On Tuesday 30 September 2025, EKFC 09s Gold travelled to Wishaw Sports Centre to face Motherwell FCCT in a cup away match, kicking off at 7:15pm. The encounter ended in a thrilling 4-2 victory for EKFC 09s Gold after a pulsating 90 minutes of football.
EKFC 09s Gold lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation, deploying Ross McNab in goal behind a back four of Steve Graham at right back, Lewis Sime and Max Graham as central defenders, and Mark McGuiness on the left. Andrew Hall operated as the lone central midfielder sitting just ahead of the defence, tasked with breaking up play and distributing the ball. Ahead of him, the midfield quartet consisted of Callum Kerr on the right wing, Daniel Friel and Matthew Brown occupying central attacking midfield roles, and Stephen Orr on the left. Leading the line was striker Josh Gales, expected to spearhead attacks and finish chances. The substitutes available were Shay Christie and Christopher Wright.
The match began with an early setback for EKFC as Callum Kerr was forced off injured after just 12 minutes, with Shay Christie coming on to replace him. Despite the disruption, EKFC took the lead four minutes later when Lewis Sime rose to meet a precise cross from Matthew Brown, heading home to put the visitors ahead. The goal was a testament to Sime’s aerial prowess and Brown’s creative vision.
However, the game took a dramatic turn in the 22nd minute when Matthew Brown was shown a red card for offensive language and gestures, reducing EKFC to ten men. This forced the team to reorganise and defend with greater discipline against a now emboldened Motherwell side.
As the first half drew to a close, EKFC restored their two-goal cushion in spectacular fashion. On the stroke of half-time, Shay Christie volleyed home a superb cross from Stephen Orr, showcasing excellent technique and timing. This goal was a vital boost for EKFC going into the break.
The second half started brightly for EKFC, with Christie scoring again just four minutes after the restart. This time, Ross McNab initiated the move with a long pass that found Christie in close range, who calmly tapped the ball into the net. The goalkeeper’s vision and Christie’s composure under pressure were key factors in this goal.
Motherwell responded swiftly, pulling a goal back in the 53rd minute with a powerful long-range strike that tested McNab’s reflexes. The visitors’ lead was now under threat, and the game intensified.
In the 59th minute, Shay Christie was substituted off due to injury, with Christopher Wright coming on to bolster the side. EKFC’s resilience was soon rewarded as Stephen Orr found the net in the 62nd minute, finishing off a move expertly set up by Josh Gales. Orr’s goal extended EKFC’s lead to 4-1 and appeared to put the game beyond doubt.
Motherwell refused to lie down and clawed a goal back in the 75th minute from a frantic goalmouth scramble, making it 4-2 and setting up a nervy finale. Shortly after, EKFC made another change as Shay Christie returned to the field, replacing the injured Andrew Hall, adding fresh legs to the midfield.
Despite Motherwell’s late pressure, EKFC held firm to secure a memorable victory on the road. The defensive unit, led by Steve Graham, Lewis Sime, Max Graham, and Mark McGuiness, showed great composure, while Ross McNab’s contributions from goal were vital throughout. Midfielders Daniel Friel and Stephen Orr provided creativity and goals, with Josh Gales offering a constant threat upfront. Shay Christie’s impact after coming on was decisive, scoring twice and demonstrating his value to the team.
This result sees EKFC 09s Gold progress further in the cup, having overcome adversity and a spirited Motherwell FCCT side at Wishaw Sports Centre.
