On 6 September 2025, EKFC 09s Gold travelled to Garrell Road to face Kilsyth Athletic in a league away fixture kicking off at 10:45am. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after a competitive 90 minutes plus added time, with both sides sharing the spoils in a closely contested encounter.
EKFC 09s Gold lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Ross McNab in goal. The defensive line consisted of Steve Graham at right back, Lewis Sime and Matthew Henderson as central defenders, and Mark McGuiness on the left. In midfield, Callum Kerr and Andrew Hall operated as the two holding central midfielders, tasked with both breaking up play and initiating attacks. Ahead of them, the three attacking midfield roles were filled by Alfie Hall on the right, Josh Gales centrally, and Stephen Orr on the left, all expected to support the lone striker, Shay Christie, who led the line. The substitutes named were Daniel Friel and Matthew Brown.
From the outset, EKFC showed intent, with Shay Christie forcing an early save in the first minute, signalling the visitors’ attacking threat. Shortly after, Stephen Orr attempted a shot that went wide in the third minute, indicating the team’s willingness to test Kilsyth’s defence early on.
However, the game took a blow for EKFC when their striker Shay Christie was forced off injured in the 30th minute, replaced by Daniel Friel. This substitution disrupted the attacking rhythm but was necessary to maintain the team’s shape.
As the first half drew to a close, EKFC made a tactical change, bringing on Matthew Brown for Callum Kerr at the interval. This switch suggested a shift in midfield dynamics, possibly to inject fresh legs and creativity going forward.
The second half saw EKFC capitalise on their tactical adjustment when Matthew Brown scored the opening goal in the 61st minute. The goal came inside the box, expertly finished with his right foot following a precise assist from right back Steve Graham, who had overlapped to deliver a quality ball into the penalty area.
Immediately after, Mark McGuiness demonstrated his defensive awareness with a crucial clearance in the 62nd minute, preventing a clear chance and helping to maintain EKFC’s lead.
The match intensity increased as Daniel Friel received a yellow card in the 65th minute for dissent, reflecting the mounting pressure on the visitors.
Ross McNab was called into action in the 67th minute, making a vital intervention to keep EKFC in front, showcasing his alertness and command of the penalty area.
Shortly after, in the 69th minute, Lewis Sime was booked for a bad tackle, a moment that perhaps unsettled the defensive line. Unfortunately, Kilsyth Athletic capitalised on this period of pressure and managed to equalise in the same minute, bringing the score level at 1-1.
Despite efforts from both sides, the match ended in a stalemate. Lewis Sime’s overall performance stood out, earning him the player of the match accolade for his defensive contributions and leadership at the back.
EKFC 09s Gold will reflect on a hard-fought point gained on the road, with moments of quality and resilience evident throughout their 4-2-3-1 setup. The tactical substitutions and defensive interventions kept them competitive, but Kilsyth Athletic’s late equaliser ensured the spoils were shared at Garrell Road.
