Mid Calder Reds 9 vs 2 East Calder Thistle

On 8 March 2026, Mid Calder Reds hosted East Calder Thistle at the Tony Macaroni Arena in a 7-a-side encounter that kicked off promptly at 11:20am. The match lasted 50 minutes plus added time, with Mid Calder Reds emphatically triumphing 9-2 over their local rivals.

The Reds lined up in a 2-3-1 formation, a tactical setup designed to balance defensive solidity with midfield control and a lone striker spearheading attacks. The two defenders were tasked with maintaining a strong backline, while the three midfielders were expected to dominate possession, support both defence and attack, and create chances. The single forward’s role was to capitalise on opportunities and convert chances into goals. This formation demanded high work rates and fluid positional play from all players on the pitch.

The first half saw Mid Calder Reds assert their dominance early on, controlling the tempo and territory. Star boy Aidan Rae dictating play and finding his teammates time and time again with some lovely passes.

The deadlock was broken in the 3rd minute with Noah now playing on the left wing drifting into the box to score a lovely goal from a Logan assist.

Noah was at it again 6 minutes later scoring to make it 2 nil, this time assisted by Umar.

Max McAlinden had a moment of madness when he thought he was playing rugby and handled the ball in the penalty area. He was interviewed after the game by Sky Sports and said he was trying to control the ball on his shoulder like Ronaldinho.

East Calder never looked like scoring from the resulting penalty kick because wonderkid Harvey looked a commanding figure between the sticks forcing their captain to miss and send the spot kick wide.

On the 14th minute, Aidan Rae played a glorious through ball for Umar to run onto only for the East Calder keeper to pull off a world class save with his feet to prevent a certain goal.

East Calder seemed energised by the save and quickly scored two goals against the run of play to draw level on the 19th minute.

Mid Calder couldn’t quite believe they were drawing this game and whilst coaches David and Stuart were scratching their heads, up stepped superstar striker Logan with a screamer from about 20 yards to pull in front once more.

One minute before halftime and winger Lewis King found space and scored to a great goal to make it 4-2. What a great time to score and the boys enjoyed it.

On the 25th minute, the referee signalled half time, with the Reds already well ahead on the scoreboard. Their midfield trio orchestrated play expertly, linking defence and attack with precision passes and intelligent movement.

After the break, Mid Calder Reds continued their relentless pressure, adding to their tally with clinical finishing and cohesive team play. Within one minute Striker Logan was on the score sheet once again to make it 5-2, assisted by Adam Currie.

Fast Forward to the 30th minute and Logan completes his hat trick with another long range strike from outside the box.

East Calder had a chance to score on the 32nd minute but goalkeeper Harvey pulled off a wonder save to keep the boys in Yellow at bay.

East Calder Thistle struggled to contain the Reds’ attacking threat, conceding again on the 34th minute to give MoTM Noah Binnie his hat trick. With three knee slides in quick succession, I did worry about some potential 3G burns on Noah’s knees. 5 minutes later and Noah raced through on goal, perhaps thinking his knees could not cope with another knee slide, he unselfishly passed the ball to his right to find teammate Lewis King in space. The coaches celebrated that assist more than they celebrated the goals and this pass undoubtedly won him the MoTM award. Coach Stuart credits Noah’s swap to the left wing for his great start to the season but Coach David knows the truth. The appointment of first team coach Stuart aka Noah’s dad has done wonders for his confidence.

What a game of football. Two hat tricks and the game now 8-2 and still 10 minutes to play. With 4 minutes to go until the final whistle, Lewis King was not about to be undone and keep the best to last with a lovely touch out of his feet and scoring a lovely goal into the far corner with the outside of his foot. 9-2. Game over and a second assist for right winger Adam Currie.

Despite their defensive frailties, Thistle managed to find the net twice, offering brief respite but never threatening to alter the outcome.

Noah Binnie was named Player of the Match, a testament to his outstanding contribution throughout the game. His influence was evident in both defensive duties and attacking support, helping to maintain the Reds’ dominance from start to finish.

Whilst it is easy to monitor goals and assists, it’s the other moments in games which allow the big moments to happen. The last ditch challenge, the save, the dribble, the lovely piece of skill, the hard work in the margins that don’t go unnoticed by the coaches.

Coach David quoted Scotland Rugby player Darcy Graham before the match. “It’s about winning those small moments, stacking them up until it becomes a big moment”

Boy did the boys do this today. Not only that, they played without nerves and they enjoyed themselves from the first whistle to the last. We also talking about making mistakes. I want the boys to make mistakes, it’s how we grow as players and it’s how we get better.

In summary, Mid Calder Reds delivered a commanding performance at the Tony Macaroni Arena, showcasing tactical discipline, attacking prowess, and teamwork to secure a comprehensive 9-2 victory over East Calder Thistle in this 7-a-side fixture.