EKFC 09s Gold Secure 2-0 Victory Over Rutherglen Glencairn

EKFC 09s Gold hosted Rutherglen Glencairn at K-Park on the morning of 17 January 2026, with kick-off at 9:00am in a crucial cup tie. The home side emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline after a disciplined and tactically astute display over the 90 minutes plus added time.

EKFC 09s Gold lined up in a 4-1-3-2 formation, deploying Ross McNab in goal. The defensive line consisted of Leo Moscardini at right back, Lewis Sime and Max Graham as central defenders, and Mark McGuiness on the left. Andrew Hall operated as the lone holding midfielder, shielding the back four. Ahead of him, the attacking midfield trio featured Matthew Brown on the right, Mitchell Tennant centrally, and Stephen Orr on the left. Up front, the strike partnership was formed by Matthew Henderson on the right and Josh Gales on the left. The substitutes bench included Callum Kerr, Jay Ralston, Steve Graham, Alfie Hall, Daniel Friel, and Kenneth Traynor.

The 4-1-3-2 setup was designed to provide solidity at the back while allowing creativity and width in midfield, with the attacking midfielders expected to support the forwards and link play effectively. The wing-backs were tasked with defensive duties as well as providing outlets on the flanks.

The match began with intensity, but it was EKFC 09s Gold who first drew attention when Matthew Henderson received a yellow card in the 15th minute for dissent. This early caution hinted at the competitive nature of the encounter.

As the first half progressed, both sides battled for control, but neither could break the deadlock before the interval. The half-time whistle arrived with the scoreline still goalless, setting the stage for tactical adjustments.

Immediately after the break, EKFC 09s Gold made a series of tactical substitutions. Callum Kerr replaced Matthew Henderson, Jay Ralston came on for Matthew Brown, Steve Graham took over from Leo Moscardini, and Alfie Hall substituted Stephen Orr. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy and sharpen the attacking threat.

Ten minutes later, Daniel Friel was introduced for Josh Gales, followed by Kenneth Traynor replacing Andrew Hall in the 63rd minute. These moves further reinforced the midfield and attacking options, signalling EKFC’s intent to push for a breakthrough.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 73rd minute when Daniel Friel unleashed a stunning long-range strike from outside the box, guided home with his right foot following a clever flick assist from Steve Graham. This goal was a testament to the tactical substitutions paying dividends and the team’s growing dominance.

EKFC 09s Gold doubled their advantage in the 86th minute through Lewis Sime, who powered a close-range header into the net from a well-delivered free kick by Alfie Hall. The set-piece execution was clinical and effectively sealed the victory.

In the closing stages, tensions flared as Lewis Sime was shown a yellow card for unsporting behaviour in the 89th minute. The opponents also received two yellow cards for similar offences at the same time, reflecting the heated nature of the contest’s finale.

EKFC 09s Gold’s defensive resilience and tactical discipline ensured they maintained their clean sheet, with Mark McGuiness standing out as the player of the match for his commanding performance at left back.

This victory at K-Park not only secured progression in the cup but also showcased EKFC 09s Gold’s ability to adapt and execute their game plan effectively against a determined Rutherglen Glencairn side.