Mid Calder Reds 3 vs 0 East Calder

On 23 February 2026, Mid Calder Reds hosted East Calder at Inveralmond High School in a friendly 7-a-side match, kicking off at 7.15pm.

Kick off was delayed slightly due to the large home support in attendance and coach Stuart forgetting to put out the cones. The players were delighted to see the Mid Calder Ultras in attendance for their first home friendly of the season.

Over the course of 50 minutes plus added time, the Reds emerged with a commanding 3-0 win, demonstrating control and clinical finishing throughout the encounter with CM Aiden Rae controlling the midfield and spraying passes left right and centre. Special mention to the wingers Adam Currie, Lewis King and Noah Binnie whose intensity and pressure constantly won the ball back for the Reds. The defensive abilities of Harald Akpan and Alfie MacKay proved the difference in sniffing out the chances for East Calder time and time again.

Mid Calder Reds lined up in a 2-3-1 formation, deploying two central defenders, three midfielders across the right, centre and left, and a lone striker leading the line.

Harvey Imarhiagbe guarded the goal, providing a solid last line of defence. Max McAlinden and Alfie McKay took up the central defensive roles, tasked with repelling East Calder’s attacks and initiating play from the back.

The midfield trio consisted of Lewis King on the right flank, Aidan Rae centrally, and Noah Binnie on the left, expected to link defence and attack while supporting both offensive and defensive duties.

Umar Imran on his excellent debut spearheaded the attack as the sole striker in the first half, charged with converting chances and applying pressure on the opposition’s defence. On the bench, Adam Currie, Harald Akpan and Logan Sluyk were available to inject fresh legs and tactical adjustments upon the 8th minute mark. The Reds set up to make changes every 8 minutes using their whole squad and providing equal game time for their superstar’s.

The first half saw both sides probing cautiously, with Mid Calder Reds maintaining possession and probing for openings. The half concluded at the 25-minute mark with no goals scored, as defences held firm with the majority of chances falling to the impressive Reds.

Shortly after the break, Mid Calder Reds broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute through Max McAlinden. The central defender ventured forward and struck a precise long range right-footed finish at the second time of asking, rewarding the Reds’ persistence and giving them the lead.

This goal not only lifted the team’s spirits but also set the tone for the remainder of the match. Coach David nearly joined the celebrations on the field of play but feared a yellow card from the referee and did an about turn in quick order deciding to celebrate with the fans instead.

East Calder struggled to respond effectively, and Mid Calder Reds capitalised further when Logan Sluyk found the net in the 35th minute. Sluyk’s right-footed strike doubled the home side’s advantage, which was no less than the Reds deserved. You could tell that Sluyk wanted to start the second half and made an immediate impact much to his coaches delight.

The Reds continued to press and extend their lead, with Logan Sluyk again on the scoresheet in the 43rd minute. This time, the goal came courtesy of an assist from Adam Currie, who provided a well-timed pass that Sluyk expertly converted. Adam Currie was like a boy possessed in the first half and was rewarded for his dedication and aggression winning the ball and providing the assist for his striker.

This third goal effectively sealed the victory and underscored the depth and quality available from the bench but the score line does not reflect the amount of chances created. Time and time again the boys in Red carved out chances with the East Calder keeper making some great saves.

Throughout the match, Max McAlinden stood out with his defensive solidity and crucial goal, earning him the player of the match accolade. His coolness at the back and forward runs giving his coach high blood pressure but Max knew exactly what he was doing. His leadership at the back and contribution going forward were pivotal to Mid Calder Reds’ success in this game.

To a man, every player gave it their all and their coaches will no doubt be delighted with their display under the lights tonight. This performance was first class and exactly what the boys needed in this pre season friendly.

In summary, Mid Calder Reds delivered a composed and effective performance at Inveralmond High School, utilising their 2-3-1 formation to control the game and secure a 3-0 triumph over East Calder in this friendly fixture.

Special mention needs to go to goalkeeper Harvey who pulled off another world class save to keep his clean sheet bonus (a packet of Percy pigs) by somehow deflecting a shot onto the bar and clawing the ball onto the line to prevent a goal.

The introduction of Logan Sluyk, Adam Currie and Harald Akpan proved decisive in the second half, highlighting the team’s strength in depth. Logan Sluyk will feel disappointed not to secure his hat trick but his coaches will be delighted by his endeavours and this goal scoring machine will score plenty this season.