EKFC 09s Gold Triumph 3-1 Over Camelon Juniors At Galaxy Sports

On Saturday 22 November 2025, EKFC 09s Gold hosted Camelon Juniors at Galaxy Sports Little Kerse in a keenly contested cup tie that kicked off at 10:15am. The 11-a-side match ended in a 3-1 victory for EKFC 09s Gold after 90 minutes of competitive football, with the home side overturning an early deficit to secure the win.

EKFC 09s Gold lined up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, deploying Ross McNab in goal. The defensive line consisted of Steve Graham at right back, Lewis Sime and Max Graham as central defenders, and Mark McGuiness on the left. The midfield four featured Alfie Hall on the right wing, Andrew Hall and Daniel Friel centrally, and Jay Ralston on the left flank. Up front, Josh Gales operated as the right forward with Callum Kerr on the left. This setup was designed to provide defensive solidity through the back four, midfield control via the central pairing, and width from the wide midfielders, while the two forwards aimed to stretch the opposition defence and create scoring opportunities. The substitutes available were Stephen Orr, Kenneth Traynor, Matthew Henderson, and Shay Christie.

The match began with Camelon Juniors taking an early lead in the 12th minute when their forward capitalised on a close-range opportunity inside the box, slotting the ball home with his right foot. This early strike put EKFC 09s Gold on the back foot and set the tone for a challenging first half.

Shortly after, at the 25-minute mark, EKFC 09s Gold were forced into an early substitution due to injury, with Stephen Orr replacing right defender Steve Graham. This change required some adjustment in the defensive structure as Orr took up the right back position.

At 30 minutes, Max Graham demonstrated his defensive prowess with a crucial tackle that prevented a clear chance for Camelon Juniors, helping to stabilise the home side’s backline. However, the visitors’ aggression was noted again when one of their players received a yellow card for unsporting behaviour in the 33rd minute, reflecting the physical nature of the contest.

EKFC 09s Gold responded well to the early setback, and just before half-time, in the 42nd minute, they found an equaliser. Jay Ralston, operating on the left midfield, delivered a precise short pass inside the box to Josh Gales, who expertly finished with his left foot to level the scores. This goal injected confidence into the home team as the half drew to a close.

The first half ended with the teams locked at 1-1, setting up an intriguing second period.

At the interval, EKFC 09s Gold made a tactical triple substitution to freshen the side and alter their approach. Matthew Henderson replaced left forward Callum Kerr, Shay Christie came on for right forward Josh Gales, and Kenneth Traynor took over from central midfielder Daniel Friel. These changes aimed to increase attacking impetus and midfield dynamism.

Just three minutes into the second half, EKFC 09s Gold were gifted the lead when an own goal from a Camelon Juniors player saw the ball headed into their own net from close range. This fortunate strike put the home side ahead 2-1 and shifted momentum firmly in their favour.

However, the tactical reshuffle was soon disrupted when Kenneth Traynor had to be withdrawn due to injury in the 63rd minute, with Daniel Friel returning to the field to fill the central midfield role once more.

Shortly after, Jay Ralston showcased his creative ability with a slide rule pass that carved open the opposition defence, creating a promising chance for EKFC 09s Gold. The home side’s attacking threat was further bolstered by solid defensive work from Mark McGuiness, who cleared a dangerous ball in the 67th minute, preventing a potential equaliser.

Camelon Juniors again saw one of their players cautioned for unsporting behaviour in the 70th minute, highlighting their frustration as EKFC 09s Gold maintained control.

In response, EKFC 09s Gold made another tactical substitution at the 70-minute mark, bringing Callum Kerr back on for Jay Ralston to inject fresh legs and width on the left side.

The home side extended their lead in the 73rd minute through Shay Christie, who struck from outside the box with a right-footed shot following a short pass from Stephen Orr. This goal, scored from distance, effectively sealed the contest at 3-1.

EKFC 09s Gold were forced into a final substitution in the 82nd minute when Stephen Orr was replaced by Josh Gales due to injury, restoring Gales to the forward line.

Throughout the match, Mark McGuiness stood out with his defensive contributions, including crucial clearances and leadership at left back, earning him the player of the match accolade.

EKFC 09s Gold’s resilience and tactical adjustments proved decisive as they overcame an early setback to claim a deserved 3-1 victory over Camelon Juniors in this cup encounter at Galaxy Sports Little Kerse.