In a spirited cup encounter at Galaxy Sports Little Kerse on 23 August 2025, EKFC 09s Gold faced a challenging match against Camelon Juniors, ultimately succumbing to a 5-2 defeat. The match kicked off at 9:15 am, setting the stage for an intense battle between the two sides.
EKFC 09s Gold lined up in a 4-1-3-2 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flair. Ross McNab took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Steve Graham on the right, Matthew Henderson and Max Graham in central defence, and Mark McGuiness on the left. Andrew Hall operated as the lone central midfielder, tasked with linking play between defence and attack. The attacking trio featured Alfie Hall on the right, Matthew Brown in the central attacking role, and Stephen Orr on the left, while Shay Christie and Josh Gales led the line as forwards. The substitutes for the match included Callum Kerr, Kenneth Traynor, and Daniel Friel.
The match began with Camelon Juniors asserting their dominance early on, scoring their first goal just three minutes in. A swift attack caught the EKFC defence off guard, allowing the opponents to take the lead. The pressure continued, and by the ninth minute, Camelon Juniors doubled their advantage, leaving EKFC 09s Gold in a precarious position.
Despite the early setbacks, EKFC 09s Gold responded positively. In the 19th minute, Shay Christie found the back of the net with a well-placed header from a corner delivered by Matthew Brown, bringing the score to 2-1 and igniting hopes of a comeback. However, the joy was short-lived as Josh Gales received a yellow card for persistent infringements shortly after, adding to the team's woes.
As the first half progressed, Camelon Juniors struck again in the 40th minute, extending their lead to 3-1 just before the break. The half-time whistle blew with EKFC trailing, prompting tactical changes as Daniel Friel replaced Matthew Henderson and Kenneth Traynor came on for Matthew Brown at the start of the second half.
The second half saw EKFC 09s Gold attempt to regain control, but Camelon Juniors continued to apply pressure. In the 72nd minute, the opponents scored their fourth goal, further complicating matters for the Gold. In a bid to inject fresh energy into the attack, Matthew Henderson returned to the pitch, replacing Shay Christie in the 63rd minute.
Despite the mounting challenges, EKFC 09s Gold managed to find the net again in the 84th minute. Steve Graham scored from close range, assisted by Alfie Hall, narrowing the gap to 4-2 and providing a glimmer of hope for the home side. However, Camelon Juniors responded decisively, scoring their fifth goal in the dying moments of the match, sealing a comprehensive victory.
As the match drew to a close, Matthew Henderson received a yellow card for dissent, adding to the frustrations of the EKFC side. The final whistle confirmed a 5-2 defeat for EKFC 09s Gold, a result that highlighted the need for improvement as they look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures. Max Graham was notably recognised for his performance, earning the title of Player of the Match amidst the challenging circumstances.
