came in the 28th minute when Shay Christie scored following a free kick taken by Max Graham. The ball was delivered into the box, and in a goalmouth scramble, Christie managed to find the back of the net with his right foot, bringing the score to 1-1 and momentarily lifting the spirits of the home crowd.
However, W Academy White responded swiftly, regaining the lead in the 39th minute with a well-placed shot from inside the box, scored with the right foot. The visitors capitalised on a lapse in concentration in the EKFC defence, making it 2-1 just before half-time.
As the first half drew to a close, EKFC 09s Gold made two more substitutions in the 40th minute, introducing Andrew Hall for Alfie Hall and Daniel Friel for Matthew Henderson. These changes were aimed at bolstering the midfield and providing more attacking options as they headed into the second half.
The second half commenced with W Academy White extending their lead in the 53rd minute. Another goalmouth scramble resulted in a close-range finish, again scored with the right foot, making it 3-1 and leaving EKFC 09s Gold with a mountain to climb.
Despite the daunting scoreline, EKFC 09s Gold showed resilience and fought back. In the 56th minute, Josh Gales found the net with a stunning left-footed volley, assisted by Shay Christie’s precise cross. This goal reignited hopes for the home side, narrowing the deficit to 3-2.
The momentum shifted slightly, and in the 58th minute, Alfie Hall had a chance to level the score but his effort went high, missing the target. EKFC continued to press for an equaliser, and in the 60th minute, they made another substitution, bringing Matthew Henderson back on for Matthew Brown, while Alfie Hall re-entered the fray, replacing Kenneth Traynor, who had to leave the pitch due to injury.
As the match progressed, Daniel Friel attempted to add to the scoreline in the 68th minute, but his shot also went high, illustrating the frustration of the home side as they sought to find that elusive equaliser.
In the 75th minute, Kenneth Traynor returned to the pitch, taking the place of Alfie Hall, who had been substituted due to injury earlier. This change was crucial as EKFC 09s Gold pushed for a final surge in the closing minutes.
Despite their best efforts, EKFC 09s Gold could not find the equaliser, and the match concluded with W Academy White claiming a hard-fought victory. The home side will reflect on missed opportunities and defensive lapses, while W Academy White will celebrate a crucial away win in this competitive league encounter.
